“Not a problem.” His gaze bored into hers, and a flash of dizziness assaulted her. She only wished she could blame the heat, but knew it was his penetrating stare that unnerved her.
“Reconsider that drink?” he asked.
She started to shake her head. “I…”
“Then I want lessons. And before you say anything, I know you don’t specialize in dating etiquette anymore, but consider this an emergency. I have dinner with my boss tomorrow night, and he plans on bringing his daughter. I don’t want to get involved with her, but I’d like to make a good impression and bow out gracefully at the end.” He paused, then said, “Have dinner with me tonight so you can teach me the finer points of charm and class.” He grinned and she discovered one dimple in his left cheek.
“I think you have enough of both,” she said wryly.
He shrugged. “So humor me. I’m giving you an excuse to say yes…and you know you want to.” His voice lowered an octave. Husky and seductive, it flowed through her veins.
“And I think you’re taking a lot for granted. How about I make some calls and see if one of my instructors is available to, uh, meet your needs.” She groaned inwardly. It had taken years to learn how to cover her insecurities, yet around Kane McDermott, she became the awkward girl she’d once been.
“I’d rather go with you.” His intense gaze begged her to believe.
Could he possibly be interested in her? Really interested? She shook her head, dismissing the possibility.
“Too bad for me.” Disappointment tinged his voice. “Guess I’ll be going with a stranger tonight.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m a stranger.”
“Funny, but it doesn’t feel that way.” His gaze locked with hers in a meaningful stare she couldn’t escape or mistake. There was a connection between them. They both knew it—just as they both knew he’d changed her mind.
She lowered herself into the swivel chair behind her desk. Leaning across the wooden top, Kane came within kissing breadth of her lips, and she caught an enticing hint of spearmint on his breath. “Are you going to disappoint a customer, Miss Luck?”
“Kayla.” She licked her dry lips.
He raised an eyebrow and straightened to his full height. “It seems I’ve made progress, Kayla.”
He most definitely had. “Well, I can’t very well go with you if you’re going to call me Miss Luck all night,” she said.
The flash of white teeth came and went in a quick grin. “I heard about this casual place. I forget the name.” He shrugged on his suit jacket. “I’m from out of town, so I’m not too familiar with the city. I expect to be visiting often, though, because the boss lives here.” His gaze never left hers.
“So it’s a casual dinner?” she asked.
“Yes. You can run through wine ordering, food choices, all the necessary things I’d need to know for dinner with the boss…and I get your company. Do you like baseball?”
She nodded, feeling a little like she’d been blindsided.
“I’ve got tickets for the Red Sox game afterward, and we can go after.”
“Somehow I doubt you need lessons on how to attend a ball game.”
“No, but by then I’m hoping we’ll be past the lesson stage.” He winked and dammit, she nearly swooned. “Sound good?”
She cleared her throat. “Sounds fine.” So fine it scared her.
“We’re all set then.”
She nodded.
“You won’t be disappointed.” His words held a wealth of meaning, and Kayla had the distinct impression this was more than business. That she was more than hired help to this extremely sexy man.
He reached out and grabbed her hand. The connection was instant, the knowledge frightening. She feared her deepest thoughts had just been confirmed. He jerked back without warning. Had he experienced the same unnerving reaction?
He reached into his pocket and withdrew a brown, leather wallet, working quickly, as if he suddenly couldn’t wait to be gone. “Do you take American Express or Visa?” he asked.
“Either, but…” What could she say? That the thought of taking money in exchange for an evening in his company seemed wrong?
She glanced at Kane. He’d charmed her despite his initial pretense. Not only did she like him, but she could use an evening out to enjoy herself. With the all-business attitude she’d had lately, she’d barely had time for fun. When was the last time she’d been out with a nice guy? The last time she’d let herself be charmed for once? Kane was most definitely good at that.
She bit down on her lower lip and met his gaze, which had darkened to an unreadable blue.
He flipped open his wallet. “I can pay cash if you’d prefer.”
“No.” She couldn’t take money in exchange for a date. No matter how he couched the word, that’s what it was. She treated him to a genuine smile. “Why don’t we see how things go and we can discuss it? Later.”
“Okay.” He snapped closed the billfold. “I’m staying at the Summit Hotel, and I’ll be in touch, Miss…Kayla.” With a grin, he walked out the door, leaving her to wonder…
Could she really be that…lucky?
Chapter Two
“You look sharp, McDermott.” Whistles and catcalls followed his walk through the station house. Kane ignored the harassment and parked himself in an open chair, kicking his legs out in front of him. He exhaled deep and easy, keeping up a steady beat. Relaxation came, but it was hard-won and destined not to last.
He’d taken one look at that angel-like face and known the geek cover wouldn’t work. He’d given it a shot anyway…because it would have been a hell of a lot easier to keep his distance from the woman if he wasn’t acting like himself. He was a professional. Attraction was never supposed to come into play.
But he’d never seen eyes so wide-set and green, and he’d damn sure never seen curves like hers anywhere. Desire hadn’t hit him so hard or fast since he’d been a teenager.
“Well? Did the McDermott charm
