“Sure. But just so you know, I’m not much of a wine drinker. Or really any alcohol.”
Anger flickers in his eyes, and before I can question him about his change in mood, he shuts it down, and a charming smile graces his face.
“Are you scared you might fall head over heels in love with me?”
With humor in his voice, I know he’s trying to lighten the mood and distract me from his mood change. This is an odd position for me to be in, so I’m happy he’s trying to make it less stressful.
I chuckle. “Something like that.”
He pours a glass of wine for each of us. “One can’t hurt.” I can’t resist melting when his intense eyes lock onto mine. It feels like he can see right through me. “Let’s make a toast.”
“And what are we toasting?”
“New beginnings.” He raises his drink.
With a raised glass, I toast to “new beginnings” and take a sip of wine.
“But I have to ask…” I sit my glass on the table. “This question has been on my mind since my father brought this arrangement to my attention.”
“You can ask me anything, Arabelle.” He places his wine glass on the table. “Nothing is off limits if it’s appropriate for this setting. You deserve answers to all of your questions.”
“Why?”
He smiles, and it seems genuine. Not forced. “Could you please be more specific?”
“Why do you want this marriage? I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. I’m sure you’re a great guy, but don’t you think all this is kind of weird?”
He shrugs. “Maybe.”
It’s definitely weird.
“I need you to be honest with me. This has got to be as strange for you as it is for me.”
“I’ll always be honest with you, Arabelle, even when you don’t want me to be.”
“Well, that’s good to know,” I say. “But you’re not answering my question. I want to know why you want to marry a stranger. You’re wealthy and very handsome. You can get any woman you want.”
“You think I’m handsome and can get any woman I want?” he asks with a smirk.
I can’t stop myself from laughing. “Of course, you’re handsome, and you know you can.”
He directs his gaze toward me but doesn’t respond to my statement.
“I just can’t figure it out, and it’s something I need to understand.”
After another smile from him, I have to pause, take a deep breath, and refocus my thoughts. The man makes my heart race and my pussy weep.
It’s been entirely too long since I’ve slept with anyone. I’m not sure my fingers are doing the trick anymore.
I’m thankful when the waitress comes in and takes our order. It allows me to breathe and regain my composure.
I understand exactly why my father took this deal. He’s greedy. He saw a way to have his debts cleared and maintain control over his company. What I don’t understand is why this man would want to marry a stranger.
“The reason I made the offer to your father is because I’ve wanted you since the first night I met you.” I gasp, and he chuckles. “You want the truth, right?”
“I do,” I say without hesitation.
“You can’t be surprised that a man would want such a talented and beautiful woman as yourself.”
