“Hmmm...” I tap my chin, trying to think of an interesting question. Something that will reveal a little bit about the enigma sitting across from me. It’s not every day I get a chance to ask Logan Valeur anything I want. “What’s your favorite band?”
“Current or all-time?” he asks, tilting his head.
“All-time.”
“Then Led Zeppelin. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is the best song ever written.” His answer is immediate and certain.
I blink. “Surprising.”
“Why?”
“Because the song is about the over-materialistic society,and you’re the CEO of a tech companyand a billionaire,” I emphasize, gesturing toward him.
“True,” he acknowledges with a slight nod, “but that doesn’t mean I don’t think the song is right. That’s why I always try to use my resources to do good in the world and to invest in research for products that will help humanity. Like your product, Sloane.” His voice softens as he says my name.
I swallow hard, my heart skipping a beat. Everything he says always sounds so...personal, like he’s sharing a piece of himself.
I take a sip of wine for courage. “What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?”
“Okay. Tough question.” He rubs his chin, considering. “I guess the high school incident. One of my math teachers gave me a lower grade than I thought I deserved, so I bought piles of condoms and taped them all over his car.”
A mischievous glint appears in his eyes at the memory, and I can’t help but laugh, the image of a teenage Logan on a condom-taping rampage popping into my head. “I wouldn’t have thought you had that kind of mischievous streak in you.”
He tilts his head. “What’s the craziest thing you’ve done?”
“Is that your question?” I tease.
“Yes.”
My cheeks heat. “You’ll be disappointed because I’m a nerd and always have been. The craziest thing I’ve done was sleep with a guy on the first date. And it was awful. I’ve never done that again.” I look down, suddenly fascinated by the tablecloth.
When I glance back up, Logan’s face has hardened, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “How many men have you slept with?” His voice is low, almost a growl.
My eyes widen at the personal question. But I did say no lying allowed. “Is that your second question?”
“Yes.” He doesn’t blink.
“Three,” I answer honestly, my voice small.
Something flashes in his eyes before he asks, “Have you ever been in love?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “You’re going to owe me a lot of questions at the end.” I smile, trying to lighten the suddenly intense mood. “I thought I was in love with Johnny, my last boyfriend, and I thought he was in love with me.”
“You thought?” Logan’s brow furrows.
I nod, a lump forming in my throat at the painful memory. “Yeah. But I was wrong.” I shrug, trying to seem unaffected.
Logan’s large hand suddenly covers mine on the table, his skin warm. “He’s an idiot then,” Logan says, his deep voice soft but firm. “His loss entirely.”
A wave of heat rushes through me at his touch, awakening something deep within. This is inappropriate. What’s come over me?
Stop it.
I pull my hand back, immediately missing his warmth. “Now it’s my turn.” I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure.
My gaze darts to his defined chest beneath his shirt before meeting his smoldering eyes. “How many women have you slept with?” I blurt out, emboldened by the wine and the intimate conversation.
Logan’s intense blue eyes pierce into mine. “Ten.”