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She sucked in a breath and battled on. “You’re right. These corporate gigs aren’t for me.”
“What is?” Seth sipped his beer.
She thought for a second. “Street markets, hanging with friends over a home-cooked meal, seeing a classic movie at the Grand Illusion Cinema in the University district. The interior is original with red brocade chairs and fancy metalwork. Just divine.” Okay, now she was on a roll. “Oh, and I have to have Milk Duds. Two boxes if I’m with someone, because I don’t share.” If he didn’t understand the importance of candy while watching a movie then she’d leave right now. Some things were sacred.
“I get you on the Milk Duds. I have the same with Allens Jaffas lollies.” At her head tilt, he answered, “Aussie candy I order online and have mailed over. I guard that stuff like it’s the crown jewels. My brother Heath tries to steal handfuls when we watch the rugby. Bastard can get his own.”
Ah, they had a meeting of minds.
“I feel your frustration,” Harper nodded, her tone solemn.
Seth studied her for a moment then, after a quick glance around the garden, asked, “Can I tempt you to leave. Buy you dinner?”
“You tempt me a great many ways, Seth.”
She slapped a hand over her mouth.
The big Aussie’s low chuckle sounded as if Hades himself was amused.
Under the influence of whatever evil genie now controlled her mouth, she’d just have to ride it out.
His invitation was tempting. Why hang around when her father had clearly dismissed her earlier? After all, standing before her was a man who intrigued her and had just asked her out to dinner.
Not exactly a hard choice.
“Just what did you have in mind?” Her voice was calm, unlike the flutter in her tummy.
“Dinner, conversation and a chance to impress you with my suave moves and epic sense of humor.”
Hmm, he was laughing at himself, which was damn sexy, but there was a self-assuredness in the way he stood tall and proud that made her pulse skip. That alone should make her wary. She’d met plenty of cool guys who turned out to be jerks with all the right words.
Still, Seth seemed so…upfront. And that dry humor was an instant hook for her.
“Confident, aren’t you?”
All teasing fled his eyes. He stepped closer, so close she could smell a hint of aftershave—a rich woody fragrance undercut with warm spices.
His gaze locked with hers as he ran a finger down the side of her cheek, leaving her skin tingling in its wake.
She held her breath and waited.
“I’m a man who knows what he wants. Right now, I want to take you to dinner and find out if you’re as intriguing as the idea of getting to know you promises.” He traced the blunt tip of his finger over the edge of her bottom lip. His touch wasn’t light but…firm, commanding, as if he was giving her a chance to feel him before he took possession. “My guess is I’ll be left wanting more.”
Her breath rushed out in a soft whoosh. Tall, daring and dangerous. That was Seth. Damned if it didn’t make her crave him all the more.
“Then, uh...” Her words caught in her dry throat. She tried again. “We should put that theory to the test. Yes, I’ll have dinner with you.” Harper handed her half empty glass to a passing waiter.
Seth didn’t smile or say a word before he slid his hand around her elbow and guided her to the doorway. Her heartbeat stuttered at his touch as she put one foot in front of the other and concentrated on not tripping on any demented pavers out to wreck her grace mojo.
They travelled down in the elevator to the lobby in silence. Harper studied everything but the hottie next to her. She clasped her indigo velvet clutch, the one she’d scored at the antique store near Pike Place Market. What was wrong with her? She was acting like some dumbstruck teenager asked out by the lead singer of a boy band.
He was just a guy. Okay, a handsome, totally alpha male who was obviously successful in business or else her dad wouldn’t be buying his company. But essentially, he was a guy, not a superhero. Hadn’t her past experiences with men shown her she needed to be careful, look beyond the shiny veneer to the truth beneath?
And hey, she was a smart, sassy, intelligent woman who happened to own her own business. She needed to focus on her having the power, not the other way around. Be smooth. In control. Taking in a deep breath, she let it out in a long sigh and centered her thoughts.
“Harper?”
With a start, she blinked.
Seth was standing in the open doorway of the elevator, his head tilted as if he’d been standing there a while.
Silently cursing to herself, she plastered on a smile and walked out, totally owning the moment every step of the way.
