“I suppose you’re right.”
He might have wished for a little more enthusiasm, but he would settle for what he could get. “So far we’ve only been seen together at events that are related to my business dealings. Don’t you think we would be more believable as a couple if you introduce me to some of your friends? Don’t you have a party or a bowling team or something we can attend together?”
“A bowling team?”
He shrugged. “Just an example.”
“No, I don’t belong to a bowling team.”
“No upcoming parties? Club meetings? Business-related social functions?”
She kept her gaze focused on her coffee. “My calendar is fairly clear at the moment. I’m open to your suggestions about things we can do together.”
He had plenty of suggestions, but he doubted that many of them would appeal to her at the moment. Since she seemed to have no intention of voluntarily sharing her life with him, it looked as though it was up to him to keep trying to come up with ideas. “What do you like to do for fun? If not bowling, I mean.”
She shrugged. “Lots of things. Nothing in particular.”
She was one of the most elusive women he had ever met. Getting a straight answer from her was like trying to grab a handful of smoke. “I know you work Saturday, but are you free Sunday?”
“I can be.”
He nodded. “Then I’ll pick you up Sunday morning around ten o’clock. Dress very casually. Comfortably.”
“Where are we going?”
He hadn’t a clue—but he was sure he would come up with something. “I’ll surprise you.”
If she had looked nervous before, she appeared doubly so now. “Um…”
He flashed her a grin. “You trust me, don’t you?”
“Not as far as I can throw you,” she answered without hesitation.
He laughed and set his empty mug aside. “It’s getting late. I’d better go.”
She sprang to her feet and hurried to the door as if anxious to see him out. “I’ll see you Sunday.”
“You could try to sound a little more enthusiastic,” he said as he moved toward her.
“I said I would cooperate with this plan, and I will. You think we should be seen together a few more times for Chloe and Donovan’s sake. I’ll take your word for it.”
“Very noble and self-sacrificing of you.”
A light blush tinted her fair cheeks. “There’s no reason for you to make fun of me.”
“I’m only teasing.” He paused in front of her to stroke her flushed cheek with his fingertips. “Chloe is very lucky to have you for a sister.”
Her color deepened. “She would do the same for me.”
“Yes, I know. You’re lucky to have each other.”
“You’re doing all this for Donovan,” she reminded him.
“Of course. But it hasn’t really been such a hardship for me to spend time with you. I’ve enjoyed it, actually.”
The compliment only made her frown deepen. “Um…thank you. I guess.”
Shaking his head, he feigned a sigh. “Even if you are rough on my ego,” he added in a mutter.