Well, at least this way no one's feelings got hurt. Julianna caught the smile, then the way he buried it.

"Devin. Don't look like that. I"m sixty years old. I've been knocked back before. If all you want is friendship, I'm agreeable. I think you're intelligent and interesting and I'd still like to help you with research for your next book. I'm not the type to push."

She would enjoy the rest of this evening as the beginning of a budding friendship, and if he happened to kiss her on the cheek at the end of it as a companionable gesture, she would accept it for what it was, savor it while it lasted, then find a way to turn off her attraction. If she didn't turn it off, they couldn't be friends because she'd make him uncomfortable. This was where compartmentalization came in handy.

"Come on, let's get some real food. I'm sure this place doesn't mind if their customers occasionally raise their voices."