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“To be honest, I saw that it would become a lucrative career. But I knew that I wanted to help people – I wanted to provide a service that could make lives easier. I wasn’t cut out to be a doctor, so I figured that this was the next best thing.”
“Wow.” I look up from scribbling down notes to see Dane staring at me with a curious look in his sapphire eyes.
“What?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly. “It’s just impressive for...well, for someone who didn’t come from an affluent background. I know you told me that you cobbled together some night school classes.”
Dane nods. “Yes,” he says. He clears his throat. “I just knew I wanted to provide a valuable service and prove myself indispensable.”
“I wish I felt like that about anything,” I reply honestly. “I know it sounds bad, like I’m some spoiled rich kid. But even though I like my journalism classes, I’m not really good at them.”
I trail off, feeling nervous, but Dane reaches across the table and takes my hand in his. He traces a pattern on my palm before squeezing my fingers gently.
“You can talk to me,” Dane says encouragingly. “I like listening to what you have to say, Allie.”
“I’m not really good at anything,” I admit. “I’m pretty sure the only reason I got into Tate was because of a donation that my father made. I’m such a disappointment to him.”
“And what do you want to do with your life?” Dane asks in a low voice.
I blink. No one has ever asked me that before.
“I want to be close to my family,” I say after a long pause. “I know it sounds corny, but we’ve never been that close. And now, things are worse than ever. My dad is doing so well, but he and my mom fight all the time and I always feel like I can never do anything right when he’s around.”
Dane frowns. His forehead creases with worry and he takes a long swallow of wine before replying.
“It seems like you shoulder a lot of your family’s stress,” Dane says slowly. “And furthermore, I think you are far too hard on yourself.”
I shake my head. “No. It’s not like that.” I sigh heavily. “I just feel so stupid that I can’t manage to live up to my father’s expectations. Everything I do disappoints both of my parents. It feels so crappy!”
“Allie,” Dane growls. “Stop it. Stop talking abou
t yourself like that. I won’t have it, do you understand?”
Tears come to my eyes and I lick my lips. “Why do you even care?” I mumble softly. “I don’t even know why you want anything to do with me.”
“Because you’re beautiful and special,” Dane says. His blue eyes are glowing with intensity. “And because I want to know you in my life. I won’t tolerate listening to you put yourself down, Allie. Do you hear me?”
I’m numb with shock as I nod. After a second, the sensation starts to fade and I’m left with a hopeful feeling of disbelief. I can’t believe that he’s being truthful with me – but at the same time, no one has ever spoken to me like that before.
Not even Mara, and she’s supposed to be my best friend.
Before I can reply, the waiter swoops in with our food. I was so nervous before that I don’t even remember Dane ordering, but everything looks fabulous. The gruyere dip looks incredibly indulgent and my steak is perfectly bloody and rare as it sizzles in front of me.
“Do you have any more questions for me?” Dane gives me a smoldering look. “Or would you rather we dine and then retreat to my condo?”
Taking a big gulp, I swallow anxiously. “Yes,” I say. “Um, I mean, the latter. Please.”
Dane grins as he slices a bite of steak and holds it out to me. I blush as I lean forward to bite it from the end of his fork. It’s so good that I can’t stop myself from moaning softly as the juices flow over my tongue.
“Good,” Dane growls. “You’d better be ready for me, Allie.”
A hot flash of arousal sears my skin.
All I can do in response is nod.
After our meal, Dane has Hanson drive us to his condo. I’m not surprised to learn that he lives in a gorgeous penthouse overlooking Central Park. It’s classy and trendy at once, but I barely have time to look around before Dane sweeps me into his arms and kisses me deeply.
His tongue probes my mouth, finding all the hidden corners and places as I wilt in his arms. His muscular chest and arms make me feel so safe and protected as he holds me close.
