"Consider it dropped." Lifting their joined hands, he kissed the back of hers slowly. "I was in a relationship that lasted a year." Releasing her hand, he concentrated on his soup. "I was contemplating making it permanent."
"What happened?"
He shrugged, his mouth tightening.
"I demand honesty above everything else and found out she was lying to me."
A sliver of fear and guilt sliced through her.
"What did she lie about?"
"Her intentions. She wanted to use me to get ahead with her career. Funny thing was that I would have helped her without her asking. She tried to apologize and explain why she did it, but it was too late. I don't give second chances."
The shiver became a tremor that had her putting away her spoon.
"Isn't that pretty harsh? Everyone deserves a second chance."
"I agree, but not when it comes to something as important as a relationship. Trust means everything and if it's broken, there's no going forward."
"Did you love her?"
He shrugged again.
"I thought I did. How's the soup?" His switch from one mood to the next threw her off.
"It's...ah...it's good."
"Wait until you taste the manicotti. It's to die for."
"I can just imagine. Where's she now?"
"Who?"
"Your ex."
"Somewhere around. We don't speak to each other anymore."
"You cut her off."
"Yes."
Before she could say anything, the very efficient waiter came to clear away the bowls, and another one placed the steaming plates of manicotti in front of them. Forcing herself to behave normally, she smiled her thanks and accepted the glass of pale gold wine handed to her.
She was going to have to find a way to get out of this.
Chapter 6
She told herself that as soon as they were headed home, she was going to tell him. The meal was excellent, the best she had ever eaten. The atmosphere, candles, flowers to give the area an intimate setting was like something out of a dream. After the initial stage of feeling awkward, the conversation had flowed freely. He was very engaging and articulate. He made her laugh and forget herself.
She had to measure what she revealed and that was not something she was accustomed to. She had always been honest in her dealings with everyone, and it made her uncomfortable that she was not being herself with him. She liked him, really liked him. He was easy to be around, except when he was touching her or staring at her with those magnetic eyes of his.
Now they were on their way home.
"Where are we going?" She had closed her eyes for a minute when he started driving.
"I was hoping to show you the progress we made with the Lancashire Palace." He glanced at her, brows lifted in amusement. "Are you afraid I'm going to kidnap you, Melanie?"
"No, of course not." She sat up straight and stared out the window at the passing scenery. They had left the rural and washeading into the urban area. Tall towering buildings speared upwards, almost touching the star laden sky.
