Page 96 of Ruled By Wizard

“Bring the drink,” Wizard told the waiter. “You can get me another table when her date arrives.”

She started to argue, but when she saw the waiter’s bewilderment over whom to obey, she reluctantly nodded her assent.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that you live to make my life difficult.”

“How am I making your life difficult? How was I supposed to know you were here? It’s not like you had your pizza van parked outside.”

She regarded him skeptically. “You just happened to decide to eat here at the same time I did?”

“Yes. I just drove back from Louisville. It was a long trip, and this restaurant is close to the interstate. Besides, I don’t know what the big deal is. When your date arrives, I’ll skedaddle.”

Seeing the waiter approach, she lowered her voice. “Maybe I don’t want him to see me sitting with another man when he gets here.”

“So, you’re meeting a man? Anyone I know?”

“God, I hope not,” she muttered as the waiter set down Wizard’s drink.

“Can I interest you in an appetizer?” the waiter asked instead of leaving as she’d hoped.

“We’ll take the jalapeño corn fritters and the jumbo shrimp,” Wizard ordered without hesitation.

If her picture hadn’t already been plastered all over the internet, she would have made a scene Wizard wouldn’t forget for the rest of his life, which would be about five more minutes if he didn’t take his drink and leave.

The waiter showed his experience by hastily retreating before he could be dragged into the storm brewing in her eyes.

Wizard raised his eyebrows at her. “Are you going to tell me who he is?”

“No,” she snapped. “He’s a pediatrician, so unless you have a child who needs his services, you wouldn’t know him.”

“A pediatrician?” Wizard gave a low whistle. “Damn. I’ll have to up my game to compete with a pediatrician.”

“I’ve had my fill of men who play games. I’m looking for a serious relationship.”

“Baby, you want serious? I can be serious. Name the date and time you want to get married.”

His sincere expression had her raising her glass and taking a large swallow of wine.

“Be careful, Wizard. What if I jump at the chance to marry you?”

“Try me. I might surprise you.”

“Not likely. You couldn’t stand not having a smorgasbord of women to choose from.”

“Natalia, you’ve gotten the wrong impression of me. I don’t need variety in my life. I smoke the same brand of cigarettes I’ve smoked since I found the flavor I enjoyed. Same with my beer. When I like something, I stick with it. The same goes for women. That’s why I’ve never been in a long-term relationship before.”

“Only you would compare women to cigarettes and beer.”

He grinned shamelessly. “What can I say? Women, cigarettes, and beer are three of my vices.”

“That’s nothing to brag about.” Wrinkling her nose at him, she finished her wine then glanced at her watch.

“What’s the matter? Is your date late?” Wizard asked.

She would die on a bed of red-hot coals before admitting the truth. Sadly, Wizard must have read her expression.

“How late is he?”

“Just a few minutes.”