“Precisely.”
She toyed with her necklace once more, most likely more out of habit than a conscious decision. Then she lifted her gaze to his.
For the first time, she peered directly into his eyes.
He was momentarily speechless at the vitality within, the blue hue so light it almost appeared gray.
“Okay. If you want something real, I have the perfect spot.”
Grabbing a pen, she jotted something down on a small piece of hotel stationery, then ripped it off. When she stood, he did the same, taking the paper from her.
“The Joint?” he read.
“It might not look like much from the outside, but it will blow your mind. Best Southern cooking you’ll find this side of the Mason-Dixon. And the best Old Fashioned, too.” She winked. “If you’re into that kind of thing.”
“Sounds like exactly what I’m looking for.” He smiled, his gaze sweeping over her slender frame one last time. “Thank you.”
He turned, making his way across the ornate lobby, shoes echoing against the marble tile. Then he paused, glancing over his shoulder.
“And Katherine?”
She tore her eyes away from the computer on her desk, meeting his stare once more. “Yes?”
His lips curled into a sly grin. “That’s a beautiful necklace.”