One large order of denial to go, please.
My clothes look fine. I don't own anything super sexy, so this will have to do. Not that I care if Nick thinks I'm sexy.
Supersize me on that order, would you? I'm gorging on denial here.
I command myself to stop fussing over my clothes and grab my purse on the way out of my apartment. The drive to Nick's place only takes ten minutes, but it feels like an eternity tonight. I curse at the stoplights that slow my journey and tap my finger on the wheel in rapid-fire movements.
Maybe I'm a little bit excited about our date.
Never have I wished I wasn't a tenured professor, not until Nick Hunter walked into my office and smiled at me. Now, I want to quit my job and move…anywhere with him. Making major life decisions based on the sex appeal of one man is a horrible idea, so I won't be doing that. Not tonight. After three months with him…
I can't promise I won't uproot my whole life for him.
Me? Changing my life to be with a guy? No, I don't do that. Never.
By the time I ring the doorbell of Nick's apartment, I've shed all that nonsense. He's hot, but I am not a lustful coed who bats her eyelashes at every attractive man she meets. I like Nick, I love having sex with him, and I enjoy our conversations too. That's it. I am in full control of my libido.
The door swings open, revealing Nick.
My heart stutters. I swear it does. Warmth shimmers through me, and I suddenly feel a touch breathless.
Dressed in a charcoal suit with a tie and a vest, he looks like Cary Grant, only sexier. Does anyone wear a three-piece suit these days? I don't think I've ever seen a man wearing one before, but damn, it works for him. He's gorgeous. More than that, he carries himself with assurance and grace as he steps across the threshold and shuts the door.
Nick takes my hand and kisses it. "I'm all yours tonight, Siobhan."
Like he wasn't last night? But this evening does feel different, more meaningful, more…something. I can't think straight with him standing there looking good enough to eat.
"Mind if I drive?" he asks. "You've been working hard all day, so you must need a break. I promise to drive on the correct side of the road, meaning the right side."
"I wasn't worried about that." I still can't quite catch my breath, what with his hand holding on to mine. "Sure, you can drive. Should we take my car or yours?"
"Mine is, ah, nicer." He almost winces when he says that. "Sorry. I wasn't insulting your car, but—"
"Relax. I'm not ashamed of my old beater, but I doubt it can compare to whatever luxury vehicle your brother arranged for you."
"It's a BMW 7 Series."
"Oh. Well, we should definitely take your car."
Like a true gentleman from the Hollywood Golden Age, Nick cups my elbow while we walk to the elevator and while we walk out to the parking lot. His rental car is my dream vehicle. I've never seen a BMW in person, and this one is stunning, with its metallic silver finish and sleek profile. The sexy car makes me want to screw my date right now, right here in the parking lot. Nick even opens the passenger door for me and closes it after I get in.
On the day we met, I would never have believed he'd turn out to be like this.
During our hour-long drive to Santa Fe, we talk. He tells me more about his family and especially his twin brother. From the way Nick describes his brother, I get the idea they're not identical in any way other than their physical attributes. Richard is more serious and not likely to do anything impulsive. Nick loves to take risks and live life to the fullest, having lots of sexy fun along the way.
"Rick always had his nose in books when we were boys," Nick tells me. "I was happier chasing girls and playing football with my mates. That's why our father gave his publishing company to Rick and not me."
"But you're smart and capable too. I mean, you own a business."
Nick shrugs one shoulder. "I wasn't the right man to take over Hunter Publishing. We all knew that."
"Did your father ask if you were interested in working there? In any capacity?"
"Well, ah…no. But I understood why he never asked me. I don't have the temperament for it."
"Bullshit." I study his profile as we whiz down the freeway amid the ever-deepening twilight. "You must've been hurt when your father didn't even ask if you wanted a job at his company, much less if you wanted to take over for him."
"I wasn't, Siobhan."