The biggest, smirkiest smile she ever saw came across his face. “Whatever you think, Lanie. Is this your way of uninviting me to the wedding reception?”
Could a flying dragon burst through the roof and whisk her away? Please. “Don’t you agree it’s best?” Opposed to what? She dug herself into a deep hole. He hadn’t shown any interest in her other than—anything, really. She went and made it bigger than it was.
But she had to get out of the date. And now, she had.
“No. I don’t agree it’s best,” he countered. “What if I rescind the business opportunity so I can accompany you to the reception and date you?”
Date her? She no longer needed to question his attention and motives. He wanted to date her. A nervous chuckle formed in her throat and released as a noisy squawk.
He eyed her sharply. Sternly. Obviously, neither her recommendation nor her mangled laughter pleased him. He appeared offended and stared at her expectantly. Expectant of what? An explanation? An apology?
“This is amusing to you?” he asked. His eyes were soft and unsure.
Shit. She hurt his feelings. “No. It’s not amusing.” She fumbled with the napkin in her lap. He wanted her to state the obvious. She thought it rude of him. “There’s an obvious age gap between us,” she muttered.
That time, he laughed. “And here I thought you were ashamed of my looks.”
Meeting his gaze and a huge smile, she raised her eyebrows at him. Honestly, his great looks hurt his case, not helped it. It only accentuated the difference in their ages. And in their appearances. He was super-hot. She was not. “You’re just a very funny guy,” she remarked.
“Here I thought you were above social stigmas. A woman comfortable enough in her own skin and mind she did as she pleases and to hell with everyone else.”
Ouch.“Goes to show you that you don’t know me,” she snapped.
He raised his hands in surrender. “Okay. Suit yourself, Lanie. What I do know about you I like… a lot. I don’t know how much younger than you that you think I am, but I predict you are off by several years.”
The evening began and went so wonderful. Until it didn’t. The consulting and job prospect excited her. If she didn’t steer things back onto a smooth path, she would ruin it before it started. She liked him too. And she loved the chance to spend more time with him. But not romantically. At least she shouldn’t want that.
“I’m sorry. I haven’t dated anyone since David. And I barely did before him,” she admitted.
Placing his hand on top of hers, he squeezed. “The cat’s out of the bag now. Which I assumed it already was. I’m interested in you. I want to see you again. Date you. But, hey, no pressure. If you are interested in accepting the positions at Raphael’s, I will let them know tomorrow and get things rolling.”
His big, warm hand on top of hers transmitted heat throughout her body. It also transmitted acceptance and comfort. And she loved it. Taking a deep breath, she replied, “I am definitely interested. In the position. My brain is running with a million ideas. About menus and graphics.”
Releasing her hand and patting it, he asserted, “I knew it would. That’s the reason I pitched it to the owners.”
She realized what she meant when she initially replied, ‘all in’. The pay. Time with him. And him teaching her his skills. Plain stupid. Or foolish. She would be an idiot to not pursue this. It wouldn’t hurt anyone. It could ruffle some feathers. But so be it. She liked him. He might like her. What did she have to lose? No. No. No. She decided, stick to it. Stop being wishy washy. She and he would work together. Leave it be. She got out of the date. Good decision.
After indulging in a ton of ideas, stuffed mushrooms, spinach ravioli, a heavenly Pinot Noir, tiramisu, and espresso, Alonzo, the owner and chef sat with them. Overloaded with carbs and enthusiasm, Lanie couldn’t muster much except accolades for his restaurant, service, and food.
Having the espresso had probably not been wise. Her pulse raced and her body twitched. Maybe it seemed that way to her and Alonzo and Gavin didn’t notice. If Gavin would stop looking at her as if wanted to rip her clothes off and savor her instead of their remaining dessert, it might help.
Every move she made Gavin watched. His eyes lingered on her eyes. Then they lowered to her neck. Her cleavage. Not that she had much in that department. He carried on a conversation with Alonzo, but his eyes were fixed on her.
Alonzo cleared his throat and moved forward in his chair. He thanked them both for coming and excused himself. Glancing around she realized all the other patrons had left.
“It’s after closing time but I wasn’t in a hurry to have the evening end,” Gavin stated.
Grabbing her purse, she pulled out her phone. Almost eleven. “Didn’t they close at ten? We shouldn’t have held him up. He’s probably ready to get home.”
“He didn’t seem to be rushing us out of here, Lanie. I’ll pay the check and walk you to your car on one condition,” he remarked
Did she want to hear hiscondition?She didn’t trust herself to deny him anything.
He laughed and winked at her. “The owners at Raphael’s can’t meet with you until Monday… but I want you to come and work with me behind the bar this weekend.”
Oh. Rather disappointing. Because she had absolutely nothing else in mind. Nope.
“I need to check my busy calendar before I commit,” she quipped.