Part 4

Nick smiled, his right brow arched in playful defiance as he countered.  “Maybe you don’t remember because you never asked. Of course, I trust you. A woman as lovely as you with a successful business and fantastic track record—why wouldn’t I? Everyone speaks so highly of you and your capabilities.”  

“Thank you for your kind words and for having faith in me. But I’m quite certain I’ve asked you that question at some point during our time together these past few months,” I replied.

Nick’s voice was low and smooth, laced with intrigue. As he leaned forward, escaping the shadows and letting the soft candlelight illuminate his striking features. He exuded an air of commanding masculinity, clean-shaven, his dark hair meticulously styled, every inch radiating confidence.  

“I’m in Paris, in the company of an exquisite woman. Who has filled my head with fantasy and romantic notions of things I haven't entertained in quite some while. Who wouldn’t want to stay here as long as they could? So, what do you want to know, my lady?” he inquired, his gaze flickering with desire as he lightly tapped his fingers against the table—an invitation, a challenge, all rolled into one.

I thought before responding to his question. ‘They say to keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. If he's my enemy, and he very well can be, then being in his company is the right thing, and I shouldn’t feel guilty about it.’ I smiled and attempted to answer his question, but the waiter approached our table and interrupted our conversation. 

"Are you ready to place your orders?"

Nick was a smooth operator. He glanced away from me to look up at the waiter. "We'll order our drinks first. I'll have a coffee, and the lady would like a glass of your best red wine," he said, gazing at me.

The waiter responded, "Yes, sir. I'll be back shortly to take your dinner orders."

Nick then slid his hand across the table, taking hold of the hand I had rested there. He gently caressed it with his thumb. I wanted to pull my hand away, but I noticed the prying eyes around us.

I could see in his eyes that I was his target. I didn't want to let my guard down, yet I was curious about his next move. After we had placed our dinner orders, we continued to talk while we waited.

"I bet you didn't know that South Korea is an enchanting haven for romance,” he declared with a gleam of pride in his eyes.

He extolled the rich tapestry of his city, Seoul, sharing its vibrant culture and mouth-watering cuisine, painting a picture that seemed almost alive.

"You simply must visit one day. There’s a treasure trove of sights and experiences waiting for you. The pristine beaches shimmer under the sun, and the museums whisper tales of history from every corner of my country. And let’s not forget—the culinary delights of my beloved city are second to none!"

"Of course," I replied, maintaining a poker face, intrigued by his enthusiasm.  

"With a name like Vinerelli, are you sure you’re truly Korean?”

He chuckled, a warm, infectious laughter that danced in the air.

 "Ah ha! You're very savvy, and I like that you don’t let anything slip by you. I’m part Italian and part Korean. Trust me; I come by my identity honestly. And if you’re craving authentic pizza, I can whisk you away to Naples," he said lightly, kissing her fingertips like a romantic gesture stolen from the pages of a novel.

Seated at an angle that invited intimacy, I leaned in, my curiosity piqued, feeling my defenses start to melt away.

"You’ve made a strong case; I’ll have to visit one day." 

"I promise I’ll ensure your experience is unforgettable." He glanced toward me, his eyes searching for a flicker of approval, gauging my reaction to his enthusiastic offer.

I smiled a bit shyly but certainly with pleasure. Nick returned the smile, energized by my reaction. We both engaged in flirty banter that distracted us from the moment's seriousness.

In the middle of our delicious dinner and flirtatious conversation, Nick's cell phone vibrated, signaling a message. Heavy-hearted, he fell into a quiet funk, wishing he could extend our time together.

"Sweetheart, I would love to stay, but something has come up," he said.

"Darn," I replied, sighing. Nick could hear the humor in my voice but couldn't respond because he didn't want to leave.

"It's an emergency of sorts. I don't know where the time went so fast." Nick looked down at his watch.

"But I have to go," he said as he stood up to put on his coat and shawl. He leaned forward and kissed me on the lips.

I grinned at him. "You're such a good guy."

He stared straight ahead, his jaw tightening. "I'm not a good guy. Good guys don't contemplate ways to prolong their time with a woman they shouldn't desire. Good guys, don't imagine that same woman naked."

"Why do you say you're not a good guy?" I asked, sounding amused.

"Because I'm not. We'll continue this conversation later. I'll call you, I promise."

He walked away smiling as I raised my wine glass and winked. I sat there and finished my wine. Just as I was about to leave, my phone rang.

"Are you seated?" Angela asked, pausing for a moment.

"Yes, go ahead, Angelique, and spill it. I'm a big girl; I can handle it."

"Alright. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm about 85% certain. I think the guy you're seeing, Beverly, is the partner of the man you've been searching for. His family fits the profile."

My breath hitched in my throat, a tight knot of unease forming as I stifled the distress bubbling beneath the surface. With a composed facade, I replied in a slightly agitated tone, “Angelique, give me the facts. I can’t navigate through uncertainties.” 

The weight of the moment pressed around me. “Men! They are so dastardly! What is Nick up to?”