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He laughed. “I wish people would treat me like everyone else. Most people just smile and nod. I don’t even know if they’re listening.”
“Well, you are a bit larger than life. Not that you intimidate me, of course.” She stood to her full height – and almost reached his chin.
He stopped on the stairs, turned to her. His regard was mesmerizing, as all humor departed. She’d never admit how much he affected her. Yet what she couldn’t voice, her body acted, as she leaned closer and closer and closer…No.She jerked back. One kiss and she’d be lost. “I’m not getting caught in that again. Especially when we haven’t even made it out of my building.”
“So when we get out–”
“No.”
“What about when we–”
“No.”
“Want to make a wager on that?”
“No.”
This date had to end as soon as possible. Now she galloped down the stairs, pulling him with her. Despite their speed and Julian’s disguise, people pointed and whispered, and a few even followed them. Fortunately, they made it through the lobby without anyone approaching, screaming or fainting (as tended to happen when Julian was around), emerging into the comfortable early evening. A long stretch limo pulled up just as they made it to the curb. Before she could say a word, Julian shuffled her into its dark wood interior and shut the door behind them.
The scent of new car and wealth immediately sounded her. The ambiance lights were low, and the space was warm with a soft amber glow. She settled into the plush seat and buckled herself in as the car rolled away. “This is being inconspicuous?”
“Don’t worry.” Although there were six seats, he took the one next to her. He brushed against her, and she brushed against him. He smiled and moved even closer. “No one recognized me.”
“I’m not sure about that.” She pointed to the window, where a small group of people observed their departure. Eyes played the part of eagles, cell phones poised and recording. “They didn’t actually think you were Abraham Lincoln. It’s like deep down you wanted someone to see us.”
He removed the beard and hat, then set his full gaze on her. Paused, considered. “What if I did?”
She forgot to breathe. Almost to exist. “Remember our deal. If our relationship becomes public, it changes everything. Besides, you can’t enjoy getting mobbed. Don’t you usually have a bodyguard?”
“I have several,” he admitted, “but they watch from afar when I’m in disguise.” His smiled turned wicked. “I don’t need protection from you.”
That didn’t meanshedidn’t need protection from him. His gaze turned predatory, like a wolf, and she edged ever-so-slightly back. She couldn’t go far. “Where are we going?”
He plucked an invisible wrinkle out of his sleeve. “You’ll just have to wait a little longer.”
“Are you afraid I’ll back out?” she joked.
He didn’t answer.
“Now hold on just a–”
“Would you like some wine?”
“Moment. If you think–”
“Red or white?”
“You can take me wherever you want and I’ll just go along with it–”
“Red then? Here you go.”
“Ugh!”
He leaned in, all masculine power. “Do you really want to leave?”
“Ýes.”No.“You can try to intimidate me, but it won’t work. You can also forget about anything sneaky. You have this one night – evening – and that’s it.”
He smiled. “So how was your week?”