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“I even had strong suspicions that you were a vampire.”
His mouth curved into a slow, provocative arc. “Believe it or not, Miss Daniels, I did try to leave you alone, but I love how your mind works. I love your passion for and dedication to finding answers to questions we in the medical field ignore too often. The other reason I walked over here is,” he searched her eyes, “kind of shallow.”
“Are you trying to say you find me attractive?” she asked. “Because I’m not about to be your first-class ticket onto the Chocolate Express.”
He laughed, his eyes closing as he shook his head twice, which nearly brought a smile to her face. He’d continuously wavered between Mr. Hyde and Dr. Jekyll, but a laugh like that could make a woman forget which side was supposed to be the villain.
“What I’m trying to say,” he cleared his throat, the smile still on his face, “is that the reservation’s at seven-thirty. I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”
“Dr. Saraci,” she placed her face much closer to his than she’d envisioned it in her head, “go get ready for your ex.”
Suddenly, he was lifting his gaze from her mouth, but she couldn’t fault him for needing to break eye contact. She’d leaned into the man’s personal space as though their “banter” had erased the fact that they’d started this entire exchange as complete strangers.
“I’m sorry, but could you repeat that?” he asked.
Her heartbeat fluttered against her sternum. “Huh?”
“Repeat.”
“Repeat what?”
“What you said.”
“What did I say?”
Seconds ago, they were two warring dragons from enemy factions. Now, she saw fire-breathing serpents winding and twisting around one another, creating a seal so tight that not even time could tear it apart.
She rose to her feet, her breaths growing increasingly shallow. “Look, if this person was me, I wouldn’t want to be stood up. Keep your word, Dr. Saraci. You seem like the type who usually does.”
He nodded. “I am.”
“Then don’t change that for me.”
“Maybe you’re worth it.”
“Oh, I definitely am.”
Blinking slower than molasses, he studied her through slightly narrowed eyes as he pressed the fingernail on his thumb against his teeth.
“Saraci, a night between you and this ex could end in passion. A night between uswillend in the ER.” Doctors would then have to use surgical tools, a room full of hospital staff, and a crowbar to unlock her legs from around his waist.
“That’s the oddest part of it, Raina. I want to get to know you more than I’ve wanted to get to know anyone in my life.”
“You must hate that.”
“You have no idea.” He took her hand, his hold even softer than before. “But I’m serious. I’m not asking to sleep with you, and I’m not asking to waste your time. I’m asking you to dinner. I want to sit across from you tonight. There’s…something about you.”
There was something abouthim.
Something that made her think of sweat-slicked bodies, hot tongues, and tender fingertips with as much enthusiasm as she thought of end-of-the-day hugs, forehead kisses, Christmas mornings, and the brush of his lips against her palm.
“Dr. Saraci,” she squeezed his fingers, “have a good night.”
She walked off, knees dangerously close to buckling, and released a breath when she didn’t feel his hand on any part of her body. Still, when she reached the dining hall’s exit doors, she turned around.
Their eyes met.
Lucas Saraci was attractive in the way a moth was helpless to ignore singed wings as it fluttered to a certain death. He was obviously intelligent, and she was sure it would only take one web search to find proof of his achievements. Yet, the minute he opened his mouth, he became a savage powerful enough to tempt her into becoming a masochist.
