“Yes, he’s immensely talented and a real asset to our little circus.” Laurent paused and offered me a gentle smile. “How were the twins?”
I bit my lip. “Um… they were… they were fine.”
He pressed a palm to his chest. “Oh, good. Those two can be difficult at times. They’re very territorial and always kick up a fuss whenever we add an engaging act that rivals theirs.”
“Yes, so it seems.”
He nodded. “I’m glad they finally realized they have to share top-billing.”
Yeah, they’re so thrilled about it. They’re probably in their train car right now, conspiring a devious plan to throw me overboard! I hated lying to Laurent, but as the new girl, I couldn’t afford to have him think my addition to the circus was more trouble than I was worth. “I think they’re coming around, slowly.”
He nodded and gave me another smile. “I hope so.” Then there was another pause in conversation and another uncomfortable silence. “Well, apologies for interrupting your slumber and I’m fairly sure that’s exactly what I did, no matter how you might try to deny it.” Laurent winked, indicating, what I assumed, was my messy bed hair.
“I don’t mind,” I answered on a little laugh.
He paused another moment before clearing his throat. “I must admit, I also wanted to know if you were interested in joining me for a late dinner. But… if you’d rather go back to sleep...”
Floored to silence, I was completely taken aback by his request. It almost sounded as if… as if he were asking me on a date?
“Oh,” I started and then didn’t know what to say.
“It’s alright,” he insisted. “It’s quite late and I shouldn’t have disturbed you.”
“No, you didn’t… I’m not disturbed,” I continued as I rubbed the back of my neck and smiled up at him.
“Well, goodnight,” Laurent continued, and then turned on his toes before I could say another word or even consider what his request implied. This man had randomly kissed me, and now he was asking me to have dinner with him?
I must have been crazy to say what I did next. Laurent was my boss and yet... “I’d be happy to. Actually, I’m famished. So hungry, I could eat a horse.”
Laurent’s expression lit up as he stopped and turned back to face me. He seemed truly pleased at my change of heart and extended his hand, clearly eager for me to accompany him. I immediately remembered the feeling of that same hand on my backside and swallowed hard.
“Wonderful! I hate to eat alone. Always happy to have good company.”
“Ditto.”
He glanced down at me and appeared so handsome in the low light of the train. “I hope you like fish. And if not, I’ll be glad to halt this train and find a tasty slab of horse for you!”
Hiding a giggle behind my hand, I extended my other hand and took his. “I like fish, just fine.”