Sebastian turned her toward him and gripped both her hands. “You’re sure?”
Delilah grinned at his surprised expression. “Of course I’m sure. I know all about men and their machines, Mr. Kostas. It’s kind of my job. You need to be with your baby. I get it.”
“Sebastian,” he murmured moving so close to her she could feel his heat. “And now I am truly torn.”
Why was she suddenly breathless? “You are?”
“You’re right, I must take care of this, but I also hate the thought of letting you go this quickly. You’ve already been informed of my impatience. I find that I’m impatient to know you better. To discover how such a stunning woman came to know so much about ‘men and their machines.’”
Oh my.
He licked his full lower lip, watching her intently over the rims of his glasses. “Can I have you for breakfast?”
She swallowed. “Excuse me?”
He chuckled. “I apologize for my wording. I meant, would you let me cook you a late breakfast tomorrow morning? At my home? I have a few pet projects there I’d enjoy showing you, and we could come back to the shop together to discuss the sale and the other factors you mentioned.”
“That’s a generous offer, but I—”
“You accept.” His voice was commanding. Seductive. “I make the best crepes in San Rafael. When I’m done, you will beg me for the recipe.”
She loved crepes. He said she would beg him. “I suppose it’s never a good idea to skip breakfast.”
His smile was satisfied and sensual, and Delilah couldn’t stop staring at his lips. He was charming. Too charming? Was there such a thing?
He gave her his address and walked her back to the office, where the Major and Angel were still hovering.
When he bowed his head and left her, Angel glared at his back suspiciously. “That was fast. Did he make a pass? The Greek seems to think he’s God’s gift to women. Can I shoot him?”
Delilah laughed. “No and no. We just decided to save the tour for tomorrow.” She hesitated, glancing around the empty office. “Where is Asa, guys? You knew I was coming today right?”
And she knew he was here. She’d seen him open up. She’d half expected him to follow her into the warehouse, or at the very least, be waiting when she came out with Sebastian.
She didn’t want to analyze the reason she was so disappointed.
The two men shared a look. “He had a few errands to run,” the Major offered. “Said he’d be back later, but he gave me the keys to lock up.”
Errands? Did he want her to sell the shop to his competitor? Was he avoiding her? “I should get back to the hotel, then. I need to call Dad and Drew, answer my work email, and then find a nice place to have dinner. Any new spots you two recommend?”
The Major’s lips quirked. “We don’t do new, Del. Don’t you remember?”
Angel chuckled and started to reach for her again, hesitating at the last minute. “We’ve missed you. You and your father both. Will you say hello for us when you call?”
His words tugged on her heart. Dallas missed them too. She knew he did. “I’ll tell him.”
Angel nodded. “Good. And maybe come back tomorrow in something your Uncle Angel can hug you in.”
The Major snorted. “Don’t let him fool you, Del. He wants you to check out his new project. Damn engine won’t fire and he’s too proud to ask me for help in front of our latest protégé. Keeps pretending he’s not done yet.”
There was always one in the garage. A newbie. A young kid who dreamed of building his own bike and cruising the hills of California—or a juvenile delinquent like the ones the local motorcycle cops used to send her father’s way when they started down the wrong path.
Like Asa.
Delilah smiled at them fondly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She’d missed them. “I can’t promise I’ll know how to help though, Angel. It’s been years since I’ve gotten my hands dirty.”
Both men wore disbelieving expressions. Despite her disguise, they knew she was lying.
As she walked to her car she thought about Asa’s odd absence, Sebastian’s charm offensive and its unfortunate, abrupt ending.