Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO WAIT
Adrian didn't ask me out immediately.
He gave me space.
Sometimes we met for coffee.
Sometimes we talked about Mrs. Ellis.
Sometimes we discussed the restaurant.
He was working to separate his legitimate businesses from criminal operations and cooperating with ongoing investigations.
The process was complicated.
Dangerous.
And far from finished.
I made one thing clear.
"I won't build a life around fear."
Adrian nodded.
"I know."
"And I won't be someone you protect by controlling."
He smiled faintly.
"I've learned that."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Have you?"
He laughed.
"I'm trying."
That mattered.
Not promises.
Not expensive gifts.
Effort.
One evening, we walked along the Chicago River.
Adrian stopped.
"Sophie."
I turned.
"Would you have dinner with me?"
I smiled.
"Isn't that what we've been doing?"
He shook his head.
"I mean a date."
I laughed.
Then said:
"Yes."
His expression changed.
Surprise.
Relief.
Happiness.
May you like
For a man who had once terrified an entire restaurant, he looked remarkably nervous.
And I found that strangely sweet.
