Dating for Keeps by Rachel Hogan Page B

clutch. "Thanks, Mr. -"
    "Lucas Griswold," he extended his arm for a warm handshake. "You can call me Lucas, of course."
    "Lucas, thank you." Tessa said inwardly reeling from the heat of his grip. "I'm Tessa Brewster, and this is my friend Becky Piper," she turned to indicate Becky.
    Becky shot up from her chair. "Hello, very nice to meet you. Actually, if you'll excuse me, I need to run outside and make a phone call. Nice to meet you Lucas," she said, practically running for the door.
    Tessa smiled and sighed at her friend's overtly obvious nature. "Sorry, she can be a little - awkward at times."
    "Not at all, I understand. We all can be a little awkward, can't we?" His smile made her completely melt.
    "Listen, Tessa, I know this is a little out of the ordinary, but I'd love to get to know you a little better. It's not everyday I have the opportunity to meet a beautiful woman like yourself. Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement with a colleague in a few minutes, and I have to run. Can I be so bold as to ask you to join me for dinner tomorrow evening?"
    Tessa's heart raced. She had been asked out many times before, but never by anyone quite so handsome."I would love that," she managed meekly.
    "Wonderful, I'm delighted you said yes. Perhaps if you give me your number I could phone you tomorrow to finalize details? I want to make a reservation first and so forth."
    "Yes, of course." Tessa pulled a business card out of her wallet. "My cell number is on here. Feel free to call me anytime."
    He glanced at the card. "Oh, you work for an antiques shop? How interesting," his eyes brightened. "I can't wait to get to know you better, Miss Tessa Brewster. Until tomorrow then." He took her hand and kissed it before turning and walking out the door.
    As soon as he was gone Becky came running back to the booth. "He's gone already! What happened?"
    "I happened to score a date with him, that's what happened," Tessa smiled confidently.
    "He was so handsome. And British!" Becky gushed.
    "I know. I can't believe it!" Tessa smiled, "Looks like you may be on the losing end of this bet already, Becky."
    "Well, we'll see. We still have a month to go you know. But for your sake, I can't say I'd be sorry to see you stay with that hunk."
    Tessa smiled, contentedly. "Me neither. Maybe all my waiting is finally going to pay off."
     
     
    Chapter 2
     
     
    As he promised, Lucas called Tessa the next morning and arranged to pick her up for dinner at 7:00. While getting ready for a date wasn't new to her, the butterflies she felt as she dressed for dinner were definitely out of the ordinary. Something about Lucas seemed different than other guys she had met. Even after speaking with him for only five minutes she could tell that he was far more poised and refined than the men she usually met, and thus she felt that she must dress to impress him a bit differently than she normally would. After agonizing in front of her closet for what seemed like hours, she finally settled on a simple black cocktail dress that was neither too racy nor too conservative.
    When Lucas arrived at her door that evening, she realized with relief that she had made a wise outfit choice. One look at Lucas caused her breath to catch in her throat. He was wearing perfectly tailored khaki slacks paired with a smart blue blazer and a tie. Tessa couldn't remember the last time she had gone on a date with someone so impeccably dressed, and it certainly made an impression on her. There was just something about a man who made a conscious effort about his appearance.
    "Good evening, Miss Brewster. I hope you're in good spirits.  I have a little something for you." His deep voice with its enchanting accent was as smooth as melted butter on toast. As he spoke he removed an arm from behind his back and displayed a large bouquet of crimson roses.
    "Oh my! How beautiful," Tessa exclaimed. "These are really so lovely. Thank you." Her astonishment and delight was evident as she took the roses