Read Without Faith for Free Online Page B

glistened in the glow of candlelight at the Harbor’s Edge Inn. The color of dark chocolate with undertones of copper, Leon’s strength surpassed his sculpted frame. Strength exuded in the slight tilt of his head, whispered in the tenor of his voice, the gentle smile of his eyes.
    Why couldn’t I simply let this man love me and I love him?
    â€œMmmm. Yes.” I smiled. “I have heard about the salmon here.” I felt like hiding behind the menu. I did not want Leon to see the bad nerves that had taken root, grown a stem, and pushed out buds in me ever since Brayden and Jenellis had left my office.
    The stack of bills was still tucked away in the back of my notepad. I hadn’t even bothered counting it yet, but I knew that whatever the final sum was the cost of trouble. What am I supposed to do?
    â€œHere’s your appetizer.” A middle-aged woman with graying blond hair and a black apron put a steaming plate of maple-broiled scallops between us.
    â€œThanks.” Leon smiled up at her. I did not miss her blush. The man’s smile could trap any woman. He used to wear a gold cap on one of his teeth, but after he chose to let go of the painful history behind it, his pearly whites had a golden quality all their own.
    When he looked back at me, his smile was gone.
    â€œSienna, I know we haven’t finished ordering yet, but I need to at least let you know why it was so urgent we talk.”
    â€œOkay,” I squeezed out, trying to remember all of a sudden how to breathe. Leon had stopped looking at me, was studying the etched leaf pattern of his salad fork. Time ticked by and to alleviate the agitation that was threatening to swallow me because of his silence, I escaped into my comfort zone.
    â€œWhatever this is about is difficult for you to share.” With my therapist hat on, I had the courage to look him directly in the eyes when he finally looked back up at me. Focusing on his feelings kept me from feeling my own.
    Leon was not going for it. “Look, Sienna, I’m not one of your clients. I’m . . . I—”
    â€œAre you ready to order?” The waitress was back, all smiles at Leon.
    He looked at me and shrugged. “I guess that’s what we need to do next. I’m not that hungry, so, Sienna, please get whatever you want. This appetizer will fill me.”
    â€œWhat would you like, hon?” The words were friendly, but the waitress was looking at me disapprovingly, as if Leon’s poor appetite was my fault.
    â€œI’ll try your grilled salmon entrée.”
    â€œMmm, hmm.” She scribbled on her pad and took off, but not before frowning at me and smiling at Leon again.
    â€œAnd I’ll try this again.” Leon sighed. “Look, Sienna, our friendship has really grown over the past two years. You know that—”
    My cell phone chimed. I did not recognize the number.
    â€œI’m sorry, Leon. I forgot to silence it. Let me do that now.” I slid it to vibrate and pushed it to the side of the table.
    â€œNo problem.” Leon was ready to begin again. “Um, like I was saying—”
    My cell phone buzzed, sending the silverware that lined our table into a vibrating chorus. It was a different number. Still did not recognize it.
    â€œI’m so sorry. I probably need to shut the whole thing down. I tend to keep it on in case a client calls, but I’ll deal with it later.” Brayden and Jenellis crossed my mind. As much as Leon was scaring me, the thought of them frightened me more. I hoped to goodness that was not them trying to call me. I reached out to turn my phone completely off, but then a new number, and one that I recognized, jumped on the touch screen.
    Yvette Davis, my younger sister. Leon saw the name too.
    â€œGo ahead and answer. I know how your sister gets.” He sat back in his seat, staring off into space as he stirred his iced tea with a straw.
    â€œHello,