Page 49 of Robert

A smile curved his lips. “You sound like a reporter. I was asked that very question too many times to count. How about you ask me something more personal?”

She thought about it for a few seconds. “How many women have there been?” She bit back a laugh at the startled look on his face.

“I…” He cleared his throat and took a sip of coffee. “Not that personal and I never kept count.”

“That much, huh? Should I be concerned?”

He had to admit to himself ruefully that she had ruffled him and that was not easy to do.

“Shall we change the subject?”

Her smile widened. “What if I don’t want to?”

“Then you will be having this conversation by yourself.”

She was about to go further when she noticed the reddish tint to his tanned skin. Her eyes widened when she realized that he was embarrassed. “I cannot believe it.”

“Believe what?” He busied himself, lifting the cup to his lips and taking a fortifying sip.

“You are blushing.”

“I am most certainly not.” His deep voice had turned clipped and formal and had her laughing.

“Oh, my goodness!” She laughed harder and had him glowering at her. “Perhaps I should continue the conversation.”

“Then you would be the only one participating,” he told her stiffly.

“Okay, fine.” She tried to contain her mirth. “All right Mr. Faulkner, how about that breakfast, you promised me?”

His relief was so apparent, she had to steel herself from teasing him further.

“Good idea.”

Within minutes, she was ready. He had chosen not to change, and she kept what she was wearing and added ankle length boots. Tugging her hair free, she brushed it out and grabbed a jacket and her pocketbook.

“Love the car.” She told him as they stepped outside and onto the driveway.

“Thanks.” Opening the passenger door, he waited until she was seated before going around to take his seat.

Sonya settled her butt on the buttery soft leather of the souped-up coupe and closed her eyes briefly as he backed out of the driveway.

“Where are we going?”

“I haven’t decided yet. Any favorites?” He glanced at her and smiled as she pushed her seat back and stretched her legs out. He loved this side of her, relaxed and carefree, a smile touching her lips. After breakfast, he has every intention of taking her back to bed. But first, he figured it was only fair to feed her first.

“There is a diner just a few miles away that serves the best pancakes this side of town. It is a mom-and-pop place and the owners are friends of mine. I make it my duty to try out all of the food places in a five-mile radius.”

“Because you don’t cook.”

“Precisely.” She slid him a smile. “And I am not ashamed to admit that I haven’t the slightest interest in learning. I can boil eggs though.”

“Good to know. Luckily, I happen to like boiled eggs.” He was laughing at her, and she poked her tongue at him, sending his passion into overdrive.

He had to take a breath to steady himself.

“What’s the address?”

She told him, and he gave the voice command. After a few minutes, they turned into the small parking lot and found a parking space beneath a sprawling oak tree with wide open branches.

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