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She laughs a lot at that, and then turns thoughtful, grinning wryly as she takes another sip of her milkshake. “I’m a sucker for reality TV. The trashier, the better.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have pegged you for a reality TV fan.”
“Sometimes, it’s just nice to unwind and watch other people’s drama unfold,” she explains with a shrug, trying to brush off the giggly embarrassment. “What about you? Any guilty pleasures you’d care to confess?”
“Crime,” I tell her, cradling my cup of coffee, and then grin at the look on her face. “Or should I say: crimenovels. Every time the next Grisham or Lee Child thriller comes out, I stay home reading that sucker until it’s done.”
Her laugh is a little more awkward then, and I think I’ve nailed it. Her problem isn’t me, exactly.
It’s my connections.
Well, at least I know now. There’s been more than one woman a little reluctant to get involved with me due to those connections, but they always come around in the end, once they get to know me.
And I suspect my intentions to wiggle my way into bed with Natalie Moreau will have to be put on hold another night or two. But that’s fine.
That’s…actually fine.
“I’d like to get to know you better,” I say, impulsive.
She raises her eyebrows, amused. “You sound almost surprised.”
She’s not wrong. But I see something quizzical in her face that makes me say, “What are you thinking?”
“I’m wondering what prompted this evening.” Straight and to the point—I like that about her.
I swirl a fry through some ketchup, weighing how to answer. “Honestly? I wanted to see your reaction to the work I do for women and kids in need. The Ruby is more than just glitz and glamour.”
Natalie absorbs this with a slow nod. I can’t tell if she believes me. I hope she does.
I really hope she does, with an urgency that takes me by surprise.
“And that reminds me,” I go on. I slide an embossed invitation across the table toward her. “I’d like to offer you membership at the Ruby.”
Natalie’s eyes widen a fraction. She turns the invite over in her hands and opens it. I can see when she’s read the financial details, because her eyes go very wide.
One hundred thousand dollars to join.
And an additional fifty in membership fees each year.
“The fees are quite substantial,” I say coolly. “But they come with perks. There are…backroom entertainment options. I know you enjoyed your first peek behind the curtain.”
Natalie chews her lower lip.
Damn it,Iwant to be the one biting that lip.
“Just something to think about,” I add lightly when she stays quiet. “No pressure. I know it’s a big commitment.”
Good God, after all her hints about it, I would have thought she’d be over the moon.
She nods, tucking the invite into her bag. “I appreciate the offer, very much, Alessa. Thank you. And I’ll consider it carefully.”
Considerit?
This woman is going to drive me crazy.
“Think of it as an investment—not just in yourself, but in the community.” I lean forward. “The fees help fund our charitable endeavors, like the soup kitchen. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
“Oh, I’mextremelyflattered and grateful,” she says quickly. “I’ll just have to speak to my accountant, that’s all. He’s so dry and boring—you know how they are. I really prefer to avoid all contact.”
