The Tycoon's Seduction Plan Page 0,4
usually hated when women cried. It was irritating and he’d never allowed it in his presence, knowing that it was more than likely a ploy to manipulate him into buying the woman some jewelry or some other expensive trinket. But this woman’s tears were sincere and since she’d been walking out of his building, he considered her his personal responsibility at the moment.
Not to mention she was beautiful. He liked women, thought they were lovely little butterflies and interesting as long as they suited his needs. He respected women in the work place but liked them even more in his bed. At least, the lovely ones. And this one was definitely a looker.
He wasn’t sure about her figure since it was covered in the primmest outfit he’d seen in years. The red and black plaid wool skirt ended at her knees and had a coordinating red cardigan sweater covering a neat, white turtleneck shirt. The pearl necklace at her throat and pearl stud earrings were the perfect compliment to the outfit. She wore black opaque tights and black shoes with prim, one inch heels.
Was she trying to counter the face that practically screamed sensuality? Her cheekbones were high and highlighted her stunning blue eyes but it was really her mouth that captured his attention. They were full and pink and his mind wondered what it would be like to kiss her. As well as many other things. How could a woman with lips like that dress like a school librarian?
He watched in fascination as her mouth opened and closed, trying to figure out what she could tell him. He knew the exact moment when she made the decision to lie to him. “I know I made a fool of myself,” she started off. “But I just stubbed my toe.”
Lana held her breath, waiting for him to call her on the fib. She was a horrible liar but there was no way she could explain to this man what had really happened. Maybe if he’d been old, ugly or even fat and short or bald, she could have come up with some half truths that would be more believable than the silly stubbed toe line. No one in their right mind would cry that long and hard over a small ache. Yes, she could have passed off some form of the truth to someone less attractive and overwhelming. But not this handsome, dynamic man who had probably never cried in his life. He was too strong and looked like “confidence” was his middle name. She wiggled uncomfortably under his intense, dark gaze and was relieved when he looked away.
He ignored her lie and lifted his hand to signal the waiter. Within moments, a martini with two olives appeared at her elbow.
Lana looked at the drink, then up at him in confusion. “What’s this?” she asked, not daring to touch it. She rarely drank anything at all and on the few occasions she did, she preferred a glass of wine which she could slowly sip. Generally she could only take half a glass before she put it aside, feeling the impact from only a few ounces. It had been one of the irritants Drew had laughed at her about during their marriage.
“It’s a martini,” he explained patiently. “You look like you could use a drink.”
Her fingers gently touched the bottom of the glass and shifted it away from her slightly. “I don’t drink,” she explained, but smiled gently to soften the words.
“Ever?” he asked.
She looked down at the linen table cloth self-consciously. “Of course I drink occasionally. But not liquor.” Immediately, her body braced to hear the sarcasm about how weak she was and what a lightweight to not be able to drink. Drew had done it so often, she could practically write the script.
She waited a long moment, tense and frustrated. When he said nothing, she glanced up at him but he wasn’t looking at her. He was looking for the waiter or bar tender.
He started to raise his hand again but she placed her fingers on his sleeve gently, then pulled them quickly away when she felt the muscles underneath the fabric. “No,” she said hurriedly, knowing that drinks in this kind of establishment were probably very expensive. “This is fine,” she said and to counter the question in his eyes she picked up the drink and took a daring sip, showing him that she wasn’t going to waste her present cocktail.
She smiled tentatively, showing him that everything was fine.