He nods, approaching the female barista. He says something to her that makes her face light up.
I glance down at the white plastic table I’m sitting beside. I don’t blame her for grinning at him like that. He’s a gorgeous man with a bare ring finger.
He exudes a level of raw masculinity that I’ve never experienced before. I instantly wonder if the barista senses it too.
“Olivia Hull, you’re full of surprises.”
I look up to find Alexander standing next to the table. “I thought we’d indulge in a good bottle of wine or beer. Earl Grey would be proud of us both.”
His order is the same as mine. It’s a medium cup of tea.
“I like to think outside the box.” I motion for him to sit across from me. “Did you have any trouble finding this place?”
He looks around the eclectic shop. The walls are covered with orange paint and pink shelves which are home to a collection of antique teacups and saucers.
I consider it a Manhattan treasure. It’s one of those hole-in-the-wall places that only local and loyal customers frequent.
“I’ve been here before.”
The admission surprises me enough that it catches my breath. “You’ve been here?”
“Many times. I like the tea.” He raises his cup in the air. “We have more in common than you think.”
I laugh that away with a wave of my hand. “You’re a conductor. I work in lingerie…”
“Stop right there.” He leans back in his chair. “You work in lingerie as in you wear Liore lingerie to work?”
My pulse thrums. “You know that’s not what I meant.”
“But you do,” he says boldly. “You’re wearing Liore lingerie now.”
I glance down at the red sweater and jeans I’m wearing. The large white scarf around my neck covers any hint of the skin on my chest.
“What color, Olivia?”
I sip my tea, ignoring the question.
He persists. “White lace? Black satin?”
“Pink.”
He growls. A literal growl curls off his tongue. “Fuck.”
“Lace,” I say softly.
“Goddammit,” he rasps. “Show me.”
I laugh. “No.”
“Show me,” he repeats. “It can be the top of your bra. The strap. Hell, I’m g
ame if you strip right here and let me see it all.”
I glance over his shoulder at two women leaving. There are only a handful of people left. None of them are glancing in our direction.
“Give me something to remember tonight by.” A sexy grin takes over his mouth.
I close my eyes briefly, wondering if I’m doing this because of the half glass of wine I had earlier with Kate.