Page 23 of Duty and Desire

“You seem to be apologizing a lot tonight.”

“There’s plenty of food in the fridge, and there’s pizza in the freezer.”

“Okay, you just said the magic word. Unless it’s a thin crust with no toppings except tomato and cheese. I find that and you’re a dead man.”

I chuckled as I rinsed my hair. “As soon as you messaged me to say you were coming, I did some shopping. There’s aTartiflettein there with your name on it.”

“Nick, I love you.”

I snorted. “Don’t let Franz hear you say that. That’ll really confuse him.”

“He didn’t go on the hike with you, did he?”

“No, thank God. But when we reached Vaitape, I spotted him.”

“And will he be accompanying you tonight? Wherever it is you’re going that you’re trying desperately not to tell me.”

I should have known she wouldn’t let it rest. Claudia could be a terrier sometimes.

“Gio asked me to dinner.” I snapped the water off and grabbed a towel. Claudia stuck her head around the door, and I glared. “Okay, I know you’ve seen it all before, but a little privacy would be nice here.” She beat a hasty retreat and I dried myself off.

“Going anywhere nice? Will there be candlelight? Music? Roses?”

I wrapped the towel around my hips and walked into thebedroom. Claudia had laid a couple of shirts on the bed, and was busy choosing between two pairs of pants.

I folded my arms. “You are one fast worker. What are you, my dresser?”

“I want you to look good, that’s all.” She pointed to a white linen shirt. “That will look amazing on you.”

I gave her a hard stare. “You’re pushing.”

Claudia put her hands on her hips. “Okay, nowyoulisten. I can’t remember the last time you went on a date, and?—”

“It’s not a date,” I protested. “It’s just dinner.”

“Sure it is—a dinner date. So tell me, when did you last go out to eat with anyone other than me?”

She had me there, and she knew it.

I sighed and perched on the edge of the bed. “Don’t read too much into this, all right? I had a great day, and when he asked, I couldn’t say no.”

“You like him?”

I rolled my eyes. “I wouldn’t be having dinner with him if I didn’t. And that’s where it’ll probably end. Tonight could be the last time I see him.”

She locked gazes with me. “But you don’t want that to be true—do you?” When I didn’t answer, she sat beside me. “You know you can tell me anything, right?” Her voice dropped to a quiet murmur. “It’s okay if you like him. And I’m glad you’re going on a date. But I can be happyandworry about you at the same time.” She tilted her head to one side. “What does your gut tell you about this guy?”

I did a quick assessment, pulling together all the threads that had woven through our hike. “That I can trust him.”

God, please don’t let me be wrong on this.

Her lips twitched. “Is he good looking?” She held her hands up. “I know you told me the basics—hair, eye color, beard—but you neglected one vital piece of information.”

“And what was that?”

Claudia’s eyes twinkled. “Does he get your motor running?”

I rolled my eyes. “The things you say.”

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