Back on Blossom Street (Blossom Street #4)(41)

“That’s none of your business.” Colette quickly scanned the menu and decided on the grilled salmon with mango salsa.

“I beg to differ,” he said. “Since this man’s associated with law enforcement, you can imagine my concern.”

She looked at him quickly, not sure whether he was laughing at her.

“I haven’t breathed a word of this to anyone,” she said stiffly.

“Other than the authorities,” he interjected. He really did seem to consider it a joke.

“Do you think this is amusing?” she snapped. “Apparently so because…” She swallowed hard, tugging at the linen napkin on her lap. He’d committed a despicable crime and he found it funny? That disturbed her more than almost anything he’d done.

“I apologize,” Christian murmured.

She nodded, slightly mollified. “I said nothing, I promise you. Not to anyone.”

He bowed his head. “Thank you for that.”

She didn’t want his thanks.

He hesitated, then added, “You really are a beautiful woman.” His eyes were intense for a second or two, embarrassing her.

“Flattery isn’t going to change my mind, Christian,” she protested. This entire conversation was disconcerting. “I know the kind of man you are…now. I was fooled earlier but not anymore.”

“Despite what you think of me, I meant that, Colette.”

“Don’t be absurd.” Her cheeks filled with color and she glared at him.

“All right, all right.” He raised one hand. “I believe I asked if you’d decided to date that friend of your husband’s.”

“And I believe I said it wasn’t any of your business.”

“You did,” he concurred. “I’m asking again anyway, and not for the reason you assume.”

“Why would you care?” She refused to look away. “And what legitimate reason could you possibly have for asking?”

He frowned. “Please, just answer my question. Yes or no?”

She could see he wouldn’t drop it until she told him. “Steve and I have spoken a few times,” she said.

“You haven’t gone out with him, though, have you?”

“Not yet, but that’s about to change. I’ll be seeing him next week.” She didn’t understand why it should matter to him. Christian had gone out of his way to have roses delivered to another woman on a weekly basis, and he’d made sure they came from Susannah’s Garden. More than that, he’d forced Colette to take the order. So he thought it was okay to flaunt his new girlfriend, but he somehow felt he could dictate who she was allowed to see!

“Don’t do it,” he said sharply. “Break the date.”

“Can you give me one reason why I should?”

“I can’t—”

Colette couldn’t remain silent. “I happen to genuinely like Steve Grisham,” she burst out. “He was a good friend to my husband and I’ve known him for years.”

Christian set the menu aside. After the intense look he’d sent her earlier, he now gave the impression that it was of little concern. Talk about mixed messages! He’d been adamant only moments ago and now he seemed completely indifferent.

“I gather you’ve recently met someone yourself,” she pressed, curiosity getting the better of her. “The woman you’re sending all those roses.”

He nodded. “I’ll admit she’s very special.”

Colette’s stomach twisted with what could only be jealousy. She didn’t want to care and yet she did, more than she was willing to acknowledge. However, she kept her response light. “She must be special if you’ve ordered flowers for the entire year,” Colette continued. “As I recall, most of your liaisons didn’t last nearly that long.”

He arched his brows, and Colette grinned. “You forget I was the one who made the reservations for all your dinner dates—and ordered the flowers.”

He cocked his head. “But you’ll notice I didn’t bring you to any of those restaurants.”

Colette found it impossible not to smile. “So that’s why we had to drive an hour outside of Seattle. You’ve gone through the entire roster of fine dining establishments in all of King County.”

Christian was saved from having to answer when the waiter came for their dinner order. After he’d left, the subject changed and they discussed mutual acquaintances. It was common ground, and safe.

To say the meal was divine would be an understatement. Every course, from the roasted tomato soup with hot rosemary-scented rolls to the hearts-of-palm salad to her entrée was so delicious it practically dissolved on her tongue.

“You didn’t drink your champagne,” Christian said as the waiter carried off their dinner plates. He gestured at the full glass that had remained untouched throughout the meal.

“No, I didn’t.”

His expression sobered as he stared at her intently. “Why? Because being with me is nothing to celebrate? Or is there some other reason?”

That comment made her flinch, but it was the perfect lead-in for what she had to tell him—and she would have, had their conversation gone another way. Instead, she’d learned that he was relying on attorneys to rescue him from the law. Under the circumstances, Colette didn’t feel she could let him know, not right now. She had to wait, see what the next few months would bring.