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“Indeed, he would.”
I hesitated, then added. “I should probably warn him about what happened here today.”
“Forgive me, that was presumptuous.”
After an already presumptuous introduction, I found myself considering his suggestion with more seriousness than I would have expected. There was something refreshingly direct about him. A clarity of purpose without games or manipulation.
The precise opposite of what I’d just experienced with Madison. Actually, I heard myself saying. “Dinner would be lovely as a proper thank you for your timely intervention, and perhaps to discuss how I should break the news to my son that I’ve apparently married a hotel magnate without his knowledge.”
Joseph’s smile deepened, genuine pleasure lighting his eyes.
“I know just the place, assuming you’re comfortable being seen with your new husband, of course.”
For the first time since Madison’s outburst, I felt the tension fully leave my body, replaced by an unexpected flutter of anticipation. “Well,” I replied with newfound lightness. “We might as well enjoy our honeymoon period while it lasts.”
Joseph’s chosen restaurant was discreetly elegant, a hidden gem tucked away from the city’s more ostentatious dining establishments.
No sign announced its presence, just a simple brass plate beside a heavy oak door that read: One of the city’s best-kept secrets, Joseph explained as the maître d’ led us to a secluded corner table, family-owned for three generations. The kind of place where you’ll never see a cell phone at the table or hear anyone name dropping. How refreshing, I replied, appreciating the understated sophistication.
Once seated with menus and wine suggestions, I studied Joseph more carefully. So, Mr. Walker—
Joseph,
he corrected gently.
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