Page 28 of Hidden Dane
This was not important right now. He directed them toward her door. She picked up her pocketbook as he said, “I like kissing you.”
Her cheeks turned bright red and she stroked his chin near the door. “I like that too, but after dinner. I’m hungry, Dane.”
“Nobody else calls me that.” He escorted her out to the hall.
She kissed his cheek. “You should have come to see me years ago, Dane. I’ve missed you.”
His skin burned from her touch. Emily Mira was a dangerous woman and nothing would keep him away from her internal fire. “I’ve missed you too. I hope you enjoy what I’ve got planned—it was short notice.”
“I’m sure I will.” She folded her hands in front of her like they were about to parade around as the royal couple or something.
He checked her door was locked and guided her toward the elevator.
Hopefully she would be impressed with a rooftop dinner just for her. They were keeping a low profile, but at least he could show her a good time, in style.
She deserved far more than roses before a dance—he’d known that then, when he’d given her the jewelry. She glowed like an angel. His angel.
Chapter 9
Emily’s heart skipped just being near Dane, a man at ease in designer clothes or jeans. He’d pressed the rooftop button on the elevator, and she’d read in the hotel brochure that the restaurant there had a five-star rating. Awareness of his fingers, so close to hers, yet not touching, was heightened by the near-brush of their bodies as they stood next to one another. Light jazz music played. His strong profile made her want to be with him, always.
She knew better than to think forever with Dane. Dane wasn’t a forever guy.
He was the one who had left her. In response, she’d dived into learning and lost herself in history, which always seemed more interesting than the real world with him gone.
He’d said it wasn’t her fault. Was she holding onto the past like a shield? Emily stepped onto the rooftop, dazzled by string lights and sheer white curtains that created a romantic floating tent. A string quartet played in the corner. Above was the bright moon and below, the white boulevards. Emily turned toward Dane with amazement.
Dane stood proud in the suit she’d chosen, like his strong shoulders were holding up the world. She reached for his fingers. “This is beautiful Dane.”
He kissed the back of her hand. “I didn’t want to risk taking you out of the hotel tonight. We don’t need more trouble.”
“Agreed.” Her heart fluttered. Boy, she was falling hard for Dane—again. This magical rooftop was much nicer than prom had been. She let out a sigh as the maitre’d bowed and greeted them. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to just talk.”
Those stolen moments at Michael’s house where they’d snuck down to the beach—she, spellbound by Dane and without a clue as to what the future might bring, he, torn by guilt. Now she knew herself, and him, and she’d hate herself if she didn’t try. “This view is great.”
Dane directed them to follow the maitre’d to a table. A waiter asked her opinion on the wine and she chose a merlot. The waiter poured as she settled into her seat with a napkin on her lap. Once they were alone again, Dane asked her, “And the string quartet? Too much?”
“Not at all.” She leaned closer and inhaled the woodsy scent of Dane’s cologne. Being with him made her lips tingle. Heat rose to her face and she looked into her wine glass. “I’ve always had this crush on you and no other guy ever compared.”
He put his elbow on the small table. “Emily, no other woman could ever take your place. You shine brighter than any star.”
Emily glanced up at him and smiled. “Even your movie star?”
His big, sexy brown eyes narrowed. “My what?”
She reached for her earrings that weren’t on her ear as she said, “We were at the Oscars, and my sister Isabelle said she saw you—I ran into the room to find you but never did see you or your date.”
Now that she’d admitted her feelings, she sipped her wine with relief. Honesty was important—he had to know.
Dane picked up his glass too. “Isabelle was right. I was there, but with a fellow Harvard teacher—Natalie. Her research that evening was the basis for a documentary. We went as friends, that’s all. She isn’t half as lovely as you.”
Isabelle would be happy. Her sister had no idea what had happened between Emily and Dane, but she’d always asked if anyone had heard from him.
For now though, Emily would keep him to herself as she memorized his strong shoulders and joked, “You must say that to all the girls.”
He pressed his hand to his heart. “I never flirt. I don’t even try to talk to women, which always upsets Brady.”
Interesting. Dane was the type who didn’t have to flirt. Her friends would have targeted him within minutes. He was attractive, smart, and aloof. Emily held her tongue while the waiter served their salads. When the waiter left, she asked, “Why does it bother Brady?”
