Read License to Date for Free Online Page B

the side. “I won’t be controlling my own pace?”
    “Not at this event.” Dave reached into his pocket, pulled out a card, then held it out. “But if you’d like to give it another go a different time then we can hook you up with that.”
    “Thanks.” I accepted the card, but didn’t exactly have any pockets in my harness or silky tank dress (they were holding my purse and wrap for safekeeping). When I saw Dave look over his shoulder at his co-worker, I glanced around to make sure nobody was watching then slipped the card into my bra just as Dave turned back around. My cheeks heated. “Uh, how will you be lowering us?”
    “We’ll clamp your rope onto this metal hook here.” He touched the metal piece on my harness located just under my chest. “I’ll be talking to you through your earpiece and Tony will be lowering you both at a slow but steady pace.”
    I nodded. “Slow and steady. I like the sound of that.”  
    “No big deal.” Brian came up and stood beside me with his legs spread wide. “Don’t feel like you have to go easy on us.”
    “Speak for yourself.” I tossed my date an annoyed look. Five floors and date number two would be over. Forget dinner, I was so ready to be done with him.
    “Don’t worry. You’re not the first person to go down today. We’ve had over a hundred participants.” Dave gestured toward the edge of the terrace. “Go ahead and stand on the platform.”
    I wondered if Paul had rappelled down the building. Probably not since it cost a thousand dollars to participate and I couldn’t imagine a bartender’s salary afforded that kind of luxury. Plus, he might have been working all day. Although, I didn’t know when his shift had started or when it ended either for that matter. My eyes flicked to where he was talking to some of the hotel staff. They were watching him with attention so he must be the head bartender tonight or at least in charge of the event.
    Brian and I stepped onto the platform, and he put his arm around me. I suppose this was technically a date, but I didn’t feel even remotely attracted to him and the feel of his arm made me cringe. Then I thought of Kristen’s advice that I give him a chance. I was about to jump off a perfectly good platform, after all. I supposed I could give my date one more chance.
    “What the . . .” Brian’s voice trailed off as he looked below us, then he suddenly gasped. “This is insane.”
    “Are you okay?” My eyes widened as I watched him grip the railing then lower himself down on his knees.
    Beneath his white knuckled grasp, his eyes were wide with terror. “Can we lower ourselves in the platform? We don’t h-have to go down with j-just a rope, do we?”
    Wasn’t that the whole part of rappelling? “You said earlier it was no big deal.”
    Oh, sure. Now he gets all freaky about the drop. Where were his sympathies when I’d looked off the terrace?
    I clicked my earpiece on. “Dave? Are you there, Dave? We have a situation.”
    Dave must not have turned on his headset yet, because he continued talking to Tony but Paul caught my eye and strode over immediately. “Are you all right?”
    “Me? I’m fine.” The intensity of his look made my heart skip. “But I’m not so sure about Brian.”
    A look of relief crossed his face, then he stared down at my date, who was crawling across the platform and onto the terrace. Instead of helping Brian, Paul raised his arm and a woman in an evening gown hurried over.
    My jaw nearly dropped as she strode toward us with strong meaningful steps. Besides being gorgeous, she didn’t look nervous at all. She’d probably rappel off the top of the building without a second thought. Fingers of jealousy crawled through me. Was she Paul’s co-worker? Or were they more? Why else would she be looking at him so intently?
    “May I help you with something?”
    “Yes. Would you mind getting Dave? Mr. Burnside seems to be having second thoughts.”
    I opened my mouth to ask Paul