rine

ible-to-book restaurants in New York. We walked straight in without a reservation, and the maî

as if that explosive phone call had never happened. His c

t us water, he finally spok

tite. I just

ed two of the chef's signature d

in name only, and gathered my courage. "Do you think I'm

arp blue eyes. "I think you're the bravest person

ness took

played it like it was worthless

ed to me or something else, but his words e

hint of self-mockery in my voice. "Go to that

ness. I have no right to i

he could come with me. But of course, we were only in a cont

asking my disappoint

. I picked up my knife and fork, moving t

y wife, I don't want you to have to go anywhere you d

t the plate with a jarring screech. I

his plate. "Your bad mood would affect my moo

was safeguarding the dignity of his own

ulled out my phone, and d

lled my ear. "Why are you calling?! Whe

voice soft but cle

ay? Say that ag

I. Am. Not. Going. From now on, you deal with

violent outburst. "Kathrine Fields! You ungr

l. Then I turned off my phone. The world

laration washed over me. I fe

n's gaze. There was a hin

ble toward me. On it was a piece of s

s the first thing I had eaten all day. Maybe it was because I was ri

was watching me enj

I felt a flutt

nger just my contractual hus