Page 31 of The Billionaire's Classmate

“Again, I have to tell you that this is very good progress,” Daniel shook his head.

“Thank you, and thank you for all your help,” Maria said gratefully.

“Of course,” Daniel smiled pleasantly. “I haven’t seen such talent in a recruit in years, especially in prosecution. Most don’t last, but I have a hunch that you’ll be just fine.”

Maria smiled, again eager to accept his praise.

“Now, on to a different matter,” Daniel leaned back in his chair. “Dinner tonight?”

Maria stiffened. She still did not have an answer. She decided, instead, to respond with a question of her own.

“Is this just standard protocol for all your conquests?” she said, making sure to keep an air of humor about her voice. Daniel, however, was not amused.

“No, actually, it isn’t,” he said, his voice short and clipped. “This is an invitation, not a proposition.”

Maria was not entirely convinced.

“You have to understand,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “Your reputation precedes you, and I’m not stupid. I’m not eager to fall into a trap.”

“I’m not trying to trap you,” he said, his voice more gentle. “I know it must be hard to believe me.”

“Considering your line of work, yes,” Maria nodded.

“Yes,” Daniel chuckled. “And I suppose that’s a call you have to make, but my invitation stands, and I need an answer.”

Maria looked down into her lap. Her thoughts raced, and she did several calculations at once.

“Yes,” she answered, almost before she realized it.

“Excellent,” Daniel smiled broadly, though not in the victorious manner Maria was expecting. “I remember where you live. I’ll pick you up at seven thirty.”

Maria nodded and gathered her papers off the desk. She moved toward the door, but Daniel waited to open it.

“Thank you,” he said to her, as she approached. “I am grateful to have this opportunity when you would have every reason to say no.”

Maria swallowed against the lump in her throat.

“I’ll see you tonight,” he said, and opened the door.

Maria hastily made her way back to her office, and wondered what she had just gotten herself into.

The rest of the day passed all too quickly, and Maria soon found herself at home, getting ready for her date. She decided on a nice, dark blue dress, and a set of matching heels. It was classy and elegant, and definitely not too revealing. She wore a simple set of pearls and matching earrings. She applied a layer of subtle makeup, and allowed her hair to hang in waves about her shoulders, opposed to the updo she usually wore for work.

Before she knew it, it was seven twenty, and she knew she should head downstairs. She applied a light layer of perfume, and took up her purse. She locked the door behind her as she left her apartment, and headed down the elevator. By the time she made it down, Daniel was waiting for her in the lobby.

He was dressed in a dark charcoal suit and tie, with a white shirt. As usual, the fine suit was tailored perfectly, and served to accent every inch of his form.

“You look stunning,” he greeted her, and gestured toward the door.

Daniel led Maria out to his car, and held the door for her as she took her seat. He took up his place in the driver’s seat and they headed toward his apartment, which was about a twenty minute drive.

Once there, Maria was immediately astounded by the opulence of the place. Even the lobby was marvelous, with marble flooring and modern decoration. Daniel led her to the elevator and swiped a card, in no time the doors opened into Daniel’s apartment.

Maria was awed. It was everything one would expect. Sleek leather couches were arranged in a stylish manner. A dining area was defined by a large, dark table, and the huge kitchen was separated by a bar. Maria did not have time to take everything in before Daniel led her to the table.

“I’ll be just a moment,” Daniel told her.

Maria watched Daniel move into the kitchen. He gathered up several bowls and plates, and then returned, laying them out on the table in front of them.