"For such short notice, the local options are pretty limited," I explained. "We could get into the Ritz or the Four Seasons, but only on a weeknight. What do you think about that?"
Lucas waved the waiter over and gestured at me to order. After I finished, I looked at Lucas. "And the gentleman will have…"
Lucas gave the waiter a forced look of pleasantness for what I assumed was my benefit. "The olive-and-pasta appetizer. And the veal porterhouse." He closed his menu and turned his attention back to me. "Next time, just order for me."
I smiled. "It'll be my pleasure. I just have to figure out what you like."
"I could get used to this. You're just like a personal assistant. A really hot one." He looked down after he made that comment, concentrating on swirling the wine in his glass. "So…" he continued after a beat. "The Four Seasons or the Ritz on a weeknight? We could do that."
"You also mentioned your property up in Maine," I said. "We could have an outdoor wedding there. I contacted a few catering companies in Seal Harbor that would be able to accommodate us on short notice. The only issues with that are hotel reservations and house rentals for guests who are coming, because there aren't a lot of options up there. Speaking of, how many guests were you thinking you wanted? When I spoke to the event planners today, I guessed about one hundred people. What do you think?"
"I really don't
have many people to invite. My father and his wife, my sister, Shirley from the office… my cousin James and his wife Audrey. Other than that, I would probably need about fifty or so spots for other family, work friends, a buddy of mine or two from college." He raised his eyes to meet mine. "What about you? We really can't invite anyone from your family…" He let his voice trail off.
"We can't. Elena made it very clear that I couldn't have any relatives present for any part of this." I pursed my lips. "I hope your family doesn't think it's suspicious that I'm not going to have anyone at our wedding."
Lucas nodded. "We'll have to put more thought into that. It can't look strange. Okay, besides Maine and Boston, are there any other options?"
I nodded. "I took the liberty of exploring venues in Vegas, although I imagine that would be considered a little tacky by your family's standards. However, there are several hotels out there that could accommodate us on short notice, and obviously, food and lodging wouldn't be an issue. Neither would flights."
Lucas looked thoughtful as he sipped his wine. "Vegas, huh? I kind of like it. It might horrify my family, which is fine by me. Oh, by the way, we're having dinner with them tomorrow night. So be prepared to suffer alongside me."
My stomach plummeted in dread at the thought of meeting his father, his stepmother/ex-girlfriend, and his filler-faced sister. But then the waiter came over with my first course, and I forgot all about my trepidation, occupied instead with my appetizer. "Perfect timing." I began to eat, closing my eyes for a moment in ecstasy over the flavor. The tartness of the green and black olives contrasted with the tomatoes and the Gemelli. The tastes balanced each other perfectly. "Mmmm. That's just as good as I remembered. Better, even."
"It's perfect."
I looked up and realized that Lucas was watching me. He hadn't even had a bite.
I shivered in response. "You should have some." My voice was chiding, but I felt a slow heat creeping over me as I held his gaze.
He looked down at his plate, breaking the moment. "Listen… I didn't mention anything about this to Elena, but we should be clear about something."
Was this the part where he revealed that he was into BDSM, or that he was a furry—i.e., someone who liked to dress up as an animal before he had sex? Lucas might actually be cute dressed up as a bunny…
"Blake?" Lucas interrupted my train of thought, which was probably a blessing.
"Sorry—I spaced out for a second," I said. "What were you saying?"
"I'm not requiring physical contact as part of our arrangement. I meant it when I said that this was strictly a business arrangement."
I thought my hearing might be going. "I'm sorry?"
He looked back up at me, chewing his food thoughtfully. His green eyes glittered in the candlelight. "I said that I'm not asking you to have sex with me as part of this deal. That's not what you're here for."
I swallowed some wine.
"Don't take it personally," he cautioned, watching me warily.
"This is strictly professional for me," I reminded him. "And my ego's big enough that I'm not going to take that as a rejection."
"Good girl." Lucas grinned at me. "I just don't want things to get any more complicated between us."
"I understand." I knew I should be relieved, but I felt a small sting of disappointment.
I looked at his broad, handsome face and the stubble forming across his chin. I had another sip of wine. I had wanted to find out what he had going on underneath his suit. "But if at any point something changes, please understand that physical contact is part of my job. And I'm sure your own ego is big enough that you know it wouldn't be the worst thing that ever happened to me—if you did change your mind."
At that, Lucas gulped his wine, and I grinned at him playfully. Because really, at this point, what did I have to lose?