Page 11 of Wes

Determined to make this night work, I decide to stay on neutral topics. I glance at the list of plates and ask, “What’s good here?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

I hook a finger onto the top of the leather covering she’s grabbing. I pull it down until our eyes meet. The impact of her pointy stare hits me like the full blast of a cannon ball. Air leaves my lungs in a sharp hiss when my heart rate spikes.

After a hard swallow, I find my voice. “Thought you’d picked this venue.”

She scoffs waving her hands around, “This is all Ana and Moira.”

“Oh, that’s what Ana meant when she said they’d figured things out. I thought she was talking just about making the reservations,” I whisper.

Maria nods. “I would’ve never chosen an entertainment complex such as this. The place has a serious case of identity crisis.”

I snort-laugh. “Good one. That’s what happens when they mix a night club, a theater, and a restaurant in the same address.”

Her gaze scans my smiling face, and her stern expression softens for a heartbeat before she slips the scowl back in place, lifting the barrier up again between us.

Without another choice, I focus on choosing dinner. When we decide, I press the button to call Pedro and order our dishes and a bottle of red wine. Silence grows uncomfortable as we wait for the food. Maria’s fingers play with the fork, then the knife, and on to the glass of water, while her eyes dart around, never meeting mine. Her nostrils flare and the sequins on her dress shine as her large breasts rise and fall with her deep intakes of air.

I’m about to call it a night when her stare pins down mine. I let out a shaky sigh as blood buzzes through my veins, burning the base of my spine.

A vivid shade of pink stains her cheeks and she blurts out, “Tonight might end up too tame for you. I bet you went club-hopping yesterday after the auction.”

Reality squashes my impulse to lash out at that comment. She makes a good point based on facts news outlets often publish about me. However, for the first time in forever, I didn’t indulge myself last night. I didn’t feel the urge to get out to search for a willing partner to fuck her brains out.

Our eyes meet and my stomach drops remembering the emotions Maria stirred in me yesterday. Our interactions left me bewildered, excited, and intrigued. But I’m sure they had nothing to do with my decision to stay put.

I shake my head, dismissing the nonsensical idea, as I offer her a more plausible explanation for my behavior, “Actually, I didn’t. After my recent issues, I thought I’d rather lie low.”

Although I choose self-deprecation as a tool to defuse the palpable tension between us, I don’t get the desired outcome. On the contrary, Maria erupts as if I’ve just ignited a bonfire under her.

She splays her palms on the pristine linen covering the table, ready to bolt. After a couple of huffs, she slumps against the chair, her eyes throw deadly daggers at me. She opens and closes her mouth without uttering words, but her indignation is as clear as a summer sky.

Whatever comments she was about to make die down when Pedro returns with our food. By the time he leaves, Maria’s cheeks have gone back to their healthy rosy complexion, as opposed to the fiery glow of a few moments ago.

Only her blue gaze remains as dark as the Pacific Ocean and just as mysterious to me. I cannot read this young woman. And for some unknown reason, I want to know her better. Instead, I find myself engaging in a litany of pointless topics during our meal.

As we polish off our servings of the best creme brulee I’ve ever tasted, I risk a more personal subject. “Ana and Moira tell me you run Welcoming Hills in San Francisco. I was impressed. I’ve followed the fantastic job the institution has been doing with those kids for a while.” I shrug. “I expected someone older to be in charge. Did you start it when you were in kindergarten or something?”

Her face lights up with a genuine smile, the first I’ve seen. And the ring of her laughter warms my chest. My reaction to her glee makes me forget what I meant to say next. I was going to pick a bone with her about the fact Welcoming Hills has never accepted direct help from Muse of Darkness. We dedicate a portion of our earnings to funding organizations that take care of kids, especially orphans. Not only because of Erik’s and Logan’s backgrounds, but because Nick and I also believe in giving back to the community.

Right now, all I can think of is how gorgeous the founder of Welcoming Hills looks when she’s not guarded against the world. Or against me, at least.

“I’m twenty-seven going on twenty-eight. So, I can assure you I’d left kindergarten way behind me when I started the foundation.”

Pedro brings us the check and I snatch it before Maria’s outstretched fingers get to it.

“No way, ma’am. My treat,” I promise as I slip my credit card inside the small leather folder and return it to the server. After he leaves, I add, “It’s the least I can do.” Propping my elbows on the table, I lace my fingers and rest my chin on them, holding her gaze. “Your job must be so rewarding. I mean being around kids all the time and having a chance to make a positive influence on their lives.”

Her eyes round for a heartbeat in surprise. “Actually, it’s the best job in the world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Her voice sounds warm for the first time since we’ve met, which matches the expression on her face.

“Sounds amazing. I can relate. Growing up, I had only one sister, which was great. But I sometimes wished I had more siblings to play with, you know.” Eager to make the lightness of the moment last, I turn on my most famous grin, one that has been known for its superpower to melt bones, hearts, and panties. With a wink to boot, I add, “That’s why I’ve always wanted a big family for myself.”

An ominous cloud darkens her face making her joy evaporate. Standing to her feet, she grabs the coat, drapes it around her forearm, and whispers, “I’ve got to go to the restroom. I’ll wait for you there.”

I wrap my fingers around her fragile wrist careful not to bruise it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend or anything.”

Even though I have no idea why I’m apologizing, her lightning change of mood makes it clear I’ve said something I shouldn’t have.

---