Even if a very small, inconsequential part of me wishes that Bea’s intentions were merely interest in me as a person.
Possibly more than a small, inconsequential part of me.
Definitely a part that needs to shut up.
One can hardly be inspiration for a script without also being fascinating. Were I not in need of a script, I daresay I’d still be interested in learning more about this woman who raised her brothers and serves burgers and fish out of a converted school bus.
Her brow wrinkles as Tank opens the rear limousine door for her, but she also smiles and thanks him before stepping inside.
I follow.
Tank closes us in.
The divider is up between us and the driver’s seat, so it’s just the two of us back here.
And my hands are suddenly sweating.
Because I’m being an utter bastard in using her back?
Or because I suddenly don’t know what to do with an attractive woman sitting so close that our knees are touching?
Am I back in primary school?
I don’t get nervous around women.
“Was the limo too much?” I ask Bea. “I didn’t consider that what would do in a city might not work in a smaller town.”
She’s in the side seat, her red dress riding up her bare thighs as she inspects the buttons and levers that control the seats and open the cupboards hiding snacks and beverages.
“Maybe. Do you always pick up your dates in limos?”
“I don’t know.”
She studies me with those bright green eyes. “You don’t know how you pick up your dates?”
“I haven’t dated since I could afford to pick up dates in style.”
Is my tie getting tighter?
She studies me closer and crosses her legs, which I actively try to ignore.
Her legs, that is.
Though the scrutiny is also rather uncomfortable.
The car pulls away from the curb, and I lunge for the cupboard to my right. “Champagne? To celebrate the pending success of your burger bus?”
I slide out the tray holding two flutes and an already opened and chilled bottle of bubbly.
“Is that Dom Pérignon?” she asks.
“Itis. I’ve never had it before. Seemed a marvelous time to try it, while taking you out for a publicity date. Do you think they’d let us sneak it into the restaurant?”
She blinks slowly at me, making me wonder if she’s aware that I’m aware of her other intentions. “I think we’ll have to find out.”
“Brilliant.”
“You really don’t care that I asked you to take me out for my own benefit?”
