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“I couldn’t possibly accept that kind of gift. You’ve seen where I live, the work I do.” She gestured to her dress and clutch. “They deserve a happier home, with someone who can enjoy them.”
“We’ll just have to find another place for you to wear them.” Although I’d much prefer them on my floor and Bree naked on my bed.
“Um, no, I think not. I’m sure you have a flock of women lining up on your doorstep, ready and willing to date you.” Her smile was sad. “You know, those who are more suited to your lavish lifestyle.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed. I don’t date.”
“Well, that’s kind of confusing.” Her eyebrows drew together. “Then why’d you call this a date?”
“Because you are the exception,” I said, watching for her reaction. And when it came, it was as glorious as I’d hoped for.
Her eyes widened and her pink lips parted ever so slightly with an inhaled breath. A flush rose along her collarbone and neck, rising to her cheeks. She was absolute perfection.”I’m not sure I understand. Why in the world would you want to date me?”
I cocked my head to the side. “Do you think so poorly of yourself?”
“No, but I’m also not an idiot. You could date any woman you set your sights on.” She narrowed her eyes, and I could feel her indignation rising like a surging wave. Her sister wasn’t the only one with a temper.
Marissa’s anger was sure to be as quick to withdraw as it was to rise, but I somehow knew that Bree’s would be different. It would develop slowly and build over time, until the power of her wrath crashed into her target with the force of a hurricane. The damage left in her wake would be catastrophic.
Yet, despite the destruction, I would stand in awe of her strength and beauty.
“Is this some sort of game for you? A bet to see if you can make the poor girl fall for you? Slumming it for a night?”
Her words struck me like a punch to the stomach. “You are unlike any woman I’ve ever met, Bree. You intrigue me, challenge me. Hell, you avoid me.” I swept my gaze over her face as the wave within her withdrew and softened her features. “I find myself thinking of you more often than not, wondering what it is you’re doing and what makes you happy. I want to know everything about you, something I’ve never wanted from a woman before.”
Her gaze dropped to the ground, but I tipped her chin back up, needing her to see the truth in my face. Drowning in the depths of those ocean-hued eyes for the rest of my life would be heaven enough, since I was surely damned to Hell.
“Something tells me there’s so much more to you than meets the eye,” I added quietly.
“That could be true for most people.” She smiled, but there was a guarded edge to her expression. That edge had shown up several times that night.
Most people were quite transparent, which made her secrets even more tempting to unravel. I would peel back the layers and discover what had caused that guarded expression, then grind that reason into nothing but pulp.
“Maybe, but I’m willing to slum it with you for a while longer, darlin’, if you’ll do me the honor.” I winked and held out my arm.
As she took my arm, she pursed her lips but failed at hiding her amusement. “Fine, but tell me, does calling a woman ‘darlin’’ actually work for you?”
I led her to the elevator. “You know, I’ve never asked. Does it work for you?”
“I haven’t decided yet,” she said as the door slid shut.
The next part of my plan for the evening included a stroll down the National Mall toward the Jefferson Memorial. The memorial was one of my favorite places in the city, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin bloomed.
My friends would ensure there were no interruptions, which, being related to Ichiro Sato, happened more frequently than I’d like.
As we walked the few blocks to the National Mall, I pointed out little-known features of the city. I’d studied D.C. for years, fascinated by its history and politics, past as well as current. It was one of the few interests I’d pursued for myself while growing up.
When I mentioned that at least 168 different languages were spoken by city residents, Bree’s eyes widened, sparkling with genuine interest. Once again, she was proving far different from any woman I’d considered dating in the past, most of whom feigned interest or changed the subject to more mundane topics.
In the center of the Mall, the Washington Monument towered before us. Well-placed uplighting cast majestic shadows across the structure that honored the founding and first president of this country.
Beside me, Bree gasped and pointed into the darkened fields surrounding the monument. “What are those?”
I looked where she pointed but saw little more than grass and fireflies. “What?”
