When she pulled the door closed, mercifully he had himself pretty much under control. ‘I hope you like seafood.’
‘Love it.’ She led the way. They took the stairs down. Three flights. ‘I try to keep fit.’
She didn’t need to explain; it was obvious the elevator was a problem for her. He thought of telling her so. It would be ridiculous if they couldn’t even manage an elevator together, but he also wanted to make it to the restaurant with a dinner partner. He wanted her at ease with him. It was vital to have her comfortable in their working relationship. Or any kind of relationship.
The journey took ten minutes. On the way Jared stuck to the usual and asked about her working day. They pulled up outside Enzo’s Seafood and Grill and were shown to a corner table overlooking the beach where a few tiny lights winked on the dark strip of ocean.
With the fine weather this evening, the windows had been removed, allowing the balmy tropical evening in and giving the impression they were outside. On the decking a string of party lights and a couple of flaring bamboo torches provided a warm ambience.
After they’d ordered, for the first time all day, Sophie forced herself to relax. To enjoy the experience of dining with a gorgeous man at a classy restaurant and converse on a variety of non-threatening topics. The latest in local entertainment, the real estate market. The pros and cons of living in a high-profile tourist destination.
The champagne he’d ordered was perfection—cold and fruity and fizzy. Her prawn and avocado cocktail tasted fresh and sweet. On the table, the tiny tea light inside its ruby glass cube seemed to draw them closer. Way too intimate for a business dinner but business wasn’t what this was about. Had never been what this was about. She knew it. He knew it.
While she waited for him to initiate the discussion on the supposed reason they were here, she took another sip of wine and let the bubbles tickle her nostrils and dance on her tongue. She’d not seen Jared in anything other than business attire and this more relaxed Jared was no less stunning.
He’d taken the short time he’d had to shave and to splash on something that made her want to lean forward and breathe him in. But she wouldn’t want to stop at breathing… To avoid the temptation, she reached for her napkin, pressed it to her lips and leaned back.
‘Good evening, Jared.’ A good-looking Italian appeared at their table. Black hair and eyes, and a roguish smile, which was currently directed at Sophie. ‘And to your lovely dinner companion tonight.’
Jared grinned at him then at Sophie. ‘Enzo. I’d like you to meet Sophie Buchanan. She’s filling in for my PA for a few days.’ He turned to Sophie. ‘Enzo’s Rico’s brother.’
‘Ah, yes, the best fish and chips in Coolangatta. I remember. Pleased to meet you, Enzo.’
He smiled at her again, all smooth Italian charisma. ‘We’re very busy tonight or I’d stay and chat. Charmed to meet you, Sophie. Come back another time, meanwhile have a pleasant evening.’
Sophie smiled back. ‘Thank you.’
They’d decided on a shared seafood platter; a variety of oysters, salt and pepper calamari, grilled prawns and tempura garfish, served with a crisp rocket salad drizzled with a lemon olive oil dressing.
Conversation ceased while Sophie, who’d eaten nothing all day but her sandwich several hours ago, savoured every delicious mouthful and made each one count. How often did she get to eat at such a pricey restaurant? The answer was never.
While she tucked in, she noticed Jared’s attack on the sumptuous food was just as enthusiastic. She asked, and discovered he’d skipped lunch too. Watching him eat was as much a treat as watching him work. He gave both tasks the same enthusiasm and undivided attention and she knew with a quiet certainty that rippled through her feminine places that he’d give the same to a lover.
‘Dessert?’ Jared asked a while later when the main dishes had been cleared away and she’d more or less calmed down, for the moment at least.
‘Yes, please.’
‘Allow me to order for both of us.’ He motioned the waiter.
‘As long as it’s loaded with calories.’
He smiled at her then referred to the menu, indicated his choice. ‘For two, please.’ A corner of his mouth tipped up. ‘I guarantee you’ll like it.’
A short time later, she stared at the plate the waiter had set between them. She felt the colour rising up her neck, bleeding into her cheeks, and thanked the little red tea light on their table for its camouflaging effect.
Italian blackberry Frangelico torte, she was informed. With a mountain of whipped cream.
Blackberries and cream…well, it was an obvious choice, wasn’t it? Bolstered by a couple of glasses of bubbly, she met Jared’s eyes across the table. Amusement flashed back at her.