“Probably. I never was very smart.”
“You’re plenty smart. I think that’s one reason Clay’s so attracted to you.”
“He isn’t attracted to me.”
“Bullshit. He’s been watching you all evening. He’s hardly looked at the gorgeous brunette.”
“Did you have to bring her up?”
“I’m telling you something’s up. Clay never acts like this.”
“He just wants to sleep with me. I’m just another challenge to him.”
“I bet a hundred French francs, you’re wrong. But with Clay, you never know what he’s thinking.”
“He’s thinking about getting laid. That’s all he ever thinks about.”
“He might surprise you.”
“Oh, he’s done that several times already.”
Flex just laughed. The cab screeched to a halt, slinging them against the seat. Flex got out, then helped Ellie. “Can you dance?”
She smiled. “It’s a little-known secret, but I’m a terrific dancer. I use dance routines for aerobics. I don’t usually strut my stuff unless I’m drunk.”
Flex grinned. “Perfect.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
“I’ve taken a suite at Le Crillon,” Ben said to Maggie as the car roared through the crowded Paris streets. Though the words went unsaid, each knew they would not be going to Le Palace. “Why don’t we stop by for a nightcap?”
The offer was for more than a drink, and Maggie knew it. Until tonight, it was exactly what she’d planned. There was nothing she wanted more than to forget Jake Sullivan. An affair with the handsome doctor might be just the remedy she needed.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t in love with Ben. A fact that an evening with Jake had made all too clear.
“I don’t know. It’s been a long night, Ben, and I have a tough day tomorrow.”
“That isn’t it and we both know it. It’s because of Jake.”
“It isn’t.” She glanced away. “Well, maybe in a way it is. My guard is up and I’m having an awful time letting it down again.”
“How long has it been since you slept with a man?”
Maggie’s shoulders straightened. She might not have answered if it hadn’t been for his look of concern. “After Les died, there’s only been Jake.”
Ben smiled indulgently and patted her hand. “You’re a mature woman, Maggie. With a woman’s wants and needs. You don’t have to be in love with me—at least not yet. Let me make love to you. Let me soothe your troubles and give you a little release.”
“You make it all sound so clinical.”
Ben’s smile widened. “I promise it won’t feel that way.”
“I don’t know, Ben.”
“Tell you what. We’ll start with the drink and see where we wind up. Fair enough?”
“I guess so.”
“Driver,conduisez-nous a Le Crillon, s’il vous plait,”Ben said. Apparently content with her answer, he leaned back against the seat.
