as cold, but she wasn’t quite sure about him—his intentions, his interest in her, it was still murky in her brain.
“As do I.” He handed her a menu. “Have you been here before? The porchetta will change your life.” He took a quick sip of his red wine.
“Porchetta?”
“You’ve never had it? Seriously, it’s to die for, so rich and delicious. You have to try it.”
“Maybe I will.” She felt herself easing up, relaxing into his carefree demeanor.
“Let’s get you a drink. Red or white?”
“Red, please. Pinot noir.”
“Perfect.”
Luke signaled the waiter and promptly ordered a bottle of pinot noir. She hated to admit it, but she loved that he ordered for her. She’d yet to be on a date in Los Angeles where a man acted in such an old-fashioned manner. Secretly, she wondered if he’d been watching reruns of Mad Men. In Elle’s opinion, Don Draper may have been part douchebag, but he knew how to treat a lady in public.
“Where are you from . . . you know, originally?” Luke asked before taking another sip of his drink.
The waiter arrived with the wine and poured a glass for Elle. She thanked him graciously, and took a sip to calm her nerves.
“Chicago. I moved here a few years ago when the network bought the rights to the show.”
“Oh, that’s right, I think I knew that.” Luke chuckled, scratching lightly at the skin of his forehead.
“Did you Internet stalk me?” Elle teased. She liked that he was showing just a hint of vulnerability. It was obvious to her Luke hadn’t meant to ask that question since he already knew the answer. But she’d play along.
“Guilty as charged.” He shrugged. “Couldn’t help myself, I had to know more.”
Elle was flattered. Beyond flattered, actually. But she was trying too hard to keep her poker face intact. She couldn’t let him see how he affected her, especially since she was still smack-dab in the middle of figuring him out.
“Interesting,” she replied, staying coy. “And you, where are you from?”
Luke’s eyes widened in response and he nudged her on the shoulder. “You didn’t read my resume?”
Busted.
No, Elle wanted to answer, I was too busy staring at your gorgeous head shot. The resume only received a tiny glance. “I did, but I don’t remember seeing a hometown listed, only your work in Los Angeles.”
“That’s because I’ve lived here my entire life.”
“Ah, well, that makes sense, doesn’t it?” Elle looked at her empty glass, wondering how she polished off an entire glass of wine during such a short period of time. Luke offered to pour her another glass, but she shook her head. She couldn’t lose control. “Thank you, but I’ll wait for our food to arrive.”
“Sure.”
Silence took up residence at their table, and, feeling awkward, Elle picked up her menu and stared at the dishes, unsure of what to order. Luke followed her lead and glanced at his as well.
“I’m not really a fan of pork, so—”
“The pasta’s great too.”
“Mmm.” She bit into her upper lip as she studied the dishes. “I think I’ll try the sole.”
“Nice choice.”
Menus were placed back on the table and silence reared its ugly head once again. Luke chuckled to himself and poured another glass of wine, raising it to his lips.
“So . . .” He paused, studying her face with narrowed eyes, as if he was trying to solve her like a puzzle. “How is my character coming along?”
There it was. Work talk. She’d waited for that, wondering when he’d cut to the chase. She took a rather large breath in, pursing her lips before speaking. “He’s fine.”
Again, silence.
“I’m sorry, did I . . . did I piss you off or something?”
Elle crossed her arms in front of her chest. “No, why would you think that?”
“Well, I mentioned the show and you shut down. It’s like you built this wall right here.” He motioned with his arm, an invisible line down the center of the table. Elle sensed concern in his knitted brow. She was hurting his feelings—she hadn’t expected that.
She’d come in contact with many self-serving actors in the past. Guys would chat her up at a bar while she was out with Whitney. They’d buy her drinks, ask a few questions about her life, her work, and then parlay it into talking about their careers. Before she knew it, they’d be pulling out a business card or a head shot and she’d feel like a complete fool. Was it fair to assume Luke was the same as those