Page 44 of Samson

She put a hand up. “Hang on. You can’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Get me to agree and then up the ante at the last second.”

“I was just making a suggestion.”

“I hope so, because I’ll distract him, but I will remain inside the restaurant at all times. There is no way I will leave this building with that man. It’s embarrassing enough that people will see us together and gossip. But I won’t allow myself to be marked as one of his women.”

“Of course. I completely agree. I trust that you will have no trouble keeping his focus squarely on you for as long as I need you to.”

“So when’s this happening?”

He looked at his watch. “One hour. If you can get started on him at least fifteen minutes early, that should be enough time to draw him in.”

“And how long do you need me to keep his attention?”

“Another fifteen minutes at the most.”

“So I’ve got to flirt with him for thirty minutes? That’s a lot.”

“It will go by fast. Keep your phone in your pocket on vibrate. Once you’re clear, I’ll call you and let it ring twice, then you can come up here and iron out that page before Aunt Lindsey turns in her grave.”

“My mom would not be that worried.”

“If you say so.”

She shook her head. “You’d better get back to your customers. I’ll be down soon.”

“Heather’s on his table tonight. I can have her step out so you can move in.”

“Is he alone?”

“Is he ever alone?”

“That will make it tricky to keep his attention.”

“I’m sure you can figure something out. Invite him to a quiet corner to have a chat.”

She pretended to choke. “I hope you know how painful this is.”

“I do. That’s what makes you so amazing. In fact, you are the best.”

“I already said I’d do it. You don’t have to butter me up.”

“You won’t regret it.”

“I already do.” She grimaced. “I can’t believe I have to be nice to him.”

He slapped her arm. “You’ll do great. I’ll see you down there soon.”

After Luca left, she sat on the couch with her head in her hands, her mind warring with her heart. She should be full of disgust, but she wasn’t.

She shoved all her warm feelings aside. This was nothing more than a favor to Luca. After today, if Samson got any ideas, she’d make it clear that she had no interest in him.

Chapter 11

Delilah enteredthe dining room and walked to the bar. She’d spotted Samson sitting in a booth at the back, laughing with a table full of beautiful people.

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