Page 16 of Risky Vows

She splays her hands on the table's surface, motioning to stand. "Can I go now?"

"No."

She slouches back in her seat. "Okay. Hmmmm… I'm assuming I can't inquire further about your work. So, what do you want to chat about?" She drums her fingers on the surface.

"Is Anthony treating you well?"

"Yes."

"Good. So he's not being inappropriate?"

"No. He's been very professional."

I stand, grab another glass of wine, and pour some for her. I give it to her and resume my meal.

"Thanks," she says, glancing at the red liquid. She holds the glass but doesn't drink.

"I didn't poison you."

She smiles. "You're a true romantic."

I wink at her. "Never doubt it."

She takes a tentative sip before continuing to drink until half the wine is gone. "This is fantastic."

"I invested in this winery a few years ago."

"One of your legit businesses."

"I knew the owner, who was having a hard time."

She claps her hands. "So you took advantage of someone in a time of need? That makes more sense."

I ignore her dig. "No. I met him before he became the owner. A friend of a friend. Lost both parents in a car crash. Got depressed and down on his luck."

She leans in, frowning, unable to believe what I'm saying.

"I offered my help. He's now very successful. To his credit, as you tasted."

She watches me in silence for a moment before saying, "If I have a talent, will you invest in it, too?"

Now I'm curious. "What's your talent?"

"I like massaging."

The idea of her hands on my naked body is a promising one. A stir takes over my body, and I sit straighter. "That's a talent I'd love to see evidence of."

"No, you don't understand… I've wanted to open a place before. Not a conventional one… a mobile one. Not for profit,but a way to help women victims of domestic violence. I wanted to collaborate with safe houses and things like that," she says, her tone even and calm, but the flames of excitement in her eyes reveal more than she says.

I take in her words and try to push away the images of her hands caressing my naked body. "You think battered women need a massage?"

"I think when they're in their healing phase, they can benefit from gentle touch and relaxation. If they want. It is to alleviate kinks, help them regain their sense of worth, and relax them as they prepare for interviews and trial dates. Of course, I'd hire women to do the massage and would carefully vet the employees."

I put my plate aside. "I have to ask… What's with the violence theme?"

"Nothing," she says quickly, looking away.

I tap my fingers on my lap. She's lying. I decide to probe a little to see if she’ll give me more. I can tell her mom has this weird, passive-aggressive relationship with her, but I'm not sure about her father. Sure, he's harmless now, but what was he like when she was younger? "Did your dad ever hit you?"

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