Page 16 of Mr. Scandalous

She was touched that he cared enough to be anxious, and the realization relaxed her a little.

“I’m flattered you consider me worthy of a grand gesture,” Eden admitted, while at the same time worrying that things were moving too quickly. “This is a great place.”

“Really?”

“It’s lovely.”

He looked relieved and grateful for her kind words. He wasn’t nearly as cool and suave as she’d first supposed, and she found his humanity endearing.

And because of that, she came within inches of jumping up and fleeing out the door.

The only thing that kept her planted in her chair was the logistics of getting past Alec and her nonexistent ability to sprint in Jimmy Choo shoes.

ChapterFive

“Why don’twe get down to business while we’re waiting for our food.” Eden lowered her voice and glanced over her shoulder to make sure the waiter wasn’t still hovering.

“Okay.” He smiled.

Her pulse was pounding so hard she was surprised she could even speak. “Let’s discuss your friends’ secret sexual fantasies.”

“Excuse me?” Alec blinked as if he’d been caught napping.

“Randy and Jill. Their wedding present. The reason we’re here.”

“Oh, yeah, that.”

She rested her fingertips on the linen tablecloth. “Generally, I start the process with a basic fantasy. For instance, the inspiration for your sister Sarah’s basket was Island Girl and Surfer Dude.”

“I’m not sure I want to hear about my sister’s sexual fantasies, thank you very much.”

“Understood. That was just an example.”

Eden took the portfolio from her tote bag and opened it up to reveal photographs of gift baskets she’d created. She scooted her chair closer to him so they could both see the book.

The warmth of his breath feathered the hairs along her nape as he leaned in. She turned her head, and lowering her lashes, she shyly studied him with a lingering gaze. Worst-case scenarios aside, this was turning out to be much easier than she expected.

“Tell me if anything strikes a chord.” She flipped the page.

“Will do.”

It was a strange sensation, Alec watching her so intently. She found she couldn’t quite lose herself in the moment. His smoky-gray eyes split her focus between the portfolio and her acute awareness of him.

His attention made her feel fascinating and thatunnerved her too. She was unaccustomed to captivating a man so completely. Especially a man as handsome and dynamic as this one. That feeling dared her to act bolder, more confidently, urging her to be everything that he saw in her.

“What’s this one called?” Alec tapped the first photograph.

“Here we have the Nerdy Professor and the Vixen. That basket might include things Like faux reading glasses, feather boas, classical music playlist, or even a whip and chains.”

The cuff of his shirt lightly grazed her forearm and damn if a shower of sparks didn’t shoot throughout her entire body. Eden blew out her breath to diffuse the stunning heat.

He shook his head. “I don’t think that’s right for Randy and Jill.”

“Rock Star and the Groupie?”

“Nah.”

Eden flipped the page. “Master and Slave?”

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