Page 54 of Royal Flush

“What is it that you need to know about me that will allow you to trust me?”

The question was valid and one I hadn’t thought through. “I don’t know. Are you a good guy?”

His laugh filled me with hunger. “You already know the answer to that. I’m ruthless and some say a forever playboy.”

“I don’t buy that. You just haven’t found the right person yet. They are tough to find, the search exhausting.” Now I was giving relationship advice? How fascinating.

“Is that you want, a relationship? A huge family?”

I pushed the plate away, uncertain I even knew the answer. “I really want a career of my own and yet, I’m not certain what that is. I know I want to have a business of my own, treating employees like family. But I have many interests.”

“Such as?”

“Fine art. Sculpture. Music. Television. I think whatever I do I want to remain creative. I can’t imagine being a boring accountant.” We both laughed, which was a welcome respite. “I can see a fabulous art gallery where huge showings are done, wine and champagne flowing.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“I know. Frivolous.”

“That wasn’t what I was thinking. I don’t see you that way at all. You’re highly intelligent and can do anything you put your mind to.”

“Good. If you think of me as nothing but a nerd, you’re sorely mistaken.”

“You will never be mistaken for a nerd.” He polished off his drink, immediately getting to his feet and heading to the bar. “What else do you want to know?”

I had to think about how far down the rabbit hole I wanted this to go. “Favorite color?”

He turned his head quickly, the sexiest smile I’d seen crossing his face. “Really?”

“Really. You can tell a lot about a person by the color they choose.”

“Blue, I guess.”

“You guess. Hmmm…”

After pouring another half glass, he swaggered back in my direction. “No one has ever asked me a simple question like that before.” After placing his glass on the table, he refilled my wine.

“Mine is easy. Red. A power color. It suits me.”

“Yes, it does. What should that tell me about you?”

“That I refuse to give up a fight no matter how brutal.” I’d obviously amused him, his laugh tickling all my senses.

“I like that about you, amongst other things. You know, I think my favorite color is emerald green.”

“Ah, a beautiful representation of the earth and everything solid.”

“Maybe so.”

“Favorite food?”

His nostrils flared as he allowed his overheated gaze to fall. “Isn’t that obvious. A blood-red steak.”

“Mmm… A meat and potatoes boy.”

“To a degree, yes. You?”

“You happened to select my absolute favorite. I love seafood and pasta. Although ice cream is a close second.”

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