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Silence

Jesus He’d walked right the fk into that trap

And she didn’t snap back a smartass comment She didn’t utter a sound But the oddest, saddest expression crossed her beautiful face and he wanted to start this whole date over

He reached for her hand, only to have her snatch it back “It’s different with you”

“Because I’m not an attractive woman?”

“No! Why would you even say that? You know I think you’re gorgeous”

She shrugged and leaned back when the waitress brought their entrées

As soon as they were alone again, Tell scooted forward “I have an idea”

“So do I” She pointed to his plate with her steak knife “Eat your steak before it gets cold”

He ate And kept stealing glances at her

But Georgia ignored him She didn’t shove the petit filet in her mouth in one bite, but damn close

When she retreated to the ladies’ room, he slumped in the booth He had no idea what he was supposed to do to ht, she’d never believe it wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction

If he didn’t take her to bed, she’d assuht up the question: why had he set these dating parameters? Because he wanted to show her that he was in control? Because he got off onher wait? Or because he didn’t want a fast and easy hookup with her? He wanted soia returned and pointedly waited at the end of the table Tell paid the check He placed his hand in the s lot to his truck “About the ladies who kept coia held up her hand “No need to explain further In fact, I really rather you wouldn’t even try”

This night had gone straight to hell

Rather than take her hoinal plan

If she recognized where he was taking her, she kept it to herself He drove to one of his favorite spots with an aia didn’t say a word until he shut off his pickup

“Really, Tell? You brought me to Flat Top?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Because it’s the local ain, not the reaction he’d hoped for