Page 18 of Reckless Intentions
Chapter Ten
Olivia stood with a glass of wine in her hand on the balcony of Caro’s apartment before dinner. As she leant against the railing she observed families still out on the beach below playing games, and happy couples enjoying each other’s company, kissing and cuddling. A sudden pang of unhappiness hit her as she watched the contented twosomes, and her heart sank. Unexpected tears pricked the corners of her eyes and she hurriedly blinked them away.
The impromptu dinner invitation had taken her by surprise, although there was no real reason for her to decline. It would be like going out with Caro, Eva and Poppy. A meal with a friend - no, a new acquaintance - who knew the best places to go. If that was the case, why had she taken so much care over her appearance?
Even after only a couple of days, her usually pale skin had taken on a golden hue, and she had a healthy glow. The burgundy playsuit she had chosen to wear was shorter than she’d usually consider and plunged between her breasts. Not that she expected Brody to be paying much attention to that area.
She finished her wine and went back inside, pulling the doors closed behind her. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen:I’m about ten minutes away, see you soon x.
Olivia stared at the message. There was a kiss at the end. What did that mean? She went into the bathroom to finish her make-up, and as she reached for her mascara wand, she told herself she was totally overthinking things.
He probably did that to every female he came into contact with.
She stared at her reflection as she applied another layer of mascara, remembering how made-up Valentina had been. Brody clearly liked women who made a lot of effort. Olivia frowned at herself and tried to get rid of all thoughts of trying to impress him.
It was simply a business dinner, to smooth things along on the project. A project on the verge of being way behind schedule if things didn’t change.
Rummaging in her make-up bag, she found the sheer pink lip gloss she usually wore. As she was about to slick some on her lips, something made her reach back into the bag. Her hand curled around the dark red lipstick that she hadn’t worn in ages. Before she could change her mind, she put it on.
As she headed out the door, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror.
She didn’t look like the Olivia Cole who had been dumped almost a week ago.
She looked hot, desirable.
If only she felt the same way.
It was obvious what Brody thought when she arrived at Restaurant Miramar. His eyes practically popped out on stalks as the waiter pulled out her chair.
‘Thank you.” She nodded at the waiter, following it with a coquettish smile, as she took the menu from him and sat down opposite Brody.
“You look…different.”
It took all of Olivia’s willpower not to roll her eyes in response. Different? Was that all it was? She pretended not to have heard him, and instead busied herself with studying the delicious sounding food options.
Restaurant Miramar overlooked the yachting marina, with perfect views of the sea. The dining room was around half-full, mostly with couples. Olivia couldn’t help wonder whether Brody had chosen it for the romantic ambiance.
“The seafood here is amazing,” he said, breaking the silence.
With those few words, Olivia knew he wasn’t thinking about her in any way other than as a spy for his boss. “Do you come here a lot then?”
Brody nodded. “Because it’s great food, in a fabulous location and I usually have the most amazing company.”
His answer slapped her hard.Usually.He’d obviously asked her to dinner to keep her sweet. There was nothing else in it. Her eyes swam as she perused the menu. She needed a large glass of wine.
As if reading her thoughts, Brody waved the waiter over. “Podriamos tener una botella de Monopole, por favor.”
The Spanish rolled off his tongue with ease. Olivia had heard him speaking the language on the phone, and Caro had obviously learned it in the time she had been there.
Having him order without even consulting her, made her cross. After all, how did he know what she would like? They hadn’t even discussed what they were going to eat.
When the waiter materialised with a bottle a couple of minutes later, she frowned as she caught sight of the label. “I thought Rioja was meant to be a red wine?”
“It is usually. Why don’t you try it?”
Olivia reached for her glass. The waiter had poured a small taster and she took a sip. To her surprise, the wine tasted rich and creamy, with hints of citrus. She finished off what was left with a gulp.
Brody laughed. “Hey, slow down. I don’t want to have to carry you home later.”
