Page 85 of Tempt

He’s in a dark button-down shirt and slacks, his eyes warm and knowing, and I’m having a hard time looking anywhere else, too.

“I took my parents here once,” I confess as he holds the door of the expensive restaurant. “When my brother Clay was in town.”

Recognition clicks. “Clay. The guy from the phone.”

My lips twitch. “How happy are you that it wasn’t some ex-boyfriend?”

“At the time, I was more concerned he was a current boyfriend.”

The hostess shows us to our table, a romantic seat for two near the back.

“You bailed on our game because of that call,” I contend as I take my seat.

“It was self-preservation. Your ass was in my face. Wine?”

I grin. “Yes, please.”

He orders us a bottle of red.

We survey the menus. Everything looks amazing, and my stomach growls.

“Get anything you like.”

“Three lobsters.”

“If it would make you happy. I like giving you things you want.”

He sounds as if he means it, too.

I decide on salmon and he orders steak, and our conversation flows easily.

“I’ve submitted my personal statement,” I say when he asks about school. “Hopefully it’s enough to get my prof’s support.”

“What does your family think about grad school?”

The shift makes me itch for a mirror to check my lipstick again. “Clay thinks it’s great. I haven’t told my parents.”

Daniel studies me over the menu.

Our wine arrives and we place our food order.

Liv’s advice about letting him in drifts through my mind as the waitress departs again.

“We don’t talk much,” I say. “My parents own a construction company, handed down from my grandfather. My father doubled its size thanks to contracts up and down the East Coast. They’re big on achievement. Preferably the splashy, visible kind. But building things is simple. Emotions are harder.”

“What about your brother? Is he some high achieving type?”

“He was always into sports.”

“And now?”

My lips twitch. “Still plays sports. He’s in the NBA.”

“Must be hard having a sibling that’s so great.”

My body deflates a little. “Sometimes.”

“I meant for him.”

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