“And Saturday night?” Cobra knew better than to ask if she would be going to a nightclub. He’d discovered that her history as a party girl was a touchy subject with her.
“Not sure. Why?”
“How do you feel about attending a Broadway play with me?”
She looked at him with surprise. “You’re asking me out on a date?”
“Yes. Why not? Since you think I have ulterior motives regarding Richard, this will give you a chance to get to know me better.”
“And what if I said that I don’t want to get to know you better?”
“That would be unfair. Especially after what you accused me of.”
The elevator arrived, and they stepped inside. The door slid closed after he pressed the button for her floor. She seemed to think about his question. Finally, she said, “Okay, Cobra, I’ll go out with you Saturday night, as long as you don’t try any funny business.”
Try any funny business? There wasn’t anything amusing about kissing her, and that was all he could do because of that damn bet. He’d been serious as hell while devouring her mouth, trying to kiss the taste off her lips. But if she needed reassurance… “I promise I won’t try any funny business, Desiree.”
When the elevator door opened on her floor, she stepped out and didn’t pull her hand from his until they stood in front of hercondo. He then took her gym bag from his shoulder and handed it to her. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. And I need your number.”
She lifted a brow. “My number?”
“Yes, your phone number in case I get delayed picking you up on Saturday,” he said, pulling out his phone.
She nodded and rattled off her phone number to him. “Good night, Cobra.” When she turned to unlock the door to her condo, he reached and pulled her to him.
“I want to leave you with something to remember. Think about me until we see each other Saturday,” he whispered.
He then sealed his lips over hers, wanting this kiss to have a different kind of punch than the others they’d shared. There was no game playing, no red flags going off in his head, and no manipulative intention. For this kiss, he wanted a genuine connection to her. For a reason he couldn’t explain, he needed it.
CHAPTER 9
At the sound of the doorbell, Desiree took a quick glance in the full-length mirror, then grabbed her purse and jacket from her bed. Yesterday, she had been so close to calling Cobra to tell him that she had changed her mind about tonight. The kiss he’d left her with Thursday night told her a truth she couldn’t ignore: he was completely out of her league.
No matter how many times she had brushed her teeth, she could still taste him. And as much as she didn’t want to admit it, she rather liked the flavor. He had said he wanted to leave her with something to remember until they saw each other again, and he had certainly succeeded in doing that.
She opened the door and saw him standing there, exuding effortless charm in dark, tailored slacks and a crisp white button-down, with a jacket casually draped over his arm. Why did he have to look so damn good? “Hello, Cobra.”
His gaze slid over her from top to bottom. “Desiree, you look great.”
“Thanks,” she replied, glad for the extra time and attention she had given to her hair and makeup. The dress she was wearing was one she had purchased in Paris at a boutique she normally frequented. Camille had been with her when she’d found it and had told her that it looked fantastic. She’d counted on that when she’d decided to wear it tonight.
She stepped out in the corridor and closed the door behind her. Helga had the weekends off, and without her grandfather’s presence, the condo had felt very empty.
“The show doesn’t start until nine. That will give us time to grab something to eat first. I know this great restaurant in Times Square.”
She glanced at him as they headed toward the elevator. “You didn’t mention anything about dinner.”
He met her gaze. “Merely an oversight. Have you eaten already?”
“No.”
“Good. Have you ever eaten at Lucki Pond?”
She had heard people rave about the upscale Manhattan restaurant known for its fine dining. “No, I haven’t.”
“Then tonight you’re in for a treat. It’s one of my favorite places,” he said as they stepped on the elevator. “You won’t be disappointed.”
