Page 94 of Love Lessons
He lifts the top one and smiles at the line drawing of a necktie. “This is really cute. Nice look.”
“I did it myself. See?” I reach over and flip the card, so he can see there’s a drawing of a dress on the opposite side. “Something for everyone.”
“Good branding,” he says cheerfully. “Can we talk about the gala? My department took a table for ten—five couples.”
“Of course. Tell me who’s important.”
He pulls out a card where he’s written down everyone’s name. “Arnold Kretcher is the head of my department.”
“So if I spill my drink, make sure it’s not on him?”
Danforth looks startled. “God, no.”
While maintaining eye contact, I reach across the table and squeeze his forearm. “That’s a joke, Dan. Relax.” Then I give him a sexy smile.
My ex blinks. Then, slowly, he smiles. And it lights up his face. “I’ve missed you, Vera. I forgot how funny you are.”
I feel like doing cartwheels.
* * *
We sit thereand talk longer than either of us expected. Until Danforth’s phone chirps. He checks it, then makes a sad face. “Aw, crap. I have a meeting in ten minutes. I’m sorry.”
“Hey, it’s all good.” I push my chair back and pick up our empty cups. “I have a million things to do, anyway.”
He walks me slowly in the direction of the elevator bank. “Hell, Vera. It’s been fun catching up with you. I’m glad we get to do this again tomorrow.”
Okay, here goes nothing. My heart starts to hammer, but Operation Seduction has to start now.
I step closer to Danforth, putting a brave hand in the middle of his chest, right over his Ferragamo tie. “I’m off now. But I expect a slow dance tomorrow night.”
Then I lick my lips.
The whole performance is ridiculously suggestive. For a panicky moment, I wonder if he’ll laugh at me.
But he doesn’t. Instead, I watch with fascination as his eyes land on my mouth. Then he licks his lips, too. “Yeah, about that dance. I can’t wait.”
And I’m stunned at my own power. I can do this. It’s not even that hard.
But then I remember Ian’s first lesson.Seduction is about anticipation. I take a step backward, leaving Danforth wanting more. “Just wait until you see my new dress,” I say with a slow smile. “It’sperfect.”
His eyes go a little darker, and his chuckle is low and gravelly. “I can’t wait for that, too.”
I close the distance to the elevator bank and press the button. “Text me where I should meet up with you.”
“Of course.” He gives me a big, hot smile—theexactsmile I’d been hoping to get from him when he walked back into my life.
Wow. This is it. It’sworking.
“Later, Dan.” I swing my hips with a little extra mojo as I step into the elevator. I manage to give him a cheeky wave before the doors slide closed.
There we go. I’ve dropped the bait in the water, and tomorrow night I’ll reel in my catch.
And then you should throw it back into the lake, my inner voice whispers.
I shush her and make my way home.
* * *
