Beautiful and considerate.She wasn’t going to be thrilled by what was waiting for them upstairs.He’d secured a private room just for the two of them.The more time he spent in her presence the more he wanted her to himself.Her fascination with engines was a big turn on.He couldn’t wait to see her reaction to his vintage cars.He’d probably have an orgasm watching her.No, he wanted to get dirty with her, messing around with engines, and then make love to her in the midst of it all.
Oblivious to his naughty thoughts, she said, “I like your driver, Mr.Douglas.”
Lex chuckled.“Just Douglas.”
“His first name is Just?”
He chuckled and continued leading her up the stairs, loving their closeness and the fact that she didn’t try to pull away.“Why do you like him?”
“He quotes Nietzsche,” she said.“And he blushed while answering my questions.”
“What questions?”
“Oh, you know.This and that.Don’t worry.I didn’t bring up the women and the socialites in bed.”
Now she was teasing him.Upstairs was a smaller bar, but instead of a lounge, arched doorways led to private dining areas.The bartender nodded when their eyes met, then went back to chatting with the lone woman leaning against the counter.The bar had no stools.
Lex led Jillian to the right, past archways leading to private rooms with about ten to twenty guests.Most preferred outdoor seating on the balcony.They reached the corner room where the hostess—who’d gone ahead of them—waited by a single table set for two.He’d chosen indoor seating for privacy, but closer to the window for the view of Beverly Hills.The room was smaller and cozier than the others, all the other tables and chairs discreetly put away.
“Your server will be with you shortly, Mr.Fitzgerald,” the woman said, curiously studying Jillian before leaving the room.It wasn’t often Lex brought a woman here.
He pulled out a chair for Jillian before taking the seat across from hers.Light from the sconces bathed her exquisite features and added a golden hue to her skin.Wisps of hair caressed her cheeks, and a lone lock had escaped and was touching the corner of her mouth.He reached out and gently swept it out of the way.She didn’t flinch, although her pupils widened slightly.He knew enough about women to know when one was attracted to him.Jillian was.He’d felt it at the gas station and now as she met his gaze.He liked that she wasn’t backing away or acting coy.She had guts, which she’d need to deal with his family.
She gave him a tiny smile.“You’re staring.”
Would she still be smiling once he told her his real plans?His gut told him she would not overreact.They both wanted something the other could offer.
“I’m sure you’re used to it,” he said, leaning back against his seat and straightening his tie.
Her eyes followed his hand, and for some reason, she blushed again.One perfectly trimmed eyebrow rose.“Because of my profession?”
“No, because you’re a breathtaking woman.”
Jillian chuckled and ducked her head.Ahh, compliments made her uneasy.Interesting.He waited as she glanced around, anticipating a question about their privacy.She didn’t disappoint.
“Why are we the only ones here?”Her voice had gone sultry.
“I want us to talk without distraction and eavesdroppers.”He leaned forward and stretched his legs underneath the table.Their legs touched briefly before she shifted.“And the owner was kind enough to give us this room.”
“And Greg and Chris?”
“They’re downstairs.I understand they’re celebrating something.”
“Belated anniversary.”Jillian bit her lip and cut him a look from under her lashes.“You know you just became his favorite client.”
“Client.Does that mean you’re taking the job?”
“Only if you agree to my terms.”
“Done.”
She laughed.“You haven’t heard all of them yet.”
“I’m very accommodating when I want something.”His eyes went to her lips before locking gazes with her.“I’m sure we’ll come to a mutual agreement.I do have some terms you need to meet, too.”
Her eyes narrowed, but before she could speak, the waiter appeared.The man forgot what he was doing when she smiled, and he spilled the water.Lex didn’t blame him.Her smile was breathtaking.The man apologized profusely as he cleaned up, then discreetly stepped back to wait in the shadows.
“Why am I your agent’s favorite client?”Lex asked.
