A small smile crept over his face as he voice-dialed the restaurant. Within minutes, he secured a private room, a discreet entrance, and valet parking—the perks of being a Harlow.
“You really didn’t have to do this,” I said, once we were both siting in the most gorgeous restaurant I’d ever seen.
He signaled to the waiter. “I know.”
The room was incredibly romantic with its velvet-draped walls and chandelier-clad ceilings. I could only imagine how many proposals had happened there.
“This place looks expensive,” I whispered once the waiter left to fetch a bottle of champagne.
“It is.”
“I would’ve been fine with a burger.”
“I’m not a burger guy.”
“What are you, then?”
His mischievous smirk returned. “A degustation.”
“Oh my God, did you just make that sexual?”
“No. Your mind did.”
My eyes bulged. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m kidding.” Adam laughed as he leaned back in his chair. “And you tellmeI need to relax.”
“Yeah, well, letting my guard down around you only gets me in trouble.”
He folded his arms. “A little trouble is good for the soul.”
“So is peace, love, and kindness.”
Adam rubbed his stubbled chin. “Hmm…I’m not familiar with those.”
“Why would you be? You actually need a soul for them.”
He clutched his chest. “Ooh, burn.”
I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh, but when my eyes met his twinkling blues, it burst from my lips. “You led yourself straight into that one.”
“Perhaps I’m the one who shouldn’t be letting his guard down.”
“I’m hardly dangerous,” I said as the waiter filled our champagne flutes.
“On the contrary.” Adam picked up his glass. “The prettiest things are often themostdangerous.” He clinked his glass against mine. “Like the blue-ringed octopus, for instance. Beautiful…but it will kill you in minutes.”
“Are you comparing me to an octopus?”
“No.” Worry lines consumed his forehead. “I meant…”
I burst out laughing. “Wow, you were a lot smoother the night we met.”
Relief washed over his gorgeous face. “Well, you didn’t know me then.”
“I don’t know you now.” I sipped my bubbles. “Not really.”
“You know more than most.” He picked up the menu. “You’re the mysterious one.”