Page 9 of Queen of Diamonds
“I could maybe do that.”
There was a promise in his eyes, one that sent a shiver down her spine. To try to cool the heat building inside her, she took a drink of the chilled pinot and then sighed with pleasure. “This is delicious. Crisp with perfect hints of lime, lemon, and green apple.”
He raised a brow. “You know your wines.”
Pleased that he picked up on that, she smiled. “I’m learning. I joined a wine club last year. We meet once a month and focus on one wine or sometimes a particular winery. It’s fun.”
“See, I knew you were holding out on me.”
“If I tell you all my secrets right up front, you’ll get bored with me.”Like I have three brothers you might know.
“I seriously doubt that.”
The waiter delivered their meals, and Kinsey took a moment to appreciate the presentation. A thick piece of salmon glistening from the glaze sat on a bed of fresh greens, surrounded by grilled asparagus on one side and roasted red potato halves on the other.
“This is too pretty to eat,” she said and then grinned. “But I’m going to anyway.” Money had always been tight for her and her mother, and they’d never dined in a restaurant of this caliber. Her usual lunches were yogurt or ready-to-microwave soups. She intended to enjoy every bite.
“Your turn. Tell me about Rand Stevens and how you came to own a biker bar. I’m having trouble seeing that one.”
“I blame Josh for that. He’s like a brother to me, and he was determined to buy the place when it went up for sale. I pretty much agreed just so I could keep an eye on him. Keep him out of trouble. It’s a rough crowd, as you saw for yourself.”
His reason didn’t quite ring true, but she couldn’t put her finger on why. Maybe because he just didn’t look the part. She took a bite of her salmon, closed her eyes, and moaned. “Oh God, this is so good.”
“Don’t do that.”
She lifted her gaze to his. “What?”
“Close your eyes and moan.”
“Ah, that.” She took another bite and moaned, then said, “Oops.”
He laughed, but the heat in his eyes could start a bonfire. “I love a woman who enjoys her food, but you’re killing me, Kinsey.”
Good, because he was slaying her looking at her like he was. Before he thoroughly distracted her, she needed to ask about her brothers. “Who owned the bar before you and Josh?”
The heat vanished from his eyes, replaced by wariness. Why was that?
“Three brothers. Why?”
“Just curious if they looked more like bikers than you do. Did you ever meet them?” She still wasn’t sure she wanted her brothers to know about her. If she told Rand her reason for asking, he might tell them about her.
“Once, when we closed on the bar, and yes, they looked like bikers.”
He was suspicious now, and she didn’t want that. “Maybe we should take you shopping, buy you some leathers and chains.”
“Chains? That could prove interesting.” He waggled his eyebrows.
“Not those kind of chains, silly man. I noticed most of the men in the bar had chains attached to their belt loops that disappeared into their pockets. Weird, huh?” Hopefully she’d distracted him.
“Ah, those. Their wallets are attached to the chains. Keeps them from being stolen.”
“Guess they don’t trust their friends. Do you have a girlfriend or a wife tucked away? I should have asked you that when you invited me to lunch.” But it was hard to think around him.
“An ex-wife and no girlfriend. You?”
“Nope, no wife or girlfriend.” She loved making him smile. “Not even a boyfriend.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Okay, next question. What’re two things you’ve always wanted to do but doubt you ever will?”
