“A drama geek? Really?” Hannah sounded incredulous.
My tall, strong, masculine first impression was going right out the window the more I spoke. “Musicals are a guilty pleasure. I’ve been to seePhantom of the Operafour times. But if you breathe a word I will deny it profusely, and no one would believe you anyway. You know, because of the whole badass-FBI-agent thing I have going on,” I said with a grin.
“I wouldn’t dream of revealing your secret,” Hannah said softly with her own grin.
“You know, it’s only fair that you reveal one of your deep, dark secrets. To make it even,” I remarked, having to speak loudly over the music.
Hannah raised an eyebrow and her eyes danced. “Not yet, Mason. I don’t think you’re ready.”
We laughed together but there was something strained to it. Not easy like before.
The tension became something else.
I cleared my throat again. “You can turn on the radio. Don’t feel you have to listen to this on my account.”
The swelling notes filled the car, and if I’d been alone I would have been belting along. Now I just clumsily tapped my finger in time to the music.
“Actually, I’ve been to seeLes Misthree times. I’m a fan.” Hannah cocked her head to the side. “I like that you have a side that no one else gets to see. Like maybe I’m special for figuring it out.”
I turned in to the parking lot of the steak house and tried to find a spot. It was a popular place, so even though it was a Wednesday, pickings were slim.
“I’m glad. I’d hate to run you off before I even park the car,” I remarked.
Hannah rested her hand on my thigh. She was touching me a lot. That was a good sign.
It was also a good sign that I liked it.
“Not a chance, Mason.” Hannah gave my leg a squeeze. She seemed to be laying it all out there for me. But at the same time I couldn’t help but think that Hannah’s book wasn’t open for me to read. Not yet.
It was a refreshing change. Frustrating, sure. But a challenge I relished.
I made my living by reading situations. Subtext. Hidden clues. So it had always made dating…difficult.When I had time or the inclination to try.
There were a lot of times that I wished I could simply be with someone and not look for all the things theyweren’tsaying. This was the reason I didn’tdorelationships. Because I typically figured out the secrets before a woman could reveal them.
And what was the fun in that?
I looked over at my date and felt a ripple of excitement in my belly. Low. Deep. Shifting and turning and consuming.
I hoped Hannah was going to bea lotof fun.
My stomach rumbled and Hannah laughed. “I take that as our cue to go inside.”
I rubbed a hand over my aching stomach. “Sorry. I haven’t eaten since a muffin at breakfast.”
Hannah grabbed her purse and opened the door. “Well, let’s get you inside and stuff you full of meat.” She smirked. “Why does everything sound like an innuendo?”
Without thinking better of it, I reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair off her face. Her skin was soft. Smooth. Warm to the touch. “Probably because it is,” I said coyly.
—
Dinner consisted of a round of question and answers. I’d ask her something; she’d either answer or dodge it completely. Hannah was adept at changing the subject when it suited her.
“So tell me about your job. You said you work for the CEO of Western Railways. What’s the craziest thing you’ve had to do as his admin?” I broke off a piece of my roll and popped it in my mouth.
Hannah took her time cutting into her steak. Slow, precise incisions. “It’s pretty boring, mostly. Making his appointments. Keeping up with his emails and correspondence. Answering his phones. Nothing really crazy, I’m afraid.”
“You said he was bratty, though. You can’t use that description without a reason. Come on, Hannah, spill the beans.”
