Page 19 of Rafe: Sins of the Father

“I haven’t.”

“You’d love it. The people, the food, the architecture. Perhaps I could show it to you sometime.”

It’s the first indication that he’s interested in more than being shown around town, and I frown. “You want to take me to Morocco?”

“Tori, I’d love to show you the world. I see in you a woman who’s open to adventure and who isn’t afraid of trying new things. You climbed in that fast car without an ounce of fear, and you laughed when I hit the accelerator. Tell me I’m wrong?”

“I suppose I am adventurous.”

“I’d love for you to see my vineyard. Please tell me you will.”

I look away, flushing. He’s an attractive man, and his attention is very flattering.

He cocks his head. “Is it my age? Is thirty-eight too old for you?”

“No. Not at all.”

“Glad to hear it.” He takes another bite of pie. “You’re beautiful, Tori, and I find you fascinating, plus I love your laugh. I’d love to spend more time with you. Would you have dinner with me sometime?”

“I’d love to.”

“Fantastic. I’ve got business I have to take care of this weekend, but perhaps the one after that?”

“All right. Call me.”

He finishes his pie and pushes the plate forward. “Show me this fountain you’ve talked about.”

He pays, and I lead him out to the courtyard. It’s late, and we’re the only two out here. Pretty lighting is strung about, and the sound of the water is soothing.

Alex digs into his pocket and holds a quarter out to me. “Make a wish?”

I grin and take it, laughing. “I’m surprised you still carry coins.”

“I came prepared.” He shrugs. “Gotta have a coin to make a wish, right?”

I smile and turn to the fountain. Then make a wish and toss the coin.

“I don’t suppose you’ll tell me what you wished for,” he murmurs, stepping closer and tucking a stray hair behind my ear.

My pulse beats at his nearness, and I breathe in his expensive cologne. A moment later, he leans in and kisses my lips. It’s barely a brush, and I like that he doesn’t press for a deeper kiss. He’s simply testing the waters. Pulling back, he grins. “I know what you wished for, Tori.”

“What’s that?”

“To drive my car back?”

“Bingo,” I tease, knowing he’d never let me drive it, but he surprises me by holding up the key fob. My mouth drops open. “You can’t be serious.”

“Serious as a heart attack, angel.” The fob still dangles in front of me.

“Are you sure?”

“Don’t fail me now, Tori. Be that adventurous girl I know you are.”

I take the fob from his hand, unable to hold back my huge grin. I’m jumping up and down on the inside.

When we get to the car, I hesitate. “You have insurance, right?”

He chuckles. “On a two-hundred-and fifty-thousand-dollar car? Yeah, I have insurance, babe.”

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