Page 1 of Undeniable

CHAPTERONE

“So, Olivia, tell me about yourself,” my date said. At least, that’s what I thought he’d said. The restaurant was so loud and so visually stimulating, it was difficult to concentrate on any one thing.

Aerialists soared overhead. Music thumped through the speakers. And the space felt more like the set ofThe Voice—at least, if it were filmed inside a spaceship.

Actually, it was more like some of the scenes inSing 2.IfSing 2were crossed with burlesque.No Rosita, but therewasa waitress in a sequined, feathered dress shimmying down the main aisle.

“Liv?” Tad asked, placing his hand over mine.

Oh, right.

One of my work friends had been trying to set me up with Tad for ages. They thought we’d really hit it off based on our shared desire to travel. He worked in tech, and he’d suggested we meet at a trendy new restaurant that had just popped up on the LA scene.

But seriously? Liv?

I barely knew the guy. Even my friends didn’t call me Liv. And only my dad shortened my name to Livie. Still, I had to give Tad credit for trying, and he was good-looking. Even if I was currently questioning his taste in eating establishments.

Hell, maybe the food was going to be fantastic. As a marketing assistant at a publishing company and a self-proclaimed foodie, I certainly knew you couldn’t judge a book by its cover.

“What do you want to know?” I asked, crossing my legs and taking a sip of my wine.Not bad. Not worth twenty dollars a glass either.

“Whatever you want to tell me.” He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the glossy table.

“Do you like to read?” I asked as the waiter delivered our food. Baked branzino for me, and the bone-in tomahawk steak with black truffle oil for Tad. The most expensive item on the menu.

When he’d ordered, I’d decided he was either trying to show off or overcompensating. Neither was flattering.

Tad scrunched up his face as he sliced into his steak. “Not really. I’m more of a man of action. Rock-climbing. Boxing. That kind of thing.”

“Maybe you just haven’t discovered the right book,” I said, trying not to let this be a deal-breaker.

I loved reading. Was passionate about books. I couldn’t imagine my life without stories. And I couldn’t imagine falling in love with someone who didn’t at leastlikereading.

“Nah. Too boring.”

Too…My fork screeched on the plate, but it was so loud in here you couldn’t even hear it. Even so, I wanted to gasp, my heart seizing in my chest.Boring?

“What about you?” he asked, taking a huge bite of steak and then moaning indecently.

Bleh.If that was any indication of his skills in the bedroom, I was definitely not interested. Not that I’d been planning to have sex anyway—this was a first date. I needed more of a connection with someone before I’d even consider sleeping with them.

“Do you enjoy rock-climbing?” he asked. “Or boxing?”

I wanted to laugh. Did I look like the kind of girl who did rock-climbing or boxing? My curves were generous. Ample.

Instead, I shook my head and said, “Not really.”

“Play any sports?” he asked.

“Nope.”

“Wow. Really?” He sank back in his chair. “I just figured…”

Oh boy. Here it comes.

I let out a sigh.Might as well get this over with.

“You figured what?” I asked. “That since my dad is a legendary athlete, I must enjoy playing sports too?”