“Why don’t you like crowds?”
“You’re full of questions, aren’t you?”
“How else am I to determine your identity?”
“I’m afraid my feeling about crowds won’t provide much illumination.”
“Then what will?”
She contemplated that. “You’d like to play a guessing game?”
“For starters,” he responded, his meaning, the double entendre, the promise, wrapping around her so she trembled more forcefully now.
“For starters? And after?” She enquired boldly.
“Another type of game.”
“You’re bold.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“And here I was hoping to be the first one.”
His smile was instant and warmed something deep down inside of her. Perhaps it was loneliness that had made her vulnerable to this, to these feelings that were swamping her. Awareness of her failed marriage had been particularly strong this evening.
“Are you offended?” He asked, after a beat of heavy silence.
“By what?”
“My…boldness.”
“Not at all. I abhor double speak.”
“That makes two of us.”
It felt like a mark of approval, and something zinged in her chest.
“What is your name?”
She knew that he’d recognise it. At least, she was fairly certain. Not only was it likely her cousins and brother had mentioned her to him, Cora Xenakis had lived half her life in the press. Only a caveman wouldn’t recognise the name.
“Are you giving up already? You didn’t strike me as a quitter.”
“You clearly know how to attack a man’s honour.”
She laughed softly. “I didn’t mean—,”
His nostrils flared with mock indignation, though she was certain some genuine emotion underscored his expression. “Yes, you did. And you’re right. I’m not now, and have never been, one to shy away from a challenge.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” she almost purred.
“Do you need to go back in there?”
She looked past his shoulder then returned her gaze to his face. She was torn. Her family might worry if she simply vanished into thin air, but at the same time, desire was pulling her towards this man, towards a night she felt was completely inevitable. “I—,”
He almost seemed to be holding his breath.
“No,” she said after a beat. “I have everything I need right here.”