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I raise an eyebrow. “A super tiny espresso maker?”
“Ha.” He claims the seat across from me. “Is this the first poker marathon you’ve attended?”
“Yes.” I tear my eyes from his, and stare at the box, a petite pristine white bow on top. “You don’t need to do this.”
“I know,” he says, smiling. “I want to. Open it.”
I’ve never been one to rip open presents. I enjoy the unwrapping, the peeling away of the layers, the unveiling almost as much as I enjoy the actual gift. Besides, I’ve learned the hard way that too frequently men give you things to feel good about themselves. A way to feel like they are courting you instead of purchasing a fantasy. Or worse, buying a GWP.
I search Dylan’s face for selfish motivations but all I see is kindness and anticipation.
“You’re killing me,” he says, looking like a kid waiting in front of a decorated tree piled high with presents on Christmas morning. “Open it already.”
I bite back a smile. “Okay, boss man.”
“Dylan,” he says. “Boss man’s my brother.”
I pull the lid from the box, unfold the tissue paper. Inside is a delicate diamond necklace. “It’s beautiful.” I pull the pretty pendant in the shape of a horseshoe from the box, and dangle it in front of me. The dim lighting in the bar catches the sparkle of the diamonds like they’re on fire.
“I think so too.” Dylan beams and springs from his chair. “I read your bio, saw your pic and this feeling hit me.” He thumps one hand on his chest. “Right here. You, Evelyn Berlinger, you are my lucky charm. It seems only fitting my lucky charm has one of her own.” He takes the necklace from me and pauses, his hands just inches from my neck. “May I?”
Tingles zip down my spine and I nod.
He gathers my long hair with care, lifts it off my back, and places it over my shoulder. Its length trails down onto my breast. His breath is warm on my skin and it’s all I can do not to fan myself.
He loops the necklace in front of my throat, the diamond charm landing possessively on my breastbone. The chain is delicate and cool in contrast to his elegant warm hands. He secures the clasp, brushing the little hairs on the back of my neck. The skin pebbles on the backs of my arms and my nipples grow hard in my lace bra.
The waiter drops off our drinks. Thank God, because I am in desperate need of something to cool me down right now. Unlike most of my clients, Dylan McAlister is hotter than sin. Also unlike most of my clients, Dylan isn’t thinking about himself.
“Thank you,” I say, completely rattled. I can’t recall a time when a guy went was so generous to me. “This is so kind.”
“It looks great on you,” he says. “I wanted my lucky charm to be taken care of tonight.”
“Lucky charm wants to help you tonight as much as possible. Make that easier for me,” I say, reluctantly retreating from the dopamine hit and returning to the business arena. “Tell me more about you. Things that aren’t on your profile.”
“What do you want to know?” he asks.
I size him up. Those cheekbones. Those eyes. Those lips that beg to be bitten. “You look like the kind of guy who would rush into a burning building to save people. You’ve got the classic ‘hero’ look.”
“Are you flirting with me, Ms. Berlinger?” He smiles, a smattering of crinkle wrinkles etched around his blue eyes, making him even sexier, if that’s possible.
I shrug. “Just calling it how I see it.”
“Aha. A straight shooter. I’m in trouble now.” He shakes his head and sits down. “I’ve never run into a burning building. But you’ve obviously heard about the frog.”
“The frog?”
“It was just that one time and yet, like a fairytale curse, the legend follows me wherever I go.” He sighs theatrically and drums his fingers on the table.
“Wow. Sorry to hear that. Did you… kiss a frog?” I shove back a giggle.
“Gross,” he says, and shakes his head.
“Did you think the amphibian incident would escape my scrutiny?”
“Nope. It didn’t escape my biology teacher’s either.”
“Did you… I’m going out on a limb here, rescue a frog?”
