Andrea caught the twinkle in his eye.A few days ago, she hadn’t invited him in, stating only invited guests were allowed.“Yes, you’re allowed inside.”
Andrea walked into the house and headed straight for the kitchen.She pulled out a vase and filled it with water, her eyes watching Michael the whole time.His gaze scanned around the room, but he didn’t stop and linger for long before he joined her in the kitchen.
“You have a lovely home.”
“Thanks, though I imagine it’s similar to yours.”
“It is, except for the kitchen.This is incredible,” he said in awe, looking around the vas space.
Andrea felt her cheeks flush.“Thanks, I think it makes the house feel more open and brighter.”She spanned the flowers out in the vase and set them on the island behind the sink.
“That it does.But I’m not just talking the space.Your house feels like a home.Much like Maya’s.Mine just feels like a place.”
“You haven’t lived in it long.Give it a few years.”It had taken her a few years to really settle in.
“Or maybe I need a female to give it that feminine touch.”
Was he hinting at her to be that female?She hoped not.“We should get going.”
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t,” she rushed to assure him, though she wouldn’t look at him.
Michael came around the island and stopped in front of her.“You don’t have to lie.”
Andrea looked up into his face.He was too close.She didn’t like people invading her space.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“You’re standing too close.”
“Do I make you nervous?”His voice dropped an octave.
Andrea lifted her gaze to meet his, unflinching.“No, I just like my personal space.”She stepped around him to collect her purse from the stand next to the door and waited for him.Michael was only a few steps behind her.
Andrea had to remind herself that she’d only agreed to this so he would finally leave her alone.She couldn’t like him.Andrea hardened her heart and gritted her teeth, hoping the night would go by quickly.
Chapter 12
The date was off to a rocky start, but Jack was determined it ended on a high note—and he wasn’t talking about sex.Though if he were honest with himself, he wouldn’t say no if it was offered.Andrea was a beautiful woman.Her baggy clothes were good at concealing the goddess frame underneath, but this black dress did nothing to hide from the imagination.
Several times he had stumbled over a crack as her slim leg peeked out through the slit of her dress with every step she took.If she had planned this dress to distract him, she was succeeding.
She’s the enemy, he had to keep reminding himself.He couldn’t let himself forget that for a moment.Millions of lives were at stake if he didn’t get her to start trusting him and start talking.
Hopefully, this dinner would go well and give him a step up in her good graces, inspiring her to divulge the secrets within her gorgeous mind.
“Good evening,” the maître d greeted them.He was a portly little man whose head probably came up to the middle of Jack’s chest.He had a thick black mustache and beard.Jack wasn’t a fan of facial hair, so he always made it a point to shave every day if not twice a day.He’d grown it out once for an assignment.It itched, and things were always getting caught in it.He’d hated it and was thankful when he could finally shave it off.
“Hi, reservations for two.Burns,” Andrea told him.
The maître d checked his book.“Ah yes, here we are.Come this way.”He collected two menus and led them into the restaurant.Even for six-thirty, it was packed.Good thing she had reserved a table.
They were led to a booth; Jack made sure to take the seat at the back so he could face the front of the restaurant.“Please enjoy,” the maître d said before leaving.
“So what’s good here?”Jack asked.
“Everything,” Andrea responded, not looking up from her menu.
