Page 4 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“Is that right? What’s your specialty?”
“Whatever you’re hungry for.”
The suggestive innuendo caused heat to rise between us. Naomi’s eyes widened, but she didn’t pull away.
“That’s a dangerous offer to make to a woman,” she said.
“Why dangerous?”
“Because I have a big appetite.”
Heat moved to my groin, and I came to the conclusion that she was playing the game that I’d started. The song ended, but neither of us moved to separate. The next number began, a more energized tempo. Naomi surprised me by stepping back and extending her hand.
“Show me what else your Aunt Bernice taught you.”
When I pulled her close, our bodies clung together like a puzzle piece. Our hips moved, our gazes steady on each other as we twirled and swung like one ecosystem. We were like tune after tune and by the time we realized it an hour had passed.
“Okay, now I’m impressed,” she said, slightly breathless as we left the dance floor. “Where did you learn to swing dance like that?”
“I told you. My aunt didn’t believe in doing anything halfway.”
“I like her already.”
“She would love you. She has a weakness for intelligent women with attitude.”
Naomi stopped walking. “Are you flirting with me, Mr. Valentine?”
“Christian. And yes, I am. Is that a problem?”
“It’s not professional.”
“This never felt like business for me, just you.”
She blushed but didn’t respond. We found our assigned table, and I watched Naomi charm my dinner companions—a federal judge, a tech entrepreneur, and a real estate developer who couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. She handled their attention with grace, deflecting unwanted flirtatiousness while keeping the conversation flowing.
“The next item up for bid,” the auctioneer announced, “is a weekend in Tuscany, donated by the Navigator Fund.”
“You should bid on that,” Naomi said quietly.
“Why?”
“It’s for a good cause. Plus, Tuscany in autumn is supposed to be magical.”
I raised my paddle. “Five thousand.”
“Seven thousand!” someone responded across the room.
I looked at Naomi, who was watching me expectantly. “Ten thousand.”
“Fifteen!”
“Twenty,” I said without hesitation.
The bidding continued, escalating quickly. When it reached thirty-five thousand, I glanced at Naomi again.
“Don’t stop now,” Naomi whispered. “You’re enjoying this.”
“Only if you promise to make the trip to Tuscany with me.”
