Page 12 of Van Cort

“But I don’t want that to influence our time together moving forward. I want us to start again, if you will.”

“A clean slate?” I clarify.

“Maybe. I’m just ensuring we both understand each other and where this might go.”

“I’m not sure if this is your attempt at flattery, Mr Van Cort, but you did a much better job at our first meeting.”

“Is that what you want? Flattery? Given how beautiful you are, I’d have thought you’d be looking for something a little deeper, especially given your job.”

“Oh, boy. Is this why you don’t date? Because you have no concept of how to talk to a woman beyond getting her to drop her panties for you?”

My mind thinks back to our walk on the beach. The comfortable air between us, and I take a breath. His jaw tightens, and he takes a sip of his water. Maybe our verbal sparring is getting to him, and I suddenly want to crack him open and have him like he was at the weekend.

“A clean slate, Andie,” he repeats, a bite in his words, and I can’t help the little twitch of my lips. “I want to continue to see you if you’d like that.”

“But?”

“If you can’t give me that, then perhaps this wasn’t a good idea. I’m being honest with you. You need to do the same.” His eyebrow lifts in challenge, and I take a moment.

I drain the rest of my wine and wish I’d ordered a bigger glass. He didn’t have to tell me his past pattern with women, and he’s not stupid enough to think that wouldn’t paint him in a bad light.

“Fine. But, I told you on the phone, this isn’t a deal I’d recommend. You’ve broken my trust, and while I may be convinced to start over, that trust won’t be won back easily. That’s my counteroffer. No assumed trust.”

“That’s fair. And something I can work with.” His eyes dip to my glass. “More wine?”

“No. Water’s fine.” I smile and brush my hand over the braid over my shoulder.

After the slight awkwardness of assessing our date and future interactions in a slightly business-like fashion, we order food and settle into easier conversation.

“Do you like the city?” he asks as I spear my asparagus.

“I love Seattle. It’s got a good mix of business and pleasure.” I can’t help my smile, tugging at my lips at that word when talking to him. “I like to run, which you know.”

“You like the outdoors. It’s not something I’d have assumed.”

“Is that because of the way I look, or the job I do?” I ask, pushing back the ruffle of annoyance.

“Both. But I guess I’m asking how much of it you like? For some, it’s enough to appreciate the beauty of a still lake, the quietness of the forest.” His words are intriguing, and I think about what he’s saying. He took me to a place with a stunning view, after all.

“I certainly wouldn’t say no to a hike in the mountains or a swim on a hot day in that lake you’re imagining if that’s what you’re asking. I don’t shy away from hard work, in and out of the office.” I bite my lip.

“Good to know.” He drops his eyes to his plate. “Work ethic is important. And you won’t reach the top without it.”

“Says the man who inherited his family’s wealth.”

“I hope that isn’t an assumption that I don’t work for it.

Believe me, I work damn hard because of it.

” For once, I want to pull back my dig at him.

Regardless of his personal behaviour, he does seem overly strict in his business demeanour.

“And I’m sure you have to work harder than most of the people in your office. ”

“And why is that?” I know he knows, but I want to make him say it.

“You’re a woman, a beautiful one. We both know that a lot of men will have a problem with or take advantage of that fact.”

“Unfortunately, that’s true. And maybe I don’t want to be at the top.”

“Don’t lie to yourself. You’re ambitious. Unless you see yourself settling down with a husband and children and foregoing ambition?”

“I didn’t say that. Although I would want to have children at the right time, with the right partner.” My brows furrow. Did he trick me into answering that?

We spend the rest of the meal skirting easier topics and edging back towards the comfort I felt at the beach. But it feels like he’s holding back again. As always.

The journey home raises the tension in me. It’s nearly the end of the date, and while we’ve spoken of new starts and future dates, I don’t think I’m going to believe it until I hear from him after this date.

Yet, there’s a part of me that wants to grab hold of him while I can. Just in case…

He slips into gentleman mode and escorts me to the door.

“Good night, Andie.”

“Despite myself, I want to offer you coffee. Maybe we can make it to the bed again this time.” My words come out nervous rather than sexy.

His jaw tenses, and I hope it’s with the memory of his hands digging into my flesh, or the breathy moan he pulled from my throat.

“As appealing as that sounds, I said we’d start over. You made it clear that there’s no assumed trust, and I listened, so I’ll leave with a good night.”

I watch his eyes, waiting for a break in that coolness, but there’s nothing.

Disappointment sinks to the pit of my stomach.

Despite my complaints and arguments, I thought dinner went well.

Well, enough to make me want to see him again.

“Very well. I guess the next move is in your court, Mr Van Cort.”

“Indeed.”