Page 17 of The Kiss Connection

I did kiss Archer Dax, Myles’s older brother, but it was a business transaction, nothing more. And that’s not something I’m comfortable discussing with anyone. In fact, we both swore to keep the details of the transaction a secret.

Me: You saw that I kissed Archer tonight?

The kiss hadn’t been meant for Conrad to witness, but I suppose anyone at the bar was fair game seeing it.

Conrad: Everyone saw you kiss him. Can’t say I wasn’t jealous, that’d be a lie.

Me: And you hate liars.

Conrad: I do. How did you know that?

Me: It’s on your profile.

Conrad: Right.

Conrad: So, about that date? Any chance I can convince you to meet me for dinner?

He’s persistent, I’ll give him that. He’s also not bad to look at, and just because his teammate is an ass doesn’t mean all hockey players are that way. Maybe I should give him a chance. Just one chance.

Me: Fine.

Conrad: Wow, so much enthusiasm.

I grumble at him. Thankfully, he can’t hear the sounds that I make.

Me: Yes, I’ll go on a non-date with you. Where should we meet?

Conrad: Give me your number. I’ll text you the address of the place.

While I swore to Conrad it wasn’t a date, he suggested the upscale Truffle & Thyme, a restaurant that is typically a six-month wait to get into. Of course, being a professional athlete, he has no trouble at all getting us a table.

It feels like he’s trying to impress me. Or maybe I’m making more of it than I should. It is a non-date, he agreed to that with me. He might just like eating at nice restaurants?

A quick glance at the menu online, and I gawk at the prices.

I can’t show up to this place in jeans and a t-shirt or a hockey jersey. I find a cute, flowery printed skirt that stops at my mid-thighs and a dark red matching blouse to go with the ensemble. I slip into a pair of black strappy heels.

Thankfully, while it’s chilly outside, it’s not cold enough to snow, or I’d need a lot more clothes on tonight. It’ll be a bit of a walk from the subway to the restaurant, but I can manage the weather for one night.

I twirl my long strands and pin my hair in an easy updo, letting a few loose curls frame my face. My attempt at a non-date is going poorly already with how overdressed I am.

Well, at least Conrad can boast to Myles about his date with me. If that’s not a solid win, I don’t know what else is.

Arriving at the restaurant on time, I give the hostess our name.

Turns out there’s no table under Conrad or Sinclair. “What about Juniper?” I ask.

“Sorry.” She smiles apologetically at me.

I wait in the foyer for my date, staring out the window, but there’s no sign of Conrad. Pulling out my phone, I don’t have any missed texts from him or on the app either.

I shoot off a quick text, wanting to be wrong. Maybe he misspoke and didn’t actually get us a reservation.

Me: What name is the reservation under?

Five minutes turns to fifteen and then I bail because it’s clear that he’s standing me up. The air outside is chilly, and as I step out onto the street, the first few raindrops pelt the sidewalk.

“Aww crap,” I grumble. It’s not like I brought an umbrella with me. The subway is a couple of blocks away, and I’m not springing for a cab.