who’d fooled her in the past? Not necessarily, but she couldn’t help it. Yes, he had the role already, but this was his big break, and having an “in” with the creator and head writer of the show could definitely serve him well.
When Elle sat frozen, completely lost in her own quizzical thoughts, Luke spoke softly. “Listen, Elle, I like you. But if you’d rather just . . . I don’t know, have a drink and call it a night, that’s okay.”
“I—I.” She stumbled on her words. She hadn’t expected such a reaction from him.
You’re screwing this up, she thought to herself. She shook her head and reached across the table to take his hand in hers.
“No, I’m sorry. Just frazzled, I guess. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”
She watched as his face relaxed; he squeezed her hand in return, then raised it to his lips and placed a kiss inside her palm.
“Forgiven.”
Elle didn’t know that one word could reduce her to a pile of mush. But that one did. She sat, stunned as Luke cradled her hand in his.
“I asked about my character because, frankly, I’m excited. I’ve been hitting the pavement for years in audition after audition. This is a big deal for me.”
Elle had never thought about this from Luke’s point of view. His resume was filled with measly projects that probably failed to pay his bills each month. Securing a supporting role on television’s hottest show was life changing for him. She needed to recognize that.
“That makes sense.” She squeezed his hand. “I get it.”
“Look, I know you think I’m some opportunist or something. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you give me a chance, you’ll see that. When I’m here with you, I see you—that’s all.”
“And what do you see?”
“The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Elle closed her eyes tight, tilting her head in disbelief. There was no way she could believe this gorgeous man was that affected by her appearance. She knew she was attractive, but she was also a realist and knew he’d probably dated his fair share of actresses and models.
“Not only that,” he continued, “I’ve watched the show since it began. It’s smart. Really smart. I’d dare say it borders on brilliance.”
She’d received countless compliments on the show up until this point, but the word brilliance had never been used. She silenced the little voice in her head that told her not to believe him. She found herself swept up in that word, in the sentiment of his compliment.
“Thank you.”
The waiter returned and Luke placed their order. She sat, stirring in her own conflicting thoughts. Part of her wanted to follow Whitney’s advice, walk to the ladies’ room and take her hair down, return to the table and allow Luke to see she was just as captivated by him as he appeared to be by her. But the other part, the dominant part of her psyche, rejected that as foolishness. Pure and utter foolishness.
She had to stay strong, stay smart. She had to remind herself that no matter how intoxicating this man might be, she was, for all intents and purposes, his superior, his boss.
She had a reputation to uphold, and the last thing she needed was a scandal on her already very full plate.
When their meal came to an end, Luke refused her offer to split the check.
“Don’t be silly, I invited you to dinner.”
She felt guilty, knowing his paychecks for Follow the Sun had yet to begin, and he was probably strapped for cash based on the sparse employment listed on his resume. But the last thing she wanted to do was insult his manhood or ability to provide. So she simply thanked him and they walked slowly to her car.
“So . . .” He looked up at the evening sky. “Where to?”
The foolish part of her brain wanted to invite him back to her place, to allow herself to get lost in his touch, to lose herself in the seduction that was Luke. But she just didn’t have it in her. Her hair was still up tight in its bun, with no plans for it to be released.
Elle felt her body tense as she delivered what she knew would be interpreted as a dismissal. “I’m going to call it a night.”
“Oh.” Luke exhaled and nodded, pursing his lips in obvious disappointment. Elle wanted to change her mind, to extend an invitation to her place, but she had to be careful, no matter