“It truly is. Isn’t it cool how the fountains and lights match the music?” she asked.
“Awesome.”
For the rest of the show they didn’t talk but the music and the lights and the dancing fountains were more than enough. The show didn’t last all that long but it certainly lived up to its reputation. As the last of the notes died away and the fountains subsided, Sierra said, “I loved it. Thanks for going with me.”
“I was happy to. It was amazing.” He looked at the water and shook his head. “I bet the arial view is unbelievable.”
“I imagine so.” Sierra studied him a moment before she spoke. He was damn good-looking, with his blue eyes and disheveled dark blond hair. Charming too. She wondered what was wrong with his date that she’d dumped him. Maybe he wasn’t as nice and charming as he seemed. Or maybe the woman was just a dumbass. Whatever, she wasn’t ready for this…flirtation? to be over yet. “Let’s go get a drink. Someplace we can talk.”
She held her breath, wondering what he’d say. Whether he’d suggest his room, in which case, she was outta there. She really did want to talk.
“The Baccarat Bar is really nice,” he said. He reached for her hand. “Come on.”
He held her hand all the way to the bar and only let go when they chose a booth. He let her pick and she chose one that was a little secluded. He let her go first then slid in beside her.
So, he’d passed the test, taking her to a public place rather than his room. Which left her free to decide…what? She was actually thinking about having a one-night stand. She never had before and, honestly, wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. Or even if she was sure that’s what she wanted. But really, it shouldn’t be that hard to figure out, should it? He was nice, good-looking, not pushy, and she didn’t get a bad vibe from him. Not to mention, she’d never see him again. Sounded like the perfect man at the perfect time.
“You seem a little tense,” he said after they ordered, and the waitress brought their drinks. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Not really.” The truth? Or avoid it? She went with the basic truth. “It just hit me that this is the first time I’ve been with a man since my ex and I separated. When it wasn’t business or work-related, anyway. For fun, you know?”
He looked surprised. “You haven’t been on a date? How long have you been separated?”
“About ten months. But he didn’t file right away. It wasn’t final until a week ago.” Which was really quick for a divorce to be finalized but then, she hadn’t fought it. There was no point when Phil’s mind was made up and she’d known when he filed that he wouldn’t change his mind. She could be honest with Connor. After all, she was unlikely to ever see him again. “I kept hoping he’d come back. I know it makes me sound like a fool to take him back after he left me for another woman, but I…I think I would have.”
He patted her hand that was on the table. “You don’t sound like a fool. You must have really loved him.”
She had. Sometimes she thought she still did. But he’d made it clear his life was with the other woman now. Tamera Baker. The younger woman who was a surgical nurse who worked with him at the hospital. Phil liked them young. After all, she’d only been twenty when she’d fallen head over heels for him and married him. And the marriage had worked. For a while. Until she became more independent. Especially after she became a flight nurse, the marriage had begun to unravel. Sierra needed to get on with her life. Which was why she was moving, far away from Dallas and her failed marriage.
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. There’s nothing worse than being with someone who’s talking about their ex.”
“No apologies necessary. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger.”
“I know. That seems weird, doesn’t it?” She took a big sip of her wine. “So, are there any broken hearts in your background?”
After patting it, he’d kept hold of her hand and was now stroking her palm with his thumb. It shouldn’t have been sexy, but somehow it was.
“Nope. Both my brothers are married, but I only came close once, and that was a long time ago.”
“You’re a player.”
He winced. “I’ve been called that but everyone I’ve gone out with knows I don’t do permanent. I’ve never hidden it.”
“No one has tried to change your mind?”
“Once or twice. I think I’m doomed to remain single.”
Tilting her head, she said, “Somehow I don’t see you thinking of that as doomed.”
His smile was downright devastating. Irresistible to a lot of women, herself included. Oh, not seriously, but for fun? Yes, she could see that.
“Busted.”
“Hey, at least you’re honest.”
“Usually.” He didn’t say anything else, but he still held her hand. And looked at her.
“What?” She couldn’t read his expression.
