Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
She would cry if she didn’t shift the energy right away—and if there was one thing Mila didn’t do, it was cry over the past. In a lighthearted way, she said, “What? That was just a normal day out in the surf. People break bones all the time, and they come back, and they heal, and they move on.” She took a deep breath, and she could see that he wanted to say more, but she couldn’t handle the emotion right now. “Listen, given that we’ve just done the quickest deal ever in real estate history, and you’re getting the keys only a few days after seeing the house, I’m taking you out to celebrate.”
He looked almost taken aback, and then he grinned. It completely transformed his face, and she felt herself melt a little as he said, “I was actually going to ask you out to dinner to celebrate. How’s tomorrow night?”
She laughed, delighted that he was obviously interested in continuing to spend time together. “Great minds,” she said. “We can fight over the check at the end. Sound good?”
“Sounds great,” he said, “but I’m going to win that fight. My mom did not raise me to let a lady pick up the check—especially when she’s found and delivered my dream home.”
She laughed and was thankful that not only did she have a date of sorts, but the awkwardness between them had fully disappeared.
“And more good news,” he said, glancing at his watch. “If I call before noon, I can get my bed delivered today.”
At the mention of the word bed, she suddenly felt like a blushing virgin as the image of the two of them tangled up in his brand-new sheets engulfed her with such a powerful burst of lust that she had to take a breath. She glanced up at him to find such an intensity in his gaze that she knew he was feeling it too.
But first things first. All business now, she said, “Let’s get these papers signed, and then I can give you the keys.”
“I am very much looking forward to that.”
“And,” she continued, “since this is my hometown, and you’re new to the area, I’ll book us a restaurant. Seven sound okay?”
Again, he looked a little surprised that she’d taken the lead, but then he said, “Perfect.” He looked down at himself as if he’d just remembered he’d come to her office still in his workout gear. “I’ve got lots to do until I see you tomorrow.”
Chapter Fifteen
Maybe she had been a tiny bit worried that Herschel would show up for dinner in clueless, badly chosen clothing, but she was pleased to find, when she picked him up outside his hotel the next evening, that he was wearing a stylish pair of designer blue jeans and the nicest shirt she’d yet seen him in. It wasn’t that she was shallow—although a man who took pride in his appearance was a turn-on—but she’d spent more time that she’d admit picking out her outfit for the evening and didn’t want to feel foolish. It wasn’t like this was even a real date—just a dinner to celebrate the house deal, which was more than the usual glass of champagne with clients, but not enough to make her think Herschel was going to make a move.
Slipping into the passenger seat, he said, “You look beautiful.” He said it not the way a practiced womanizer tells every woman she’s beautiful, but like a man who was genuinely taking in and appreciating what he saw. Somehow that made her feel way more beautiful than usual. Because, although she’d been blessed with her mom’s good genes, a man hadn’t made her feel special in a very long time.
She thanked him and then looked down at herself. She wasn’t sure how smartly dressed Hersch would be, so she’d chosen a very simple coral cotton dress from the dozens she’d tried on. Now she realized she’d made the perfect choice. It was cut beautifully, with a scoop neck, and it clung in all the right places. She’d added minimal gold jewelry, gone light on her makeup so that it left her bronzed and glowy, and let her long blonde hair flow free.
“We’re heading to Bentley’s,” she said. Because she knew the owners, she told him, she’d made sure to reserve her favorite table—in a corner with a view of the ocean. It wasn’t until she saw his reaction that she realized her mistake. She paused and then said, “I didn’t even consider you might not want to have an ocean view. I’m so sorry. They just have wonderful food, and I figured—”
But he cut her off. “That’s okay. I’ll just be looking at you anyway.”
If there had been any doubt in her mind whether this might actually be a date, then some of that was squashed by that cute, flirty comment. Again, she felt a sweet stab of lust. Because he didn’t pay idle compliments. He always told the truth. It was charming and refreshing.