The Billionaire’s Forbidden Desire(50)
She’d left it on her desk. “I’ll bring it right away.”
“Also make dinner reservations for the rest of this week and next, but not tonight.”
“For how many people and do you have any preferences?”
“Two. There should be a list of acceptable restaurants filed under F for ‘Favorite Restaurants.’ Pick whichever look good to you.”
She nodded.
“And make sure to have everything finished by six sharp. I need to leave the office by then.”
“Okay.”
“Excellent. See you at six.”
* * *
Sophia had lunch at her desk, trying to get everything done. Before coming to work at the company, she’d assumed Dane had cruised through life using his family’s wealth and connections. But he worked harder and more efficiently than anyone she’d ever seen, and he demanded the very best from all his employees.
No wonder most people tiptoed around him. The only exception was Blake, but he didn’t work out of the L.A. office much or answer to anyone.
Dane finally emerged from a series of meetings and came over to her desk. Sophia glanced at the clock on her laptop. Exactly six o’clock.
“Ready?” he asked.
She got up, grabbing her purse and briefcase, which was stuffed with documents she wanted to go over after dinner.
Dane drove them, coping with hellish traffic. Unlike most of the other drivers on the road, he didn’t look like he was on the verge of losing his patience. His expression betrayed very little.
She stared outside, pretending she was in a different kind of car. Maybe a Ferrari or Mustang. Anything but a Lamborghini.
“Why don’t you like being in a car?” he asked.
Startled, she swiveled her head his way. “What?”
“You’re always tense. I’ve seen people react the way you do when they fly, but not in a car.”
“Oh. It’s just… Traffic makes me nervous.”
“No one will hit us, don’t worry.” He checked the time. “Six thirty. Dinner before heading back to the family mansion.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine.” She added, “I don’t need dinner.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t have to diet anymore.”
She blinked. When had she said that? Oh wait…in Mexico. She couldn’t believe he still remembered. “I don’t, but I’m sure the housekeeper made something nice. I don’t want to disappoint her.” I have to stretch the two hundred bucks I won from you, and I don’t think I can afford the kind of restaurants you go to.
“She’s used to it. It won’t be the first meal the family ended up not eating. And don’t worry about the money either,” he said. “I’ll pay.”
Her cheeks heated. “Do you ever think about how rude you sound?”
“What’s wrong with what I said?”
“Pointing out that you have money and I don’t? Kind of not cool.”
“You’re over-thinking it like most people. I never pointed out that you didn’t have any, even though I know that’s true. Money is something people use at their pleasure. It would please me very much to buy you dinner.”
“Why? You don’t even like me that much.”
“That’s not true. I like you well enough. And I certainly like your body. I liked it in Mexico. I like it more now.” His gaze lingered over her. “It’s fuller…softer.”
She sputtered at his bluntness. It was that or melt, and she didn’t want to embarrass herself. From anybody else the comment would’ve been offensive, even creepy. She’d had her share of stalkerish emails and notes. But when Dane said it, need pulsed through her. Suddenly it felt too warm in the car.
“Isn’t this some kind of sexual harassment?” she said. Any excuse to make him stop before she did something stupid, like throw herself at him again. That hadn’t ended so well three years ago.
“I suppose”—a corner of Dane’s mouth crooked up—“unless the woman likes it. If you can swear under oath that you found something I said objectionable, I’ll stop this instant.”
That was unfair. He’d made her feel a lot of things with what he’d said, but objectionable wasn’t one of them. Intellectually she felt like she should be at least annoyed or scandalized that he could talk so baldly. But she couldn’t deny a part of her was thrilled to hear him say he wanted her.
Thankfully, they arrived at the restaurant. She focused on the line of people outside. “Unless you have a reservation—”
“Which I don’t need.”
“—we won’t get a table here.”