His statement wasn’t exactly an accusation, but I sensed some discord. “I like to know who I’m dealing with.”
“A smart girl.”
“Are the articles true or embellished?”
“A little of both.”
Nodding, I felt even more uncomfortable. Not because I was frightened of him, but more to the opposite. I wasn’t. I was nervous maybe, but more because of the effect he had on me. I scanned the people around us, fighting the questions that I craved answers to. “I’m sorry about your father.”
“He was much loved. I understand the same holds true for the people in this town.”
“So I heard. I haven’t lived here very long and I’m very curious about who he was as a man.”
“Mmm…” He nodded as if he’d also investigated who I was.
“I’ll ask you one last time. Should I be afraid of you?”
Every action he made was deliberate. He placed his hands on the table, leaning over so I was allowed a full-blown experience of the insanely handsome man and his rich, masculine scent. I sensed everyone in the diner was watching our interaction.
“That’s entirely up to you.La peur est un aphrodisiaque très puissant. La passion s’ensuit généralement par vagues d’extase intense et délirante.”
Fear is a very powerful aphrodisiac. Passion usually follows in waves of deliriously intense rapture.
He dared lower his face by a few inches and there was no doubt at least two people had moaned. With a rumbling chuckle, he brushed his knuckles across my cheek before rising to his full height. I finally noticed he had his cane in his hand. Maybe what I’d told him had done him some good. I was right too. He was sexier than ever. After narrowing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he turned and slowly walked toward the exit.
“You are going to ask him to dinner. Right?” Bekka was right in my ear, jolting me out of the sweet fantasy.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because he brought you back your necklace. He fixed it for you. Your favorite necklace that your brother gave you for Christmas. Come on, my bestie. I know you’re uncertain about him and I would be too after what you told me, but I can tell how much you like him. And if looks that man was giving you is any evidence of how much he enjoys your company and what he thinks about you, I can only imagine what he’s like in person. Give it another shot. Just enjoy yourself. Besides, what he did by fixing your necklace at least deserves a thank you.”
“She’s right, Fleur. Trust me. If he’s anything like his father, he’s a good man underneath all that bullshit mafia bravado.” Tilly’s comment wasn’t a surprise. The woman knew everything about everyone and was a damn good judge of character.
What could one little dinner hurt? Right? As soon as I slid from the booth, I felt all eyes on me. He’d already made it outside, his SUV in a close parking space. If I didn’t hurry, I’d lose him and I refused to go to his house like I was desperate for a date.
Snatching the jewelry box and shoving it into my jacket pocket, I gave Bekka a look.
“Don’t worry. The margarita is on me,” she threw out. “Go get ‘em, tiger.”
I made it to his vehicle just before he jumped inside.
“Montgomery.”
A slow and easy smile crossed his face and he ripped off his sunglasses, leaning against his car. “Did I forget something?”
I glanced across the street buying time, which was ridiculous. “I wanted to give you a proper thank you. You have no idea how much the necklace means to me. Anyway, I should quit stalling. I know what I said to you earlier, but I think enjoying dinner together as friends would be fine.”
“You’re asking me on a date?”
Why was his voice so gravelly, reflecting her personality perfectly? “How about we call it a thank you dinner. Why don’t you come over tonight? If you’re free.” I was positively stumbling over my words.
“Are you afraid to be seen with me in public?” He was thoroughly amused.
“Not at all. I just make a mean lasagna and I thought you might like a decent home-cooked meal. Maybe around seven?”
He chewed on the earpiece of his sunglasses, narrowing those sexy green eyes of his. “I think I can handle that. Make a large pan. I’m a very hungry man.”
I backed away, far too eager for the night to arrive. What was wrong with me? All the conviction in the world didn’t apply when it came to the man standing studying me with a wry look on his face. As if he knew exactly what I was thinking.
