He let out a low chuckle. “I think that’s turning more and more into a reality. Especially after cocking thisup.”
Margogrowled.
“I get it, puppy. I’m ajerk.”
She let out a softwhoof.
He sipped his coffee. “I’d be careful. They’ve had their sights set on you forawhile.”
“Great. Not much to see here. I’m prettyboring.”
A smile played over his generous lips. “I wouldn’t saythat.”
“Normally that would be sweet, but since you’ve had me under surveillance for at least a year, it just soundscreepy.”
He had the grace to look sheepish. “Fair enough.” He pushed his mug away. “Allow me to make this up to you. Are you free onSaturday?”
I laughed. Expecting him to follow suit, my laughter faded when he only stared at me expectantly. “Wait.What?”
“Dinner,” Lucien elaborated. “I’m asking you to dinner.” He stood, carefully avoidingMargo.
“Why?” Iblurted.
“Because I met you less than a few hours ago and managed to make a right ass out of myself twice. That has to be a record. But that isn’t the only reason. I find you quite intriguing, Helen Reaper. On the surface you seem like a comfortable introvert, but on the inside, I know you have a sharp mind and an even sharper wit.” He lifted one shoulder and let it drop. “Color meintrigued.”
At my pause, he pulled out a business card from his shirt pocket. He scrawled his cell phone number on the back and laid it on the counter. “Say yes, HelenReaper.”
He went back out the way he came in which made me laugh. I picked up the business card and put it in my purse so I wouldn’t lose it. I didn’t know what I was going to say yet, but Lucien was terriblycharming.
Still, I’d just caught him trespassing on myland.
That’s a weird way to get asked out on adate.
