“Want to grab a drink?” I asked Lucas. “We can find a great view at one of the restaurants.”
“Actually, I could eat again,” Lucas said. “I blame my dragon. He’s always hungry.”
The sensual gleam in Lucas’s eyes made me cognizant of another type of appetite, one I’d long since neglected.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
Heat simmered beneath my skin. I raised my chin to offset the sudden awareness. “I could eat.”
“That’s my girl.” He brushed my arm. “I hate it when women eat like a bird. Food is meant to be enjoyed.” He laughed. “Ah, I’ve lived with Sebastian for too long and sound like him. He’s always going on about how food brings people together and is one of life’s pleasures.”
“He’s probably right, and I don’t sit to enjoy it far too often,” I noted. “I’m usually eating something quickly at my desk or in my car while multi-tasking.”
“Not today because you’re not working,” Lucas reminded me.
“I know, I know.”
“I picked the sandwich shop for lunch. You choose where we eat dinner.”
Glancing around the nearby buildings, I examined our dining options. Seafood was a given around here, but I wanted something different. I pulled out my phone and searched for local restaurants. “How about tapas?”
“I love it.” Lucas grinned.
A half hour later, we sat at a cute restaurant with dim lighting, rich maroon walls, and colorful mosaic tables. We shared a pitcher of red sangria that went down way too smoothly. A mellow sounding song with Spanish guitar played softly.
Our server arrived with the first three of the many small plates we ordered. I sampled the cheese and figs and moaned. “So good.”
Lucas picked up one of the toothpicks speared into small meatballs covered in rich gravy and ate it. “Splendid idea, Zoe. I love tapas. It lets me try a bite of many things.”
Although he wasn’t using any innuendos that I could pick up on, something about Lucas just exuded sensuality. He had a dangerous, addictive vibe. How much longer could I resist his charms?
Did I even want to? I picked up my sangria and gulped it as if the icy drink would cool my rising lust.
I picked a stuffed mushroom and popped it into my mouth. “Mmm, sinfully good.” I moaned in pleasure.
Lucas’s eyes widened as he stared at me, and the heat grew more palpable.
Why was I fighting this attraction? We were adults. A demon was captured. We weren’t in a car watching for danger. Today was about taking some time off and enjoying ourselves. Why not do it properly?
It wasn’t like Lucas would want a relationship and neither did I. If we were both on the same page, nobody would get hurt. The only one who would even be in jeopardy of that was me. With all his options for female company at the club, Lucas would find someone new in no time.
“You appear lost in thought,” Lucas said. “What are you thinking of?”
“Nothing.” I brushed it off, wiping my damp hands on the napkin on my lap.
“Okay, then I’ll tell you what I’m thinking.”
The deeper tone caught my attention, and I glanced at him.
“I like you, Zoe. I’d like to spend more time with you.”
My mouth parted. “I feel the same,” I admitted. Now was the time to put my thoughts out there. “But as long as we’re on the same page.”
“Meaning?”
“I’m not interested in a relationship, and I assume you feel the same way.”
Lucas drew his brows together. “Why would you think that?”
