nodded. “I’m the program coordinator at the Leila Arts Foundation. We’re a small organization, so everyone does a little of everything.”
“You must enjoy your work. You’re practically glowing.” He took a bite of his lobster.
“I do. We help underserved members of the community get a fresh start. It’s something I can relate to.” She looked uneasy. Her gaze dropped to her plate, as if she’d do anything to reel those words back in before she’d spoken them.
He wouldn’t press. No point in ruining the mood. They were having such a lovely time. Besides, there was a topic he’d much rather discuss. “No more talk about work. It’s your birthday, after all. Let’s discuss how we plan to spend the rest of the evening.”
“Liam, this—” she indicated the plates on the table between them with her open palm “—is the extent of our evening. I appreciate the dinner invitation, and it’s been fun—”
“Then why not continue it? Unless, of course, you doubt you’d be able to resist my charms, since you’ve declared we won’t be sleeping together, and all.”
She narrowed her gaze and sat taller. “It would be rude to impose on you any further.” Her response was an open invitation for him to overcome her objection.
He grinned inwardly. “I asked you, so you wouldn’t be imposing. Consider it a favor.”
Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed, and she scrunched her adorable nose. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head. “What do you have in mind?”
“An unforgettable evening.”
“Modest, aren’t you?” The corner of her mouth curved, almost imperceptibly. “And what is it that will make this night so memorable?”
“You’ve taken my most surefire weapon off the table.” He smirked, watching for her reaction.
Maya averted her eyes. She tried, unsuccessfully, not to smile.
His grin widened. “Fortunately, I have an impressive backup plan. A night of dance.”
“You don’t strike me as the dancing type.” She raised an eyebrow and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. Did she know how enticing a move it was?
“I was referring to the ballet. A friend held two seats for me. Have you ever seen Swan Lake?”
“Never been to a professional ballet. We don’t get much of that here. But I’ve always wanted to go.” Her eyes danced with excitement.
The town’s expansion of cultural offerings had been one of the requirements he’d negotiated in the deal to bring their resort to Pleasure Cove. “Then this is your chance. If you don’t go, that ticket will go to waste.”
Maya twirled a strand of her curly hair around her finger as she carefully assessed him. “I should call it a night.”
He kept his countenance neutral. The trick with reeling in catch was not to jerk the line too soon. One of the few worthwhile lessons he’d learned from his older brother, who was otherwise an untrustworthy cretin. Maya wanted to go to the ballet with him. He was sure of it. She just needed a bit of convincing. He could help with that. Liam opened his palm and extended it to her. “Take out your phone.”
She stared at him, puzzled. Still, she reached into her purse and produced her phone, clutching it to her chest.
“Excuse me, miss,” he called to their server as she walked by. “Would you take a picture of my friend and me?”
A syrupy smile, typically reserved for toothless babies in prams, spread across the woman’s face. “Sure.”
Liam nodded toward the server, indicating that Maya should give the woman her phone to take the picture.
Maya opened the camera, then handed the phone to her. The woman took their photo and then returned the phone.
He thanked her, then turned to Maya. “Send that picture and a picture of my driver’s license—” he placed it on the table in front of her “—to your sister. Let her know you’ll be with me this evening. Would that make you feel better?” He watched her expectantly, not saying another word. If he pushed too hard he’d spook her.
Maya furrowed her brows, hesitating for a moment. She sighed, then took a photo of his license, typed out a message on her phone, then hit Send. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a date.”
“So we’ve graduated to a date-date.” He lifted his wineglass and took a sip. Maya laughed. A melodious sound he might never get his fill of. “Tonight will be no mere date. Tonight, we go on an adventure.”
“To unforgettable adventures.” She raised her glass, clinking it against his.
Liam finished his glass of wine. A victory libation. She’d accepted his challenge, and he’d accepted hers. Because by the end of the evening, he had every intention of having Maya Alvarez in his bed.
* * *
Maya’s phone rang moments after she sent the message. Of course. No way could she send pictures of Hot Suit Guy to Kendra without expecting a call. If she didn’t answer the phone, Kendra would keep calling. “I’m sorry, but I need to take this.”
Amusement danced beneath his penetrating dark eyes. His gaze was drawn appreciatively to the fabric pulled taut across the sensitive, beaded tips of her breasts. “I’ll order dessert.”
Her cheeks burned, and she felt a rush of liquid pooling between her thighs. Legs wobbling, she swallowed hard, grabbed her purse and left the table. She could feel his intense stare on her retreating back. Her flesh tingled, as if his gaze seared her skin.
Maya ducked into the restroom, pressed her back against the wall and exhaled. She’d allowed Liam to unnerve her. It was unlike her.
Was he gorgeous? Sure. Rich? Obviously. But she was no consolation prize either. Maybe she wasn’t the tiny-waisted siren she’d once been, but she still turned heads, dammit. He should be grateful she’d accepted his offer of companionship for the evening.
Companionship. God, it made him sound like an escort. Or maybe she was the escort. Which was ten times worse.
The phone rang again. She answered in a hushed tone. “Yes.”
“Are you serious right now?” Kendra’s voice was also muted. From the muffled sound of a PA announcement in the background, Kendra was still at the hospital.
“Am I that pathetic?” She was only half teasing.
“No, honey. Of course not. I’m just saying, dude looks like a freakin’ model. Where’d you meet him?”
“Here at the restaurant. He knew I was alone on my birthday, so he invited me to have dinner with him.”
“I can’t believe you accepted his invitation. There’s hope for you yet.”
“Don’t get so excited. It’s not like I’m gonna sleep with the guy. I told him that.”
“You
