Page 24 of The Fake Husband Deal

“Maybe I should teach you a lesson.”

Please.That’s what I wanted to say, but I was already skirting too close to the border between flirting territory and full-on propositioning.

I couldn’t have sex with him again. There was no way I would jeopardize our working relationship, but I couldn’t deny he was an intriguing man.

He was intrinsically linked to the museum, so there was no harm in getting to know him on a professional level. AnythingI could get from him would surely help Lex and Adam with the creative process.

Sure. It’s all about the job.

“There’s a nice steakhouse at the Centennial Olympic Park if you don’t mind a short walk,” Lior suggested.

“I think we’ve proven I’ll follow you anywhere that seems like a good time.”

He moved his hand as if he was going for mine but stopped it just before they touched. I pretended not to notice and followed him out of the hotel into the humid Atlanta evening. Instead of taking the path to the front of the hotel, he took a left. We didn’t stop until we’d almost reached the staff entrance.

I thought he was going inside from the way he looked around, but instead, he pinned me to the wall.

“Honest to god, Noah. You need to quit it if you want to keep things professional. I’m one flirty comment away from putting you over my knee and spanking your perfect little ass until all you can think about every time you sit down this weekend is me.”

“If this is you trying to get me to stop, I’ll let you in on a secret.” I looked down to where my dick imprint was very visible in my jeans.

He closed his eyes and let out an exasperated breath.

“I’m teasing you. I wasn’t joking when I said I don’t mess with clients. Even if you’re the only one who’s ever made me rethink my policy.”

“Good to know. Now, let’s go get some steak. While I’m avoiding talking business with other people, I don’t mind doing it with you.”

He pulled away, and I smiled. “It’s because I’m special, right?”

“You’re special, all right. Come on.”

The restaurant had a premium view of the park. I saw why he’d picked it, but it was also inside a different hotel, which gave us a layer of privacy.

“I bring you to a steakhouse and you order seafood,” he said, staring at my barbecued shrimp like it was a personal offense.

I leaned on the table. “Here’s a little restaurateur inside scoop for you. The way the chef treats the starter tells you how good the main dish will be, especially in a steakhouse.”

He took his red wine glass to his lips. “And you know this how?”

“My parents own a restaurant in Cliffborough. Most kids spend their summer vacation outside playing, we spent it visiting restaurants out of state.”

“I spent my summers with my granddad in his workshop, much to my father’s annoyance.”

“Why’s that?”

He moved his ravioli around the plate. “My father thought my granddad should spend more time in the office with him, building the company. Selfishly, I wanted the opposite.”

“Your grandfather started the stained-glass business.”

Lior nodded. “Yes. He was a true craftsman. Even when he had to be in the office he always stole some time away to work on his pieces. He even built a small workshop there.”

“Lex was very impressed with your museum. He wouldn’t shut up about how beautiful it was. He wouldn’t shut up about you either, but for a different reason.” I laughed.

He raised a brow. “How so?”

“He found you intimidating, which I can understand.”

“You find me intimidating?”