Page 12 of Loving the Greek Billionaire

“Powers of observation would be a required trait in head of security, I imagine.”

“They’ve served me well.”

She leaned forward, and Leo caught himself doing the same.

She dropped her voice. “Can you ‘read’ people and situations like the famous Sherlock Holmes?”

He leaned even closer, catching a whiff of her intoxicating perfume.

She matched him, inch for inch.

He could see light green flecks in her irises and paused a heartbeat as a strange sensation washed over him. “No.”

She straightened, disappointment evident in her posture. “Pity.”

“I’m afraid no one could match the famous detective’s skills gifted to him by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle despite how television and film make him appear. I’m an ordinary man with some honed skills. Nothing more.”

“Shame. I’m rather a fan of Sherlock.” The corners of her lips twitched.

“Of Mr. Holmes himself or the actors? Do you prefer the American or the Englishman?”

She adjusted the neckline of her dress. “The Englishman.”

Dessert arrived with two clean forks.

“You presume I’m going to share.” She snatched up both forks. “What if I like them both so much that I decide to eat them all myself?”

“I’d never stand between a woman and her dessert. I know better. I’ll order my own to keep my head attached to my shoulders. Those forks look potentially lethal.”

With a laugh, she handed him a fork.

Their fingers brushed in the exchange, and Leo pretended a nonchalance he didn’t feel. Something beyond skin had passed between them, and he didn’t know if she’d felt it too. He’d have to pay attention to know if it was a one-time occurrence or if there was more at play than a fleeting chemistry. He’d learned from his marriage that chemistry played a role between husband and wife, but it couldn’t be the sole basis of a committed relationship.

“How do you likeLe Macao?”

She licked the tines of her fork. “While I’m not exactly sure whatyuzucream is, it certainly plays well with the bitter chocolatecrémeuxand crunchy pecan streusel.” She rinsed her palate with water. “Now for theLe Fraîcheur citron.” She slid a bite of the light lemon cake with lemon marmalade,crémeux, and mousse into her mouth. Her pupils dilated a fraction. “Oh, that’s good. I’m not sure I can pick a favorite.”

“You enjoy lemon?” Since she’d tasted both, Leo went ahead and grabbed his own forkful of theLe Fraîcheur citron, ignoringLe Macao.

“And orange. Really anything with citrus. You’re not a fan of chocolate?” She pointed at him with her fork.

“Not as much as citrus. I think we’ll fight over citrus desserts, though I plan to let you win. Your happiness will facilitate a better working relationship.”

She shook her head. “When we met, I didn’t know if you possessed a sense of humor. I’m happy to be wrong on that count. You’re more approachable when you smile.”

“Do I really look that intimidating?”

“Yes, at least to me.”

“I’ll have to work on softening my image.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Shall we?” He stood and went behind her chair to pull it out.

“Thank you.” She rose, and he couldn’t help but notice how well her dress fit, showing her curves without being ostentatious or vulgar—the sort of dress his wife would’ve worn.

He put his hand on her back and guided her to the private elevator ,which opened with a soft chime.

“What about the bill?” she asked.

“They’ll charge it to the room. I’ll take care of the fees before we check out tomorrow. Not to worry.”

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