My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 824

It wasn’t romantic attraction—at least not yet—but rather a genuine appreciation for someone’s intelligence.

Although their conversation hadn’t gone very deep, and Albert Rivera had kept things polite and reserved, Emily Blair could tell he understood the tech industry far better than he let on.

That realization made Emily want to keep talking to him.

She noticed a similar spark in his eyes—a quiet eagerness to continue.

As the conversation flowed more naturally, the atmosphere in their private dining room grew warmer and more relaxed.

A few minutes later, once all the dishes had been served, they lapsed into comfortable silence, focusing on their meal.

Partway through, Albert suddenly looked up and asked, “Did I order something you don’t like? You’ve barely touched these dishes.”

He’d noticed that Emily only ate what she’d ordered, ignoring the dishes he’d picked, or just sampling them with a small, polite bite before setting her fork down again.

“It’s not that,” Emily explained, “I was in a car accident recently. I just got out of the hospital, and my doctor wants me to stick to lighter food for a while.”

Albert’s face fell with regret. “I’m so sorry—I didn’t know.”

Emily smiled reassuringly. “It’s fine, really. This is more than enough for me.”

He studied her for a moment, then said earnestly, “I’ll remember that next time.”

Emily paused, then returned his smile before turning her attention back to her food.

Neither of them had a particularly big appetite, and soon they set their utensils aside.

“I should be heading back,” Emily said, glancing at her watch. “Mr. Rivera, should I take care of the check?”

Albert shook his head. “No need. Let me get it this time.”

But it was fine, he told himself. It was just a single meeting; there was no need for any real attachment.

That’s why, when he noticed Emily’s slight discomfort, he’d quickly asked if she’d been pushed into this blind date as well. When she admitted she had, and they reached their mutual understanding, he’d felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

He hadn’t expected their conversation to deepen his appreciation for her. The more they talked, the more he admired her.

And somewhere beneath the surface, he realized he was starting to want to know her better.

Emily Blair wasn’t like anyone he’d met on these dates before.

She was accomplished, principled, and undeniably attractive to most men.

Even though he’d claimed indifference, he couldn’t help but recall the endless stories he’d heard about men vying for her attention.

Now, he found himself wishing he hadn’t suggested they play this little charade. He wasn’t ready to end things with Emily Blair—not just yet.