Lucky Strike (Super Harem #1) - Catherine Banks Page 0,21

my evening secret,” he said.

“Why reveal that to me? I could tell everyone. Or, they could try to use me to get to you. I’m a liability.”

“You’re worth the risk. Did you bring your schedule?”

After fishing it out of my purse, I pinned it on the table between us with my fingers. “A hint.”

“Electronics,” he said and pulled the paper from beneath my fingertips.

While he read over my schedule, I wracked my brain to try to remember any information I knew about the top technology companies. Unfortunately, since so many companies created tech for heroes, I had no leads.

“They’ve really got you booked tight,” he whispered.

“I do have Saturday off,” I said and smiled wide.

He looked up from the schedule and returned my smile. “For our dates?” he asked.

I shrugged and felt my cheeks warm. “Maybe.”

The waiter popped into existence beside me with my drink in hand.

I didn’t even jump that time.

“Are you ready to order?” he asked.

I hadn’t even touched the menu.

“Two specials,” Tyson ordered.

The waiter nodded and disappeared.

Tyson’s brows furrowed as his eyes met mine. “I’m sorry. I should have asked you first.”

I shrugged and took a drink from my margarita.

Delicious.

“That’s okay.” And it really was. I probably would have spent five minutes looking at the menu just to ask him to choose for me.

“If you could go anywhere for a vacation, where would you go?” he asked suddenly.

I paused as I thought about it. My travel range was limited to our continent. And I didn’t like dreaming of the impossible, so I avoided fantasizing about faraway places.

“Another continent,” I answered. “I’ve never been off this one.”

“Beach or just some place fun?” he asked.

“Beach,” I said with a smile. “I love the beach.”

Tyson would look amazing in a swimsuit. So would Austin, Hurricane, and Vortex.

“What is your favorite holiday?” he asked.

I frowned. “Are you trying to prep me for my upcoming interviews?”

He laughed and shook his head. “No. I’m just tryin’ to get to know you better.”

“I like Thanks Day because I like giving people presents.” I said with a smile. My smile wilted as I thought of my parents. The last time we’d talked, was when they’d disowned me.

“Do you have a big family?” Tyson asked.

“No, a small one,” I said, “but we don’t talk anymore.”

He frowned. “So, who will you spend Thanks Day with?”

I shrugged. “I guess no one this year.” I had planned to spend it with Cobalt, but that was obviously not going to happen now.

Before I could let my pitiful life depress us more, I started asking the questions. “What’s your favorite holiday?”

“Labor Day.”

I arched a brow. “Why?”

“It’s a paid day off of work. Most people are in great moods that day.”

“Do you have a device that can check for surveillance devices?” I asked softly.

He scowled. “Yes.”

“Could I borrow one? For a few days?”

His already furrowed brows pinched tighter together. “For your room?”

I nodded. “That way I’m positive we can speak over the phone unfiltered when I’m there.”

He leaned across the table. “You could just come stay with me. You could still be part of the Association, but live outside it.”

I shook my head. There was no way I could leave Alura there without me. Plus, I couldn’t imagine he would be okay with me bringing other men over.

Sitting back, he asked, “Is this about the other men you’re dating?”

“Partially.”

“I’m certain they’d agree your safety is the most important—”

“It’s my friend, too. I can’t leave her there all alone. If something happened to her...” I couldn’t even finish that thought.

His gaze softened, and he uncrossed his arms.

“There is more going on here than I can see. That creature delivering that message just makes me want to stay and unearth it all. I want the corruption purged. I want the Hero Association to live up to its name. The people deserve to have a source of goodness. If even the Association is tinged in evil, what hope does the rest of society have?”

During a pause in our conversation, the waiter came with our food.

A beautiful steak, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and pesto pasta sat on the plate he set before me.

I dove in, not caring if I was polite or not. This food needed to get inside my belly as soon as possible.

When I had a full, satisfied and happy tummy, I leaned back and sipped on my drink.

“Did you enjoy your meal?” he asked with a knowing smirk.

“Immensely.”

“I’m glad.” He finished eating his food, and our waiter appeared to take our empty plates.