The Tycoon's Seduction Plan Page 0,5
And then the fire started. As the gin slid down her throat, she felt as if she were going to die! Gasping, she glanced around to figure out how to put out the flames but there was no instant relief in sight.
Knowing that she could either make a fool of herself again, or drink the horrible liquid, she decided against appearing foolish once more . Daring to tough it out, she swallowed all the liquid and smiled, wishing she were anywhere but here, in front of this sophisticated, elegant man who, quite literally, took her breath away. Her eyes were burning and she was sure she’d scorched off most of the taste buds on her tongue but she blinked rapidly in an effort to show him that she was fine with the current drink. “No need for anything else,” she gasped out.
Victor watched in amusement as she fought the fire of the martini. He wasn’t sure why she didn’t want him to order her something more to her liking but wanted to find out why she’d been so upset instead. He couldn’t believe what a fascinating creature she was. He was entranced despite years of cynicism that had made him lose faith in women and humanity. She was an intriguing breath of fresh air.
“What were you doing in Lincoln Publishing?” he asked, deciding to come around the issue of her tears more carefully.
Lana wiggled uncomfortably in her chair. There was absolutely no way she was going to rehash the conversation with this man. Too embarrassing. The man practically oozed sexual charm and charisma. He couldn’t possibly know what it is like to abhor sex. He probably had a different woman in his bed every night and loved it.
Surveying his immaculate suit and silk tie, she just couldn’t admit to him her horror at sex. “I was talking over some things with someone,” she said vaguely. At least it wasn’t a lie, she told herself, feeling slightly better. It wasn’t anywhere near the truth but she couldn’t be honest with this man.
He smothered his smile as he countered her non-answer. “Which someone? Maybe I know them.” There was no way he would let her get away with evasiveness, he thought, challenged and thrilled that she would dare. It was obvious that this beautiful woman had no idea who he was. It was both exciting and unprecedented.
Lana shook her head and smiled, taking another sip of her martini, needing something to do with her hands and hoping the action would ease some of her nervousness. This time it burned but it wasn’t painful. “No, I doubt it,” she said and carefully placed the glass back down on the table. She felt very warm now and actually sat back in her chair. “Goodness, I’m terribly sorry about blubbering so much.” She smiled at him and her heart fluttered as he assessed her from across the table. She nervously smoothed the plaid wool of her skirt over her knees, unable to hold his gaze.
The man continued to look at her as if she were some sort of amusing doll that he could play with but she didn’t want to be rude and simply get up and walk away. “What do you do?” she asked, hoping he’d accept her change of subject. She laughed softly. “I don’t even know your name.”
“I’m Victor,” he said and reached out his hand to take hers. “And you’re…?”
“Lana. Lana Armstrong,” she said her confidence returning, even if it was still a little weak. She took another sip of the martini and actually enjoyed it this time. “So what do you do, Victor?” she asked, setting the glass on the table and pushing it away from her. Leaning back in her chair, she looked at the man in anticipation.
“I guess I’m a Jack of all trades,” he explained.
She grinned. “And today you were saving damsels in distress.”
Lana enjoyed his laugh and relaxed even more. She absently drank the martini while they discussed non-sensical subjects ranging from farming techniques to the upcoming election. Lana didn’t realize when the bartender took her empty glass away, replacing it with a fresh martini. She just continued to sip the drink and relax in this amazing man’s company. She laughed and talked and felt pretty under his intense gaze. It was a wonderful feeling, one she hadn’t had for several years now. If ever, she thought, a part of her thinking back to the first few dates with Drew. He’d been handsome and charming but