“You don’t usually sleep with them either.”
“Pardon me?”
She laughed. It was low and husky. “Two nights ago. At your house.”
“You’re right about that.”
“We can go as friends, Finn. I promise. I don’t…I don’t want to leave you yet.”
He shouldnotgo. But the attraction was strong. Which violated all his ethics. He had to refuse.
He couldn’t. “You win,” he said. “Dinner it is. Should we go to Black and Blue?”
“No. Too many associations.”
“I know a place five minutes from here. Cutali’s.”
“I love Italian food. I’ll meet you there.”
“Nah. Let’s ride together then I’ll bring you home. You can dismiss your driver for the night.”
“I’d like that.”
Soon, they were ensconced at a table in the small and intimate restaurant. Traditional checkered table clothes and red napkins graced the whole place. Tuscany murals hung on the walls. “There’s another location of this restaurant near my house, right on the canal.”
“I’ll bet it’s lovely, sitting outside on the water.”
“Yeah, it is.” They ordered sparkling water as he didn’t think alcohol was good for her tonight. “So tell me about your life, Elise.”
“That’s pretty general.”
“Where did you grow up? Your family. Friends.”
“I grew up in LA, not the rich part. Single mother, no known father. I was independent way too early in my life.”
Their drinks came. He took a sip and watched as she undid the straw and put it between her lips. They were covered in raisin colored lipstick. Oh, damn.
He cleared his throat. “Were you a wild child?”
“No, actually, I was very focused. I had two jobs in high school and got into a college that offered an acting major. I got noticed by a director and he auditioned me for a role in a minor film. From there, I went on to success.”
“How did the director notice you?”
“His niece was in a play at the school. I had the lead and he said later he knew I was destined for great things.”
“Wow. A dream come true.”
“Yeah. I quit college, though. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t. I missed a lot.”
“Like what?”
“Sneaking out of the dorm. Frat parties. Studying with friends.”
“Ah.” Their waiter came back and took their orders. After he left, Finn started to ask another question.
“Nope.” She covered his hand with hers. This time, desire flowed between them. She swallowed hard. “First I want to hear about you.”
He shrugged. “I had a good childhood. I have a twin, so I always had a playmate and confidante.”
