His head pops up, and that sly smile returns. "Oh yes, darling. I'd love to know every last thing about you."
"That's a tall order. I'd need more than one evening to share everything with you."
"Let's start with mundane things. Music, films, et cetera."
I grin. "Never heard anyone use the term et cetera in casual conversation before."
"Then you haven't met the right sort of man." He picks up his wine glass and swirls the liquid inside it while peering at me over the glass's rim. "A proper gentleman knows how important language is to seduction."
I'm getting tingly just listening to him. The words he spoke don't do that to me. Well, it's not only the words. The way he speaks them in that sensual, soft, deliciously British voice lights a spark inside me. Hugh knows how to stoke the flames until I'm burning for him like a wildfire.
He tips the wine glass toward his lips in slow motion, letting the golden liquid slide between his lips. "You know what I mean, Avery. I demonstrated the principle for you this afternoon."
Phone sex. That's what he means. And naturally, he employed his Lord Steamy voice when he spoke those words. The tingling between my thighs has transformed into molten slickness.
I need to calm this down immediately, before he talks me into sneaking into the bathroom for an erotic interlude. "We shouldn't talk about that. If you want to prove to everyone that you're not a calculating womanizer, better stop thinking what I know you're thinking right now."
"But we're dating. The standard ritual does involve sex."
Crossing my legs in a vain hope I can squelch the fire he ignited on purpose, I push my plate away. "Time to take me home, Hugh."
That smile widens into a wicked grin. "Anything you want, darling."
Chapter Nine
Hugh
"I meant it's time for you to drop me off at my hotel," Avery says. Her lips curl up in a sweet little half smile that dimples her cheeks. "You know that's what I meant. But you honestly can't help yourself, can you? Flirtation flows out of you like water."
"Steaming hot water, naturally." Sighing, I push my chair back. "But I will take you home if you insist on denying us both the pleasure of…well, pleasure. As a proper gentleman, I should see you to the door of your suite."
Avery shakes her head. "Hugh…"
"I love the way you turn a single syllable into a reprimand." I wave to the waiter. While he wends his way around the other tables, heading toward us, I tell Avery, "Should I have you sign a waiver stating that I did not seduce you because you in fact begged me to—"
"Shush, Hugh. The waiter is almost within earshot. And so are the people at nearby tables."
"Then I'll speak in a softer voice. I know you love that."
"If you mean the you-know-what voice, it won't work this time."
"Won't it?"
The waiter reaches us and hands me the bill. Avery watches me give him my credit card, and the bloke discreetly scurries away. She keeps watching while I bring out several pound notes and select the right amount for the waiter's tip.
"You could've added that to the bill," she says, "instead of laying cash on the table."
"I prefer to leave tips in cash. If I add it to the credit card payment, the server won't get the money until much later."
"Really? I never thought of that."
"Most people don't. Credit cards are more convenient, but cash is better for the person receiving the tip."
She tilts her head to the side, regarding me with a slightly surprised expression. "You genuinely are a nice guy—a true gentleman."
"Does that surprise you?"
"Yes, but not because of your reputation. Most men aren't as considerate and sweet as you."