“Jordan,” she whispered incredulously as the shock slowly dissipated.
“The very same,” he told her mockingly.“May I come in?”
“Oh, of course.”She hurriedly stepped aside and closed the door after him, leaning against it for support as he leisurely walked into her apartment.“Can I get you something?”she asked somewhat stiffly, unable to gain her poise.
“No, I have a car and driver waiting.”
Knowing that relaxed her slightly.He certainly wouldn’t be staying long then.
“I’m happy to see you haven’t eaten.”His gaze left her flushed face momentarily, and he eyed the lettuce and chicken on her kitchen countertop.“I made the dinner reservation for eight, so you have plenty of time to change if you wish.However, what you’re wearing is fine.”
“Dinner?”She swallowed uncomfortably.“Oh, I couldn’t.I mean...”Her mind searched frantically for an excuse to refuse.She immediately knew why he hadn’t contacted her in advance.Apparently he knew her well enough to realize that given time, she would have somehow extricated herself from the date.Now she was trapped.
“I won’t take no for an answer, Skye.”Determination narrowed his eyes.
“All right,” she agreed weakly.“Just give me a few minutes to put the food away in the kitchen.”She wouldn’t change clothes, not with the practical side of her nature adding the toll of the waiting car and driver.
She glanced at herself briefly in the hallway mirror as she reached for her earth-toned blazer.The jacket went nicely with her rust-colored pleated pants.
“I’m ready.”She paused, feeling gauche and insecure.“Are you sure this outfit is okay?”
His dark brows lifted, and a smile touched the corners of his hard mouth.“You might want to wear shoes.”
Her face flushed a deep shade of pink, and she nodded.Shehad always had a ridiculous habit of walking around the apartment barefoot.It was second nature to slip off her shoes the minute she walked in the door.Luckily her pumps were in the entryway.Turning her back to Jordan, she slipped them on slowly, giving her racing heart a chance to quiet.But when his hand settled on her shoulder and his husky voice sounded in her ear, she found her pulse rate anything but normal.
“The apron,” he reminded her.“I’m taking you out to eat.I don’t expect you to cook.”
Her trembling fingers immediately reached behind her back to untie the knot.She wished she knew what it was about Jordan Kiley that turned her into a bumbling, forgetful idiot.
The restaurant was one Skye had never heard of before.The dining area was small and contained only a few elegantly set tables.The interior was dimly lit by flickering candles.A single long-stemmed rose set in a crystal vase served as the centerpiece of each table.
Once they were seated and studying the menus, the waiter arrived.“Would you care for something to drink?”Jordan asked.
“A drink?”Skye realized she sounded like an echo.“No...I don’t think so...not now, anyway.”
Jordan ordered wine, and the waiter returned with the bottle, complimenting him on his choice.It was when he was testing the wine that she noticed his right hand.He now enjoyed the freedom of his fingers, although a thin layer of gauze covered a major portion of his hand.
His gaze followed hers, and he flexed his fingers for her benefit.“The doctor changed the dressing the day I was discharged.I imagine you’re relieved to know it won’t be necessary for you to cut my meat.”
“I wasn’t worried.”She smiled, beginning to relax.
“Have you decided what you’d like to order?”His menuwas folded beside his plate; apparently he had made his decision already.
The menu ran the full gamut, but the prices were outrageously high, and Skye chose the least expensive item.
“I’ll have the chicken Florentine.”She closed her menu, and as if on cue the waiter appeared.
“I’d like to propose a toast,” Jordan suggested, tipping his wine goblet to gently tap her water glass.“To Pollyanna, whose radiant smile could melt a polar ice cap.”His own smile, directed at her, left Skye feeling weak.
A few minutes later their salads were served.Skye was grateful for the diversion; the atmosphere was quickly becoming intimate.
“I ordered dessert for us,” Jordan announced, his gray eyes briefly meeting hers.“I hope you have no objection to flaming Baked Alaska.”
“Baked Alaska.”She swallowed, a smile trembling at the corners of her mouth.“I’m surprised you forgot the violinist.”It was important to maintain this lighthearted banter; only when she could laugh and tease did she feel at ease.
Throwing her a sideways glance, Jordan reached across the table and rang a small bell.Almost immediately two violinists strolled into the room.
Against her will Skye burst into helpless laughter.The palm of her hand covered her mouth to hide the outburst.
