Page 19

“Oh, yeah? What can you tell about me?”

“You eat slowly and take dainty little bites. That tells me you never had to compete with siblings for your share.”

“Ah, but you already knew I was an only child.”

“True, but even if I didn’t, I’d be able to tell by how you eat.” Ciaran spoke so confidently I didn’t want to argue. He squeezed some ketchup onto the side of his plate and dragged a fry through it. “Did you ever wish you had siblings?”

“Of course. Did you ever wish you didn’t?”

Ciaran rolled his eyes. “All the time. My sisters can be a real pain in the ass.”

“But not your brothers?” I sent him what I hoped was a pointed glare.

“Yeah, they have their moments, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.” He took a sip of his orange soda and asked nonchalantly, “Would you like a big family?”

The question caught me off guard. It felt more like something you’d ask once you’d got to know a person better. I supposed since we didn’t have much time before I went home, Ciaran was skipping ahead.

“Uh, yes. I love kids.”

“Yeah?” Ciaran grinned broadly. “How many are you thinking?”

“Three, maybe four. You?”

“At least six. Three boys and three girls with your beautiful eyes.”

Assuming he was joking, I laughed. Ciaran didn’t join me, and I suddenly realized he was picturing a future with me. My pulse picked up and a tremor of excitement went through me.

“It’s too soon to be talking kids, don’t you think?” My voice was remarkably steady, belying my true feelings.

Before he could answer, preferably to agree with me, the door opened behind us, drawing Ciaran’s attention. His shoulders sagged, then he got to his feet.

“Excuse me, sweetheart. I need to see what Max wants.”

I glanced behind me as Ciaran walked up to Max, the man who’d driven me back to my hotel last night. Although I couldn’t hear what they were saying, I could tell from their hand gestures and the way they huddled together that whatever they were talking about was extremely important.

Turning back to my meal, I carried on eating, enjoying every mouthful of the insanely good burger. A few minutes passed before Ciaran returned. He didn’t sit down, and my heart sank.

“I’m sorry about this, sweetheart, but something’s come up.”

Disappointment swamped me. “You have to go?”

“I do.” He curved a hand around my cheek. “But I’m going to call a friend who runs a spa on Washington Boulevard. It’s close to your hotel. You can get whatever treatment you like, on me.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I didn’t need a parting gift to ease my sadness that our day was coming to a premature end.

“Sure, I do. I’m not ditching you halfway through lunch without making it up to you.”

“It’s not necessary.”

Ciaran stroked my cheek. “Maybe not, but I want you to do something nice for you. Spend the afternoon at the spa and we’ll meet for cocktails at your hotel.”

Was it pathetic that my heart soared when I heard his plans? Perhaps, but I didn’t care. I wanted to spend as much time with Ciaran as possible before I headed home to my real life.

“Okay,” I agreed. “Sounds good.”

“Great.” He took a few bills from his pocket and dropped them on the table. “This will cover the check. When you’re ready, Jace will be waiting to take you to the spa.” He pointed to the first of two black SUVs parked outside. “He’ll be with you for the rest of the day.”

Though I was sure I didn’t need my own personal bodyguard, I didn’t argue. If Ciaran wanted one of his men to accompany me, I guessed I could put up with their presence.