Read Secret North: Book 4 of The Wishes Series for Free Online Page A

with some semblance of a plan to stop the evening completely unravelling. “Look,” I began, “the way I see it, we have two options here. We can keep it casual if you want to. We’ll order the special and spend the night discussing politics and the weather.”
    She scrunched up her pretty face, clearly unenthused. “What’s the second option?”
    My heart began thudding, willing my brain to come up with option two. “I will make this the most romantic, memorable evening you’ve ever had,” I declared.
    “Wow.” She smiled at the cutlery she was pretending to straighten. “That’s sounds like an offer almost too good to refuse.”
    “Two minutes,” I blurted. “All I need to make it happen is two minutes. Just say the word.”
    She lifted her head and glanced around. Not only were all the tables full, a queue was forming at the door, which was great for business but not so great for romance. It made my offer sound like a complete crock, but I was still hopeful of pulling it off.
    “I’ll take option two, please.” Her words came out sounding like she was daring me to do something wicked, which was very fitting. The only plan I’d come up with was about as wicked as they come.
    “Excellent choice, Miss Denison,” I told her, trying to sound confident. “Are you ready?”
    “Born ready.”
    With a nod, I stood and walked the short distance to the fuse box hidden behind a pot plant. I opened the door, took a long moment to study the interior, and turned back to face her. “Option two, right?”
    She wasn’t looking smug any more, but I took the stiff nod she gave me as a yes, reached inside and pulled the fire alarm.
    A thrumming bell rang out. It was much louder than I expected it to be, but not loud enough to drown out the bedlam in the room. Confusion among the patrons quickly set in. Some panicked, abandoned their meals and rushed out the door; but some stayed put. I was surprised: the food was good, but not that good.
    Thankfully, my staff were a little more on the ball. The kitchen doors crashed open over and over as they rushed in and out searching for the fire.
    Bente stared at me in wide-eyed disbelief. “What the hell did you just do?”
    I took her face in my hands and crushed my lips against hers. “You look so beautiful tonight. You should know that.”
    It probably wasn’t the most appropriate time to be making such a declaration. We were in the midst of chaos.
    “Thank you,” she choked. “I’ll remember those as your parting words. You’re going to jail, Ryan.”
    “No one’s going to jail.” I released my hold and glanced at the mayhem I’d caused. “Okay, maybe I’m going to jail.”
    “This is your idea of a memorable evening?”
    I grinned at her. “Go big or go home, right?”
    “You’re not going home,” she replied, shaking her head. “For years probably.”
    Someone called my name. I looked up to see the manager waving me over. “Don’t go anywhere,” I ordered. “If I don’t come back, call Adam to bail me out. And when he says no, call Charli.”

    10. ODD NUMBERS
    Bente
    When the fire department stormed the restaurant I was still sitting at the table, pondering whether Ryan Décarie was a romantic man or a stupid one. I felt no urge to flee the building. It wasn’t as if it was on fire or anything.
    “You have to leave, Miss,” ordered an approaching fireman. He pulled my chair back and hooked his arm under mine, making sure I stood.
    I wandered out, sharing none of the panic of those around me. The flashing lights of the emergency vehicles lit up the night and onlookers crowded both sides of the street, watching the mayhem unfold.
    I stood in the crowd for a long time before spotting Ryan further down the street. He was having a conversation with a police officer and two firemen. I didn’t approach. I just stood there, studying him.
    Ryan has a habit of talking with his hands. The more intense the conversation, the more animated he becomes. He