Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BE BOUGHT

Six months later, Dante invited me to dinner.
I almost refused.
Not because I didn't want to see him.
Because I was afraid of wanting him too much.
He called on a Friday evening.
“Clare.”
I smiled.
“Dante.”
He hesitated.
“Would you like to have dinner with me?”
I looked toward Maya.
She was coloring at the kitchen table.
“As what?”
Silence.
Then Dante said, “As a man asking a woman on a date.”
My heart skipped.
I laughed softly.
“You're very direct.”
“I've been told.”
I smiled.
“And if I say no?”
“Then I'll wish you a good evening.”
I closed my eyes.
For the first time, I felt completely free to choose.
“Dinner,” I said.
Dante exhaled.
“Dinner?”
I smiled.
“Saturday.”
May you like
He laughed.
“I'll be there.”