Forbidden Surrender(24)
He had a point, but there were other reasons I was resisting him, and I wasn’t about to surface those skeletons. “It’s a risk I can’t take. As deliciously attractive as you are, I want my job more than I want you. I barely even know you. And you barely know me.”
“Then get to know me. Give this,” he gestured back and forth between me and himself, “a chance.”
“What are you saying?”
“A date. If it goes well, let’s have more. If not, we go back to a purely professional relationship. I promise, keeping one date a secret won’t be a problem.” He found a lock of my hair and curled it seductively between his fingers. “What we do is private. My lips are sealed.”
As exciting as the prospect of a date with Vincent was, his suggestion seemed inconsistent with his approach. Until now, he only seemed interested in having sex with me. Dating was a whole different beast and I wasn’t certain he grasped the significance. “Vincent, as thrilling as a date sounds, I’m not sure you understand what you’re proposing. A date isn’t sex. And if we went on one—not saying we would—but if we did, I’m telling you upfront we won’t be having sex. Maybe not even kissing.” The last part was added for emphasis.
I expected him to pull back but without skipping a beat he said, “I’m fine with that.”
His response gave me pause. “Did I miss something? I thought you just wanted a quick lay.”
“I spend the average week on three different continents so I don’t usually have time for a relationship. Hence, the direct approach. You’ve made it clear you aren’t the kind of girl who wants casual relations. I still want to see you. Taking it slow isn’t what I’m used to but I can adjust.”
“Is your concept of dating just a means to sex? I’m no prude but to me sex is a meaningful act between two people who share a connection. I’m not just going to add an extra hurdle for you to clear. You just raved about how smart I am and now you’re treating me like I’m an idiot.”
“Dating is whatever we make it. I want to show you I’m interested in you beyond just sex.”
His response was a relief. “Okay.”
“Is that a yes?”
Probably the result of the mojito coursing through my veins and Vincent’s pheromones swimming in my brain, I heard the words come out my mouth before I had time to process the implications. “Fine. One date.”
His stunning features lit up making him even more gorgeous.
“But,” I added, cutting off the words lingering on his tongue. “I need discretion. I don’t want to worry about my employer finding out about us.”
“I agree, it won’t be an issue. How’s eight tomorrow?”
“In the evening?”
“No, a.m.”
“Isn’t that a bit early for a date? What do you have in mind?”
“It’s a surprise.”
My head was spinning. “Okay . . . where do you want me to meet you?”
“I’ll pick you up.”
I nodded. “How can I know what to wear if you won’t tell me where we’re going or what we’re doing?”
“Nothing fancy, don’t worry about it,” he said, looking me up and down. “It looks like you know how to handle that anyway.”
My face grew hot again. “Thank you.”
He leaned close to me, and I felt his breath on my neck and shuddered, bracing for an attempted kiss. “Just be ready at eight. You can do that, right?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t think I’m going to try to kiss you here, do you? You’re underestimating me, Kristen.” He leaned back into his chair, grazing my leg with his fingers as he did. His touch sent a jolt through my body, making my breath hitch.
“I can behave,” he finished.
I looked at him, breathing in short bursts. I hadn’t thought it was possible to look intensely calm before that moment.
“I’ll get you another drink.”
As he went into the suite he passed Riley on her way out. She bounced down next to me. “So that looks like it went well.”
I snorted. “I guess.”
“So when’s your date?”
I had to work on being less obvious. “Tomorrow.”
“Good. If you said there wasn’t a date I was going to smack you.”
I turned to her. “You do know I’m still allowed to make my own decisions, right?”
Riley cocked her head. “Sometimes you need a little push to make the right one. Where’s he taking you?”
“It’s a surprise. He wants me to be ready in the morning.”
Riley crinkled her nose. “Doesn’t sound like the usual, whatever it is. Something tells me he’s not the kind of guy to invite a girl to walk around the park.”