“Many reasons. But we can start with what you said about yourself—that you’re kind and loyal. Things that aren't common to find in people, trust me.” He took a sip of his water and opened the drinks menu.
He must have been referring to his disloyal and unkind ex-fiancée. It was sad that he’d concluded that most people were like that if he thought I was special just because I wouldn’t do such a horrible thing.
When he looked back up at me, I smiled. I was giddy, excited, and hopeful.Could this work?
He put his hand out. I looked at it nervously but reached out and put my hand in his. The warmth from him as he caressed my palm with his thumb spread up my arm and right to my core. It was the first time we’d ever touched.
“This feels nice,” he said, a soft smile etched onto his face.
“It does,” I whispered back, feeling myself slip closer to him with every word and every brush of his fingers.
CHAPTER NINE
The server arrived, and we both straightened as if we’d been caught doing something we shouldn’t have. Our hands slipped apart. It occurred to me that we hadn’t stopped staring into each other’s eyes for minutes. Now it had to stop so we could order, and the spell broke for a few moments.
His phone rang as we finished ordering. He looked at it, pressed the side of his phone, and slid it back into his jacket pocket.
“You can get that,” I told him.
“I just had to make sure it wasn’t someone from the board of directors.”
“Are you expecting them to call?” I asked.
“Always. At any time.”
I laughed lightly. “Part of the job description, I guess.”
“You’d be surprised how many things fall under my job description.”
“And what do you do when you’re not at work?” I asked, hoping I’d get some clarity on who this peculiar but sweet enigma was in front of me.
“Is it too much of a cliché to say I like playing golf?” He winced.
“Yes,” I teased.
“Well, brace yourself for the next one. Though I haven’t been able to do much of it lately. I was on the polo team at school and like to ride whenever I get a chance. We have a couple of horses at our country house. I’m also working on getting my flying hours.”
My mouth dropped open. “Um, anything like reading or TV shows?” I felt completely inadequate.
“It’s been some time since I’ve seen anything on TV, but I do like to read now and again,” he said.
“Well, I’ve never ridden a horse, never played golf, and certainly never flown a plane.” Did we have anythingat allin common?
“I can teach you all of that,” he said, taking a sip of the wine they’d brought us.
“Teach me to fly?”
“Sure. Once I have my license.”
I was speechless.I can’t fly. Can I?
He raised his glass. “To a great evening with good company.”
I raised my glass as well and took the expected sip. He looked at me with those piercing blue eyes, and I didn’t have a clue how to make the damned butterflies in my stomach stop fluttering about.
“How was the meeting today with Maggie? Did she impress you?” I asked, hoping at least work would bring a sense of commonality between us.
He looked away from me and toward his glass, swirling the red wine, before he said, “She’s a star, that’s for sure. Even having been away for a week and with short notice, she spoke on behalf of your department and presented some numbers and leads impressively. I’m happy to work with her.”
