Page 29 of Secret Bet

She crossed her legs and stared out the window. "I'm not cut out for anyofthis."

He smiled and scooted the chair closer to her so their knees brushed. "Sure you are. Join me for lunch since youarehere."

Her gaze met hers. "I want to return everything you boughtforme."

"Most of the stuff wasn't even bought. They were presents from the companies thatmakethem."

"Why would anyone give you women'sclothes?"

"If you wear them, it'sadvertising."

"I don't know about any of this,Peter."

Her lips would taste sweet. He stared hard into her eyes. "I have a business meeting with a client and his wife. If you're there, perhapsyou can speak to the wife, so I can get businesshandled."

She swallowed and shook her head. "Peter, I buy guns for the military. That means I test all the weapons. I am not the type of girl who entertains the wives at a dinner party. I usually begin with a question on security and end with contract terms acceptable for both the US Military andCenturyArms."

He uncrossed his knees.The guns made her more interesting. He'd have to get his secretary to run herbackground.

"Belle, you'd be doing me a favor. I don't care what you talk about with anyone. Beyourself."

"That's the problem." She closed her eyes. "I don't understand myselfwithyou."

He took her hands in his and waited for her to open her gaze. "You must behungry."

She didn't take herhand out of his. She stared at his knuckles. "Don't besilly."

Now he had his chance. "It's in your eyes. Is Belle yourfullname?"

She licked her lips. "Yeah. Belle Sienna Jordan. Peter, I think we should calleverythingoff."

With a thrust of his chest, he winked. "Aren't you interested inthatkiss?"

"No." She tugged her hand away and covered her mouth. "I thinkthe ocean water messed with my brain. I said there would be no kissing, and Imeantit."

"I remember. I have to wait with you." He reached out and gently nudged her to stand and follow him. "Thisway."

She stood and took a few steps, but then pulled out of his reach. She shookherhead.

"Peter, there has to be some other woman in your life that's morequalified—"

Heinterrupted. "This isn't a job interview, Belle. It's justlunch."

"And dinner and swimming in the ocean withdolphins."

"You thinktoomuch."

“It’s a trait we both share.” She massaged the middle of her forehead. Peter wondered what she intended to do now, so he couldcounter.

“Okay.” Her voice grew louder as she said, "It'sjustlunch. It'sjusta date. It'sjusthair, makeup and clothes at the door. Peter, I work for a living, and nothing isjustanything. There is a reason foreverything."

"Wow. I thought I wasjaded."

"So?"

"Belle, sometimes you have to let go toenjoy."

"I'm not good at that I guess. I joined the Marines at age eighteen and earned my degree while serving. I'm not a girly girl and have never done light chitchat.Thisisn'tme."

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