Page 23 of Jack of Hearts
Alex closed his menu. “Same for me.”
“Do you actually like Cuban food, or did you just think I’d prefer it?” she asked after the waiter left. “I guess what I’m asking is if this is a”—she made air quotes—“how much can I impress Madison by playing to her heritage kind of date?” Okay, so she was feeling snarky, and maybe he didn’t deserve it, but then he’d taken off with Trina, so maybe he did.
“I happen to love Cuban food. As for you, I have no idea what you like since this is the first time we’ve dined together. I’d very much like to change that, Madison.”
She trailed her finger around the rim of the daiquiri glass as she considered how to respond. His gaze hadn’t left her face, and she decided to wait him out, see if he’d finally answer her question. If he was playing some kind of game, she wanted no part of it. On the other hand, if he could convince her that he was truly interested in her, that he wasn’t involved in whatever Ramon had going on, and that he wasn’t playing with Trina on the side, then she might decide to explore the chemistry crackling between them. He smiled, and that sexy curve of his lips sent a tingle racing down her spine, all the way to her toes. Oh, yeah, it was crackling all right.
“Did you know that’s an interrogator’s trick? The keep-silent bit until the person under the white light starts sweating and squirming, and then confesses all.” He lifted his glass in a salute, giving her a wink. “You’d make a damn good one, Mad. Interrogator, I mean.”
Mad.She was the only person who ever shortened her name, and for Alex to do it sounded strangely intimate. As if he had the right to give her a pet name.
“So far, it doesn’t seem to be working.” And how did he know about interrogator tricks, anyway? And what was with the funny look on his face as soon as he’d said that?
He chuckled. “Believe me, it is. So the question is, what do I want from you?”
“And?” He had his left hand wrapped around his glass, his index finger making a trail in the condensation. As she followed his movements, she imagined how those long fingers would feel dancing over her skin. What kind of lover would he be? Tender? Demanding? She thought he would likely be both, and as she wondered if she’d ever know how it felt to be touched that intimately by him, she shivered.
“I’d give my Harley to know what you’re thinking right now.”
Heat burned her cheeks, and she knew she was blushing, which would only confirm that she was thinking exactly what he thought she was. When she lifted her gaze to his, she sucked in a breath. His eyes had darkened to velvety black and were shimmering with desire, intently focused on her.
“I was thinking about my grocery list. I’m out of baking soda.” No way would she admit to where she wanted his fingers.
A grin flashed on his face, then he laughed. “Little liar, but I’ll let it go for now. Besides”—he reached across the table and stroked his fingers, the very ones she’d been envisioning touching her, over the top of her hand—“I have a great imagination, and when it comes to you, it’s working overtime.”
Before she could think of a response, their food was delivered, and Alex removed his hand, sitting back in his seat. Her skin tingled where his fingers had been, and it was only because the waiter stood next to her that she didn’t grab Alex’s hand and beg him to touch her again ... wherever he wanted.
“This is really good,” Alex said, taking a bite of hisropa viejaafter the waiter left.
“I can make it for you sometime.” Where had that come from? He still hadn’t answered her question, and she wasn’t cooking anything for him until he did.
He lifted his gaze from his food to her. “I’d like that. Very much. Tell you what. Let’s enjoy our dinner without any heavy talk. I’m going to answer your question, but it’s a beautiful night, and I’d like to take a walk on the beach with you, then you can ask me anything you want and I’ll answer.”
“Anything?” Because she had a ton of questions.
“Yes.”
“Deal.” And surprisingly she was able to enjoy herself. Alex was interesting to talk to and seemed able to converse on any subject, but she especially liked that he shared her love of books. He’d even read a few romances and was a fan of Nora Roberts’s J.D.Robb books.
“I have a secret crush on Eve,” he said.
“Since she’s fictional, I won’t hold that against you.” She groaned as she pushed her plate away. “No more for me.”
“Dessert?”
“Not even, but go ahead and have something if you want. I’ll have a cup of coffee if you do.”
“How about we stop somewhere for coffee and dessert later? I’m ready to walk off this meal.”
“That sounds good.” Somehow during dinner, the turmoil that had been raging like a storm in her mind had calmed. He’d promised to answer her questions, and depending on what he said, either she would see him again or she wouldn’t. It was as simple as that. Ha! Who was she kidding? Nothing to do with Alex was simple. Maybe that was why he intrigued her.
As they walked out of the restaurant, he put his hand on her lower back, and it was both a protective and possessive gesture. She liked his hand there.
It wasn’t a long ride to the beach, and once they were parked, she removed her shoes, and after taking off his shoes and socks, Alex rolled up the legs of his jeans. When she got out of the car, the wind blew her dress up, and she grabbed at it.
“Beautiful view,” Alex said, stepping up behind her and prying her hands from the hem. “One you shouldn’t try to hide.”
“Men,” she grumbled.
