The Survivor - Cristin Harber Page 0,53
a tie and jacket. “We haven’t even broached the good stuff yet.” He glanced at her wide eyes, then winked.
“I …” She dropped her chin and shook her head, then laughing, asked, “What are we doing about dinner?”
Damn, she was cute. He turned to their dining options. As much as he wanted an overstuffed pita with the works, he decided that ordering at a counter and waiting for their receipt number to be called wasn’t the way newlyweds should spend the first night of their honeymoon.
Finally, he found something between the two extremes. The restaurant promised the full Lebanese experience, and the menu made his mouth water. “There’s a place called Zikrayet.”
“Let’s go there. I like their menu.”
Of course she’d already read the menus. “Good deal.”
“Give me a minute to change.” She pulled her bag into the bedroom. “I need to freshen up.”
Hagan threw himself on the couch and flipped the hotel book open again. Amanda had probably memorized it. He needed to catch up. He read through the hotel amenities, then checked his watch. “I could’ve showered and redressed in the amount of time that it takes you to freshen up.”
“Tough cookies,” she called.
Hagan returned to the hotel book, pausing at the list of spa services. He calculated the US dollar exchange rate, then double-checked his math. “If I ever need a new career, remind me to look into giving expensive-ass massages.”
“What?” She stepped through the double doors.
Hagan glanced up. His mouth opened. Nothing came out. He jumped onto his feet, shut his slack-jaw, and gaped at his pretend wife. “Damn.”
Amanda’s dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, contrasting against a cream-colored, high-necked blouse with long, airy sleeves. His gaze dropped to the sharp-fitting, slim black pants that hugged her legs, cutting off above her ankle. And those shoes. The black high heels were simple but threatened to steal the show. Hagan had had no idea he was a shoe guy. “Wow.”
Her eyelashes seemed longer. Makeup, he guessed. Barely noticeable. Except for her lips.
Nervously, her tongue darted to her bottom lip, stained the color of berries. “We should go.”
He crossed the room and kept himself on a short leash. “I don’t want to go anywhere but back in bed.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Trust me, babe. The only ridiculous thing is that you’re still on your feet.”
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “But work calls.”
He almost argued they should quit and become masseuses, but when she held out her hand, he took it.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Walking down the hall with Amanda on Hagan’s arm was almost as good as staying in and diving under the covers. Or maybe even better. That logic didn’t add up. He should’ve been climbing the walls to strip her of everything except those shoes. But that kind of satisfaction could wait, because having Amanda by his side gave Hagan a new type of gratification.
“What’s that look?” Amanda asked.
Hagan called the elevator. “I’m glad we’re headed to dinner.”
“You’re always hungry,” she teased.
“True.”
She glanced as though she knew there was more. “But?”
“I’m damn lucky to be with you tonight.” He dipped his nose to the curve of her neck and inhaled. “You make me feel ten feet tall.”
Her hair fell away when she arched. “And you make me feel safe.”
“That’s everything I can ask you for.” The mechanical sound of the elevator approaching refocused Hagan. “And, I’ll try to remember we’re here to work.” His hands moved to her backside, sliding over the silky black pants. “I don’t know how good of a job I’ve been doing.”
“I don’t know anyone who could pretend to be my man”—her breath hitched—“better than you.”
Pretend? His palm moved to the small of her back and toyed with the delicate blouse. The fabric was so thin he could feel the warmth of her skin. His fingers caressed the indentation of her spine.
The elevator dinged and the doors opened.
“Time to work,” he whispered and led the way.
The trip to the main level went fast, and they exited into a flood of bright lights and people. Cigarette and hookah smoke hung in the air. Distant bells and trills called from the casino floor.
She took a deep breath despite the smoky air and shook away the subtle distraction that had softened her to his side.
They followed the well-placed signage to a row of restaurants and stores. He sensed a change. Amanda’s steps weren’t as smooth. Her hold felt too practiced. He wrapped his arm around her waist and dipped his lips close to her ear. “Everything okay?”
“Just