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With a knowing smirk, he lays down his bread and folds his arms. “Is there a secret boyfriend lurking around somewhere that I don’t know about?”
“Oh, no,” I laugh. “Trust me, I’m definitely single.”Gosh, that makes me sound so desperate. Play it cool, play it cool.
Nick wipes his mouth on a napkin and then asks me outright: “Exactly how long have you been single?”
“Let’s just say it’s been a while,” I reply diplomatically.
His eyes soak in every word coming out of my mouth.“It’s been a while for me, too,” he whispers, taking a bite from a celery stick.
Holy Mother of God.Is he coming on to me?
The waiter appears with dessert and the two of us tuck into a delicious chocolate and coconut mousse sprinkled with pineapples.
“This tastes so good,” Nick says, scraping the last of the mousse from his bowl. “I could do with seconds.” Slowly, teasingly, he withdraws the spoon from his mouth, turns it over and licks the metal clean.
Oh, my Lord, I want to be that spoon.
The waiter returns to clear away the plates, and Nick politely asks for the bill. When it comes, he gives it the onceover and then places a platinum credit card on the table. Excitedly, I pull out my wallet and slide my Visa Debit toward him. “I’d like to pay for half. It’s only fair.”
He scoffs and slides it back at me. “Don’t be silly, Carly. You’ve already paid for the theatre,solet this be my treat, okay?”
My mouth becomes a tight line. “Thanks. I don’t know what to say.”
The waiter brings over the portable card reader and takes Nick’s payment. When he’s gone and we’re alone again, I can’t stop grinning.Wow.What a gentleman. Andrew would never have turned down an offer to go Dutch on a meal.
“I’ve booked us a room,” Nick says softly.
“Huh?” My mouth drops open.
“I said I’ve booked us a room.”
“Oh.” I suddenly get his meaning.
And then I laugh a big, hearty laugh and dab the corners of my eyes with a napkin. Maybe it’s the wine getting to me, or maybe I’m going crazy. When I finally regain my composure, I say, “I think you’re taking a hell of a lot for granted.”
He arches an eyebrow. “Am I?”
I don’t answer.
My expression tells him all he needs to know.
And then we both start laughing, and I can’t look at him, because inside I’m feeling kind of sick. A part of me can’t believe he’s saying what I think he’s saying.
Once the histrionics are over, Nick’s face grows serious again. “So, are you up for it?”
“Yes. I’m up for it,” I whisper.
CHAPTER FIVE
The Corinthia
Our suite is on the second floor of the hotel. As soon as we get inside, Nick switches on the lights, and I feel a flutter of apprehension. My legs are weak and it’s a struggle to put one foot in front of the other. I’m also more turned-on than I’ve ever been in my life. I can’t believe I’m about to do something I’ve dreamed of constantly since the first day we met. And yet, a part of me is petrified I’ll end up disappointing him. It’s been so long, and I’m so out of practice. What if this is all a big mistake?
Folding my arms across my chest, I step into the bedroom area of our suite. It’s absolutely breathtaking, with a king-size bed, leather-panelled walls, a plasma-screen TV and a balcony with a panoramic view of the River Thames. By the window is a large cocktail cabinet, a gas fire and an ornately carved walk-in wardrobe. To my right, a glass partition slides back to reveal a spectacular bathroom with marbled walls, a huge stone bath and a gold-plated shower.
Suddenly, I start to panic; things are moving too fast.
“I’m sorry. I don’t think I can do this.” I turn to go, but before I reach the door, Nick’s in front of me, barring my exit.
