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“Where will they stay? Is there room?” I asked, feeling guilty I had a two-bedroomcasitato myself.
“Between my ranch and those of my neighbors, we can comfortably accommodate everyone here. Merrigan arranged for clothing, shoes, and other incidentals to be delivered prior to their arrival. Each of the guesthouses has been stocked with food and whatever else I could think of they might need.”
Tryst asked if we could join one of the tables with two open spots. By the end of our meal, he had every person—man or woman—seated with us hanging on his every word.
When he returned from the buffet line with several helpings of dessert, I teased him, saying, “You are an incorrigible flirt.”
“The truth is, I love women. I’ll make no apology for it,” he responded, winking. “In fact, I love all people.”
“Perhaps the word I should’ve used was admirable.”
“You are no different. You love people as much as I do.”
I shook my head. “Not true. I have come across many I abhor. For example, the men and women responsible for the pain and suffering of those around us.”
“Those who harm others. You make a good point. But is there no chance for redemption?”
“When there is atonement.”
He nodded, stroking his beard with his hand. “The Hindus believe a soul’s next incarnation depends on the actions throughout a person’s previous life.”
“Karma.”
He studied me. “Are you a believer?”
“In Karma, yes. In reincarnation, I cannot say definitively.” I took a bite of tres leches cake, savoring its sweetness and wondering if Tryst was a devout practitioner. If so, what did he believe became of his late wife’s soul? “What?” I asked, noticing him staring at my mouth.
“You have a little cream right…here.” He reached out and touched my face with his thumb. When he brought it to his lips, I nearly orgasmed. Maybe notnearly. However, I was definitely aroused.
“I should, um, probably…” God, what was wrong with me? There were undoubtedly things I needed to do. Why couldn’t I think of a single one?
“I’m slowly learning the Esencia sutra,” he murmured.
“Slowly?” I muttered. “You haven’t known me twenty-four hours.”
Tryst’s lazy, seductive smile multiplied the desire I felt for him. When he leaned closer, a chill went up my spine. “Perhaps our souls have known each other far longer.”
“Incorrigible,” I repeated, getting up from the table. “Thank you for an enjoyable meal. I’m sure I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I will look forward to it.”
“You and Tryst seem to be getting on well,” said Merrigan when I joined her and Kade—who I knew as Doc—at their table.
“I have rarely encountered a bigger flirt.”
“And that would be my cue to leave,” said Doc, standing and walking in the direction from where I’d come.
“I don’t think he is,” said Merrigan, shaking her head.
“Is what?”
“Flirtatious.”
I laughed. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew him.”
“Actually, I know him quite well.”
I sobered. “I’m here to do a job.”
