Page 12 of A Soldier's Temptation
He’d noticed her wine collection when she’d invited him in to pick up his plant. It was impressive, and if luck was on his side, it meant she wouldn’t turn down a glass or two with him.
While he waited, he called the restaurant to reserve a table and then chatted with Mr. Darcy. “You need to keep watch over your momma. She’s got some bad people after her.” The dog stared at him like he understood every word, and John sure hoped he did.
“Okay, I’m ready.”
Turning around at the sound of her voice, John was taken by surprise. He was used to seeing her in jeans and t-shirts or work out clothing. The dress was wow, just wow. It hugged her in all the right places and showed her lovely curves. Damn.
“You look amazing.”
“Thank you, I wanted to look as good as you do. After all, it’s not every day I get to go to dinner with a sexy Navy SEAL.” She was flirting with him unless he was so out of practice that he was imagining it. Maybe it was stress from everything she’d been through, no matter what had triggered it he didn’t want it to stop.
Chapter 4
Flirting with John was dangerous considering her feelings for him. It was like looking down the loaded barrel of a gun and hoping no one pulled the trigger. He must think she lost her mind. Then again, he didn’t look upset, more surprised and intrigued. That wasn’t such a bad thing, was it?
Going out with John or anyone wasn’t the best idea right now, but the look in his eyes when he’d asked her to dinner was irresistible. Putty in his hands or maybe Silly Putty. Thank God he didn’t realize it. Being out with him put him in danger. Paul’s accomplices made it perfectly clear they knew where and what she was doing all the time. The last thing she wanted was to put anyone in jeopardy. It was a good bet that Agent Rogers wouldn’t be too thrilled either. Eh, he’d get over it. It’s not the first time she’d ignored his advice.
“Are you sure you don’t mind bringing Mr. Darcy?”
“Not at all. We had a chat and came to an understanding. No stinking up the place while we’re eating.” He said it with a completely straight face, and she burst out laughing.
“Oh yeah. He agreed to that?”
“He sure did. Right, buddy?” The dog sort of nodded his head and wagged his fluffy tail like he’d understood John’s question.
Still giggling, she grabbed her purse from the table and turned to her dinner companions. “I’m ready if you are.” She’d swear her dog was smiling as wide as her “date.” For a brief moment, Ari wondered if Shira had somehow set this up with John. It would be just like her to butt into her love life. Then she stifled her snort. What love life?
John had Mr. Darcy’s leash and held out his hand for her keys. After locking the door, he handed them back and took her hand.
“Can I ask you a question? I’m warning you though, it might piss you off.”
John grinned, before he answered, “Sure. But I don’t think you can piss me off. I’m pretty easy.”
Easy, huh? She’d leave that comment alone for now. Especially since as he’d said it, he waggled his eyebrows. “Why didn’t you call one of your women to have dinner with you? We haven’t had a ‘go to dinner’ type of relationship.”
If she hadn’t been watching him closely, she would have missed the quick look of surprise before the slight smile returned. Curious.
“I was hungry, I like you. After spending the last few weeks with the guys, I thought it would be nice to have dinner with the fairer sex. And believe it or not, I don’t have any women on speed dial. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes, of course. I just wondered about it, and why today? But I guess you answered that already.”
“Exactly. I didn’t have any food in my apartment, and I didn’t want fast food. Eating alone wasn’t all that appealing either. But does it matter?”
It didn’t. Ari didn’t like eating alone either. Mr. Darcy kept her from being as lonely even if he couldn’t carry on a discussion. “Well, then. I’m glad you asked me.”
“Me too.” He was so laid-back and sweet it was easy to forget he was a trained killer. What would he think of Paul and all the danger he’d put her in. It would be nice to be able to confide in someone but with all the trouble surrounding her, she didn’t want to bring anyone else into the mess.
As they walked down the street toward Amici’s, she wondered if they were being watched. Would she get back home and find another email but this time it would be John’s face with the red “x” over it? This constant worry about everything was driving her crazy.
Maybe it was time to let someone else in, someone who could help keep her safe. John was certainly qualified, but how would he feel about her when he found out the mess she was in? His protective tendencies would probably get a lot worse. Dealing with Colin was bad enough. There were so damn many rules she had to follow and they still hadn’t caught anyone besides Paul. Fending off two overprotective males would be overwhelming.
“Ariana?”
“Hmm?”
“Where did you go?”
“What do you mean? I didn’t go anywhere. I’m right here.”
