waited for two hours to see him, so the least he can do is buy me lunch.
Greta wheels in a cart that smells delicious. Sitting on top of an elegant teacart are two covered plates.
Damon takes over the presentation, dismissing Greta and leaving us alone. On the coffee table in front of me, he places the plates and lifts the lids with a Bobby Flay flourish.
Pieces of grilled salmon, steamed vegetables, and rice pilaf are artistically displayed on white china. It almost seems a shame to eat it.
He pulls a napkin from the cart and lays it on my lap, then walks to the bar against the wall, and fills two glasses with diet soda and ice.
“I ordered salmon because you enjoyed it so much the other night. This was delivered from Anthony Haywood’s. They do a great job and are my go-to when I can’t escape the office for a meal.” He takes a seat beside me and hands me a glass. “It’s how I met Anthony. We’ve known each other for years.” He pulls the soda to his lips and takes a drink. “I understand Emma and Anthony are dating.” He looks at me for confirmation, but with my mouth full of salmon, I can only nod yes. “I never thought he’d find anyone who could tame him. They make a nice-looking couple, don’t you think?”
“I’ve only met him one time, but they look nice together, and Emma seems taken with him.”
“What about you, Katarina? Is there someone special in your life?” He appears genuinely interested in my response, though I can’t imagine why.
“No. I’m single. How about you?”
“I rarely date. In fact, I have a strong personal policy against it, but there is one woman I’m attracted to. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem interested.” He toys with me.
“Maybe she doesn’t understand you. I mean, if you offered her money to be with you, then she’d think it was a business transaction, but if you ask her out, she may consider a date.”
“Is that right? I’d have thought the compensation would be a clincher for most girls. I have to admit, I’m rusty on the dating scene, but heard women were attracted to money and flowers and all that nonsense.”
I stabbed a piece of broccoli and held it in the air. “There’s your problem. You think romance is nonsense, and with that attitude, you’ll never get a date. As for money … I make my own and don’t need a man for that.”
“Maybe it’s in her best interest to stay clear of me. I’m a mess and can’t offer her what she needs.”
“You’ll never know until you try, but that would require some of that romantic nonsense you’re averse to.”
Damon faces me and takes my hands in his. “Can I try something? It’s just an experiment, but if it goes the way I think it will, then you and I will have a longer conversation. If you feel nothing, then walk away, and I’ll leave you alone.”
In the next instant, his hand wraps around the back of my neck and pulls me toward him. Soft lips brush mine as his velveteen tongue coaxes my lips apart.
I feel something that travels from the tip of my head to my toes. It’s heat and need mixing with excitement and desire. The kiss deepens as our tongues mingle, and a muffled moan slides up my throat only to be swallowed by him.
Seconds later, Damon breaks our connection. “Tell me you didn’t feel that.” His eyes bore into mine as he waits for my answer.
“Oh, I felt something all right, but I think it was your tongue down my throat.” I smile at my attempt at humor.
“You wound me.” He places both of his hands over his heart. “I’ve been told I’m a good kisser. Have I been lied to?”
“I have so little to go off of. Maybe I could sample another kiss to make an educated decision.”
He needs no further enticement and possesses my mouth completely. The passion in his kiss is overwhelming, and I’m forced to shove against his chest to break the seal. The moment his mouth leaves mine, I regret pushing him away. If I could only learn how to breathe around this man, I’d sit and kiss him all day long.
“And the verdict is?” he asks.
I waffle slightly before I answer. “Whoa. You can definitely kiss. I don’t think my toes have curled from a kiss before.”
Damon smiles and pulls me to his chest. I inhale the scent