Chapter 9

Although it was a movie that I really wanted to see, I paid no attention to it. As the love story unfolded on the screen, I studied Lance more than the movie, taking note of his chiseled features, piercing green eyes, and testosterone overload. The electricity in the air was so thick between us that you could cut it with a knife. I took a deep breath, forcing my eyes back to the screen without really seeing what was happening, forgetting momentarily that I was married. Then, the lights came up, bringing us both back to reality.

“Thank you,” I said as we walked out of the theater.

“For what?” he asked, amused.

“That was the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.”

“My pleasure,” he returned as we left the theater and walked into the darkness of the night, when he stopped abruptly. “Do you want to catch a bite to eat while we’re here? There’s a restaurant around the corner.”

There were several restaurants in the mall. I thought about it hesitantly. “It’s getting late …”

“Or we could grab some coffee and go shopping,” he added quickly.

“Shopping?” I asked, bemused.

“Yeah, don’t women like to go shopping?” he asked in his sensual British accent.

“Yes, but men usually don’t.”

“Well, I’m not like most men,” he said, taking my hand. When I started to pull away, he added, “I promise to be a gentleman.”

Suddenly, my stomach growled.

“I think your stomach is opting for food,” he said, grinning. “Come on.” Still holding my hand, he pulled me through the mall, passed the shops. I wouldn’t have admitted it, but his hand felt good wrapped around mine.

“You are formidable, aren’t you?” I asked, incredulous.

“Sometimes,” he said, and then my heart melted when he gave me a quick wink.

“I’m not dressed for anything fancy,” I said hesitantly.

Lance laughed, a wonderful sound. “This is a mall. How fancy could it be?” Then, he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Besides, you look fabulous.”

I laughed. “You lie well.”

He laughed, probably thinking something obscene, but said instead, “Madam, I never lie.” Then, he added, unable to resist, “At least in that way.”

I smacked him playfully on the shoulder, knowing that he was teasing. I had to admit that I was enjoying his company a bit more than I should. My thoughts quickly darted to Steven as another wave of guilt rushed over me, but he was probably already headed to work and he hadn’t even bothered to return my call.

As we walked, Lance noticed my sudden quiet. “Are you well?”

I smiled and took a deep breath. His word choice was odd at times. “I really should be going home …”

“It’s just dinner, Leila,” he said, and the sincerity in his eyes couldn’t be denied. “And if you want to talk, I can listen.”

I smiled. “The things I need to talk about wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about with you.”

“Sometimes it’s good to talk to a stranger …”

“And sometimes it’s not,” I replied, knowing that I should just walk away, but something inside of me wanted to stay.

“I’ll tell you what, let’s just get something to eat in silence and if you decide to talk, then I’ll listen,” he said with a shrug.

“Just listen?”

“What can I say? I’m a good listener,” he said with a shrug. We came to a fancy Italian restaurant and he stopped. “Is this okay?” When he saw me hesitate, he quickly added, “If you feel uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. This is fine,” I said, nodding toward the restaurant. “Let’s go.”

“After you,” he said with an elaborate flourish, letting me lead the way.

The aroma of lush Italian food filled the room—lasagna, pasta, and fresh bread along with the scent of garlic and oregano—and my stomach growled.

 “Sorry, sir, but it looks as if we are all booked right now,” the gentleman said, looking down his list, pointing to it with his mahogany hand.

“I think I see an opening” Lance said, pointing to the list with one hand as he discreetly handed the gentleman a bill with his other hand around the podium.

“Of course, sir,” the maitre d’ replied as he led the way. The restaurant was dimly lit with candles flickering on the tabletops, along with fine white china and white tablecloths. The sounds of dishes clanking and waiters talking, giving orders behind the scenes filled the restaurant. I was surprised when we stopped before a secluded table. Hard telling how much Lance had just slipped the maitre d’, but from the look on his face, it must have been a lot. “Let me know if you need anything,” he said, holding the chair for me.

“Please, allow me,” Lance said, reaching for my chair. The gentleman stepped back, and Lance held my chair and waited for me to take my seat.

It was nice, being treated like royalty. I hadn’t had this in a very long time. I opened my menu and settled on a dish when a thought occurred to me. “Did you tell Drake about the other day?”

“What are you talking about?” Lance asked, confused.

“About my indiscretion with you,” I whispered over my menu.

Lance raised an inquisitive eyebrow, intrigued. “We were indiscrete?” he teased, trying not to smile as he closed his menu. “Please, do tell.”

I laughed in spite of myself. “You know … when I slapped you.”

“Oh, you mean when you set me straight?” Lance corrected. “No, I didn’t. Why?”

“Never mind.”

“No, there’s no ‘never mind’ now,” Lance said, his eyebrows pulling together in concern. “What happened?”

“Drake dragged me into his office and chewed me out … royally.”

Sudden anger filled his eyes. “He placed his hands on you?”

“No … yes … well … not like that,” I stammered. “He grabbed me and had me follow him into his office, then gave me a stern talking to.”

“He touched you?” he asked, furious. “How and where did he touch you?”

“He grabbed my arm to stop me.”

He bit his lower lip, trying to suppress his anger. I was suddenly afraid for Drake. “What did he say?” Lance asked, holding back rage that I was sure he was covering well.

“He told me in a roundabout way to ‘play nice’ with you,” I replied, suddenly wishing that I hadn’t said anything.

“So, is this why you agreed to spend time with me today?” Lance asked, still upset as he set his napkin down on the table beside his plate.

“No, of course not,” I corrected, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “Look, I really should go …”

“No, please,” Lance said, placing a hand gently over mine. An electrical current suddenly shot through me. “Stay.”

It was only one word, but it was all I needed. I sat back down.