“Fishing for compliments?”
I lifted my shoulders in a nonchalant shrug. “Not every day, a beautiful woman calls me handsome. Arrogant, yes. Full of shit, yes. A grouch, yes.”
Laughter bubbled out her lips as I filled our glasses with champagne. “I find that hard to believe. A handsome, full of shit, arrogant grouch?” She appeared a lot more relaxed than when I’d met her at the bar. Her easy mannerisms were beginning to grow on me. I had a feeling the night was only going to get much better than I’d anticipated.
I nodded with a smile. “I know I’m a bastard at times, but work needs to be done.”
She picked up her glass and tipped it back. Her full lips touching the rim, her tongue swept out to lick a drop that missed her mouth. The woman had no idea just how sensual that act was, and my cock gave a little twitch of appreciation. She eyed me over the flickering flames. “Are you only a bastard in the office?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” I gave her a lazy smile. She lowered her head, not before I caught the pink flush to her cheeks. I loved her coy seductiveness. Her toying between wanting to be brave yet shy at the same time. It was a long time since a woman intrigued me this much. The chef approached with a trolley of food. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I had him make a few dishes.” I gestured for him to show her the choices. I leaned back in my chair, watching her eyes light up with each raised cloche. Her excitement mixed with an underlying innocence had me wondering why she was single. Any man would want to have her as a girlfriend. Yet, I selfishly thanked my good fortune no one had. When she made her selection, I made mine and refilled her glass. A soft moan followed her first bite. I licked my lips, speculating what sounds she’d make with my cock deep inside that beautiful pussy. “Good choice, I take it?” I forced myself to concentrate on the steak in front of me.
“I haven’t eaten quail before. It’s so good.”
“Do you always like to try something new?”
“Depends.” She chewed the soft meat before looking up. “If I like what I see.” Again, cheek with a touch of inhibition.
I uttered a low laugh. “Touché.” I forked a piece of steak into my mouth and chewed slowly. “Was there any reason you didn’t pitch yesterday?”
“I wasn’t sure if I could do this.”
“And now?”
“I think I can.”
“Think?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Her bold mimic of my earlier response earned another laugh. “You’re interesting. I’ll give you that.”
Taking a drink, I eyed her over the rim of my glass. “Same can be said for you too.” She bit her lip, and I shook my head. The corners of her mouth twitched as she released the plump flesh, now wet and inviting. “You mentioned you prefer dessert. What’s your favorite?”
Her eyes lit up. “It all depends on my mood.” At my questioning look, she laughed. “If I make it myself, then it will be a chocolate cake.”
“You enjoy cooking?”
“Yes. One day, I hope to be an accomplished chef.”
I found the divulgence surprising yet curious at the same time. “Chocolate cake is dependent on your mood?”
She rolled her lips between her teeth, her expression thoughtful. “That’s a general happy like. But when I’m feeling down, my cousin spoils me with a Häagen-Dazs strawberry cheesecake.”
“General happy like? There’s a difference?”
Sipping her wine, she nodded. “A triple chocolate Sunday made using brownies, chocolate ice cream, nuts, chocolate syrup and topped with loads of whipped cream when I’m very happy.” She licked her lips.
My brows shot up. “My teeth hurt just thinking about that.” God, her laughter was infectious. “And what dessert do you feel like tonight?” I asked when I stopped laughing. The look she gave me was easy to read, but I wanted her to say it.
She licked her lips. “Triple chocolate Sunday.” I smiled, liking her response.
The rest of the dinner progressed with idle conversation about nothing specific, yet I found myself drawn to her, wanting more than one night to get to know her better. “I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present, Sia.” I raised my glass when dinner was over, and the table cleared. Her eyes widened. She had the strangest look on her face, as though I’d said something peculiar. “What’s the matter?”
She swallowed her drink and set the glass down, her actions slow. “Is today your birthday?”
“Yes.”
“Would you find it strange if I told you it’s mine, as well?”
Stunned, I stared at her, too surprised to say anything for just a moment. “You’re serious?” I finally managed. She nodded. Laughing, I refilled our glasses. “Then, happy birthday, Sia.” I raised my glass once more.
