Page 34 of Thiago

Thiago heard the unspoken “but,” which gave him hope. “Sounds exciting,” he said sardonically.

India frowned at him. “Did you just come down here to ask me about Simon?”

“No, I had another motive for coming to see you. We’re still on for Friday night?”

“Yes. Sure.”

There it was again. The lack of enthusiasm.

“We’re going to do something a little different this time.”

“Oh?”

“We’re going to dinner.”

“Goingto dinner?” India repeated, confusion on her face.

“Yes.”

“You mean out somewhere? Not dinner at my place?”

“Yes,” Thiago answered.

“Okay.” She still looked confused, her eyes narrowing. “Why?”

“Because I want to take you to dinner. Is that a problem?” Thiago asked.

“No, of course not, but we don’t do dinner—out, I mean. Usually I b-make dinner.”

“You don’t have to this week. I am taking you to dinner. Is. That. A. Problem?”

“No. Going out is fine,” she insisted.

“Good. I will make all the plans. We’re going somewhere nice, so wear a pretty dress.”

“Yes, sir,” she said sarcastically.

Had she used those specific words on purpose? A low current of electricity stirred in his blood.

“You know I like when you say that,” Thiago said, a dark, husky quality to his voice.

Sometimes they role-played. Boss and employee. Doctor and nurse. Cop and suspect. Nurse and patient.

Her expression changed, softened a smidge, and he caught a glimpse of the old India, the woman he bantered with, the woman who flirted with him, the woman who gave as good as she got.

“Was there anything else?” she asked in a cool voice, as if trying not to slip into the comfort of past behavior.

“Why haven’t you worn the bracelet I bought you for Valentine’s Day? Do you not like it?”

“I do. It’s lovely.”

“But…?” Thiago prompted.

She shifted uncomfortably, as if she didn’t want to say what was on her mind, a rare occurrence for India. “How much thought did you put into it? You probably had your concierge service pick it out.” She shrugged.

“Wrong. I picked it out myself.”

Her eyes widened a fraction. He had definitely surprised her with that bit of information.