Page 29 of Take Me Back
Dane raises one eyebrow in a look that saystold you I could catch one close by, and I make anoh reallyface of challenge in return. It feels so good to have this easiness between us again.
I smooth my face into a normal expression before responding. “Thank you so much, Eduardo.”
Someone, likely Andreas, turns on the stereo, and reggae music comes to life in the background.
“So, are you going to become Dane Cross, great lobster hunter, in the morning?”
“Why not? I’m pretty sure you’d like it.”
“It would definitely be impressive.” I laugh and pick up my drink to take a sip. “You did a great job picking this place. How did you even find it?”
“Arianna.” He says the name like I should know whoAriannais.
“Arianna? Who’s that?”
Some of that easiness filters away as the smile fades from Dane’s face. “The woman who works in my office. Has worked in my office for over nine months now.”
A creeping wave of guilt sweeps through me.This is something I should probably know.
“Um ... did you mention her before?”
Dane leans forward over the table. “More than once. After you, she’s basically the most important woman in my life.”
I stiffen, not liking how that sounds or how it makes me feel.Arianna. She sounds young. Probably beautiful.
I reach for my drink and suck back a sip. Then another, just because. I set it down, and defensiveness closes around me like a shield.
“I remember you were going to hire someone to answer phones and things. I assumed you hired an older retired woman like you mentioned. Not someone who sounds like she was probably a college cheerleader.”
Where did that come from?
“Actually, I’m pretty sure she was a gymnast back in Israel, but gave it up when she came to the States for grad school.”
“Israel?” Given my limited number of Israeli acquaintances, all I can picture is the actress who played Ziva David inNCIS, draping herself over my husband’s desk at night while they strategize about ... whatever the hell import brokers do.
Arianna.
Great.
“Yes.”
His nonchalant answer has me sharpening my gaze on him. “I think I would’ve remembered if you’d mentioned that detail.”
Dane shrugs like it’s no big deal whenit’s a very big deal. “It wasn’t relevant.”
It wasn’t relevant.Seriously?
“She sounds a little overqualified to be answering your phones.”
He shakes his head. “Her job is more complicated than that. Actually, I’ve been wanting to tell you—”
His words are cut off when Eduardo returns to our table with another round of drinks. I look down at the Purple Rain I’ve been sipping, and surprise trickles through me when I realize it’s empty.
“I know you were enjoying having the place all to yourselves, but it appears we do have another couple joining us shortly. It seems their delay was resolved.”
Dane tips back the remainder of his beer and hands the empty bottle to Eduardo. “Thanks for letting us know.”
He looks at the mostly full bowl of ceviche in front of me. “Is it not to your liking, ma’am?”
