CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The food was splendid, much to Claire's content. The conversation took a different turn this time, from work to private life. Each of them was curious to know about the other and didn't hesitate to ask when due.

"Where were you?" asked Ryan, his eyes tentative on Claire's.

"To a friend's house," Claire answered curtly while chewing the grilled pork cutlets. Seeing Ryan frowning, she instantly cleared, "Her name is Gena, in case you are curious." Her smile was teasing.

"I'm not curious," Ryan said flatly.

"You're not?" Claire raised a mocking eyebrow, fully aware of his lie. "But your face says otherwise."

Smiling, Ryan shook his head to the sides, amused by all her insistence. He slowly sipped the wine without abandoning her fine eyes.

There was something mesmerizing about her, Ryan thought to himself, but he had no idea what it was. He just enjoyed looking at her.

"I'm really not curious, trust me." He narrowed his gaze, and his eyes glowed at the sparkling lights of the restaurant,