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“I asked if you’re from New York.”
“Oh, no, not originally. But I’ve been here close to fifteen years. And yourself?”
“I’ve never been, believe it or not. I’m more of a small-town girl. I told myself living in Shoreview would get me there. This project gives me the reason I need to finally make the trip.”
The server brought our entrees over to the table, breaking us out of uncomfortable small talk. I didn’t like revealing much about myself to anyone; not even her. That knowledge could compromise my authority.
We ate in near silence, neither of us sure where to go with conversation since the dotted line was signed. Sparks flew with every glance, and my suit stifled me. I pulled at my collar.
The topic on the forefront of my mind was inappropriate for dinner. Or public. If the fluttering pulse in her neck indicated anything, she was keyed up, too.
“You’re so beautiful.”
The words were out before I could stop them. Lia startled. I couldn’t blame her.
“Thank you,” she said, her cheeks stained pink.
I blamed the chardonnay for the unchecked behavior and attraction. I seldom drank. I struggled against the will of my cock despite Lia signing on as a contracted employee a few minutes ago.
Mixing business and pleasure was a bad move for anyone trying to get ahead. However, the long stretch of sexual abnegation made exploring the depth of attraction tempting. It had been too long since I really wanted someone.
“Are you enjoying your meal?”
I attempted to break the tension I caused, but wasn’t sure I even wanted to.
“I am. The wine is excellent. So is this food. I haven’t eaten here, and I’m so impressed.” She relaxed again, refreshed by the approachable topic.
“French influences have always been a pleasure of mine. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I heard about La Bistrot when I initially checked out the project site. It seemed like a nice place to bring a date.”
The pink returned to Lia’s cheeks. “I thought this was a business dinner.”
A smirk tugged at the corners of her full, wine-tipsy lips. Damn. She looked gorgeous when she smiled at me like that. I gulped down some air.
“It is, I just meant this restaurant is a nice option. Not that we’re on a date.”
I smiled, too, despite myself.
Dinner with Lia made it easier to remember I was male, not just a businessman. It was as if I’d always known her. She like understood. Without even knowing me, she got it. She was so familiar…
Could that be it!?
My eyes bulged with newfound cognizance. She was the girl from the tree. Right before I left for New York. How was that possible? What were the odds of running into her in a different town, different state, different life? That innocent doe face was unmistakable, this was the answer. Adrenaline flooded my veins.
I never forgot those rapturous blue-grey eyes that mirrored the ocean a few miles away. Or the golden honey-kissed waves atop her head. Man, it had been forever since I thought about her.
Was this her? It seemed impossible.
How could I ask my interior designer if a stranger had kissed her in a tree?
I had a pretty strict rulebook for how to deal with staff or contractors. Personal questions were off the table. I couldn’t ask her about that day if she thought ‘date’ was inappropriate. Not here and now, anyway. I needed to find a more reasonable way to broach that subject. At another time.
I sat dazed for a moment, contemplating the realization. Remembering who she was, or at least knowing who she reminded me of, made her even sexier. So sexy, in fact, I could implode. The potent mix of desire, curiosity, mystery, and the sultry questioning look on her face was proving too much for my self control.
“Well, I couldn’t eat another bite,” she said, placing her napkin on the table. “Thank you for a lovely evening and for the opportunity of a lifetime, Raph.”
I loved the sound of my name on her tongue. Lia’s big blue eyes still held curiosity, like she expected an answer to a question she hadn’t asked.
She didn’t know it, but she was the first major turning point in my life. Kissing her changed who I became.
