Page 24 of Craving Danger

“Next time I make an appointment, can I request that you join me?”

He stops looking at the wall, and when his eyes rest on me, I feel a little awkward.

“As long as you don’t request anything sex-related.”

“Dear God,” the words burst from me, and my stomach lurches just from thinking about sex. “No, definitely nothing…ahh…like that. It’s just to sit with me. A conversation here and there would be nice.”

“I’m sure it can be arranged.”

I’m filled with a sense of relief as I say, “I’d really appreciate it.”

Before a heavy silence can fall between us, he asks, “Have you ever traveled?”

I nod. “Only to Canada to visit family. My grandmother used to live there.”

“Did she move back to the States?”

I shake my head. “She passed away three years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” He’s quiet for a moment, then says, “I like to travel as often as possible. I find other cultures interesting.”

“Yeah?” I don’t even notice that I’m completely relaxed. “Where have you been?”

“Thailand, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain.” He seems to think about something before adding, “I’ve been all over South America.”

“I’m jealous. It must’ve been quite an experience.”

“It was.”

“Do you have a favorite?” I ask.

“Thailand. I’d love to go back.”

The corner of my mouth lifts. “I’ll put Thailand on my list of places to see.”

“What else is on your list?”

My smile widens as I chuckle. “Every country in the world.”

“That’s really ambitious of you,” he teases me.

“A girl can dream.”

This is what I wanted – just to sit and talk with a man.

When he glances at his wristwatch but doesn’t say anything, I ask, “How much time is left?”

“There’s no time limit. We can talk until you’re ready to leave.”

I check the time and see that my appointment ended five minutes ago. “Are you sure you won’t get in trouble?”

“Dead sure. Don’t worry about it.”

My stomach growls loudly and it has me saying, “They should serve food here.”

“We can order takeout.”

My eyebrows lift with excitement. “Really? I would kill for a burger and fries.”