Page 21 of Blush

“Sure, I’d love the seat.” He takes the spot next to me that the single woman has vacated. “But only if you stay.”

“I’ve already asked the chef to pack up my rolls.”

“Not a problem.” He motions to the chef. “The lady will be staying after all, and put her order on my tab.”

“Of course, sir.”

Before I can object, the man is sitting next to me, and he holds out his hand. “Ben Black.”

I hold back a gasp. No wonder he looks so familiar. I’ve only seen his face plastered all over the news a thousand times. Ben Black. The brother of Braden Black, the blue-collar billionaire from Boston. Also Jackson’s employer.

And a known womanizer.

“I’m Amanda Thomas.” I shyly put my hand in his large one.

“Were you waiting for someone?”

“I was, but he just canceled on me.”

“His loss is my gain.”

“What can I get you?” the chef asks Ben.

“What is the lady having?”

“A salmon skin roll, a dragon roll, and unagi.”

“I’m not much into the salmon skin myself, but a dragon roll sounds good. Plus a few pieces of yellowtail sashimi.” He turns to me. “Really, my poison of choice is oysters on the half shell. I’m from Boston.”

“I know.”

“You do?”

“Of course. Everyone knows who Braden and Ben Black are. My best friend works for you.”

“Does he?”

“Yeah, Jackson Paris. Do you know him?”

Ben’s eyebrows rise. “I do indeed. Good man. Very intelligent.”

The chef plates my two rolls and slides them in front of me.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

“How long have you known Mr. Paris?” Ben asks.

“My whole life.”

“Really. Best friends forever, huh?”

“Something like that.” Warmth floats into me. Already I feel a blush rising to my cheeks. Just at the mention of Jackson.

Best friends forever. That’s all I’ll ever be to Jackson.

Yet here is not only a great-looking but also richer-than-God man talking to me at a sushi dive.

Why is he even here? Ben doesn’t live here. He lives in Boston, although he and Braden spend a lot of their time here at their New York office—at least according to Jackson.