of breath, his face hovering close. "You must have dinner
with me."
Although breathless and completely convinced, she
pretended otherwise. "How do you know?"
O.E. gave her a huge grin and pulled back. "Are you
joking? That was a great kiss! And now that you know what
awaits you at the end of the evening, how can you refuse?"
He let go and gave her a smile that did not permit any
refusal.
That was indeed an awesome kiss. Rebecca needed to
know more about this amazing man. "You said that you
used to be in business. I'm thinking you were a salesman,
and I bet you were good at it."
"I've sold a lot of things in my life, but if I can make this
sale, it'll rank right up there with some of my best." He
reached out and put his hands on her waist, arching back
and staring at her deeply. "I'll tell you what, no pressure. I
hate high pressure sales tactics. So I won't make you decide
now. Dinner, Monday at 7:30. Top of the Park."
Rebecca chuckled. "I've heard about Top of the Park.
Super fancy and awfully expensive. Can you afford it?"
O.E. froze, looking like an animal in the middle of the
road, trying to decide which way to run. He chewed on his
lower lip. "You're right-the place is a bit pricey. Maybe
someday I'll be able to take you there." He looked away
briefly, then brightened. "I know! Alimentary. It's a great
little place on Grand Street-quiet, good food, and still
undiscovered." He let go of her and stepped back, staring at
her like a fox that hadn't eaten in weeks. "Even if it wasn't
the best kiss you've ever had, say it was and come to dinner
with me. But if you don't show up, I'll understand." He
folded his arms. "See? No pressure. But I promise you'll love
the food, and unless I'm mistaken, I haven't promised you
anything yet that I couldn't deliver."
Such an ego. Still, if dinner was as good as that kiss,
she'd die before dessert. Suddenly, she wanted more
promises from him. Rebecca's heart was still beating hard,
and she gave him a small smile. "All right, O.E. I'll be there."
"Good. Now how about your phone number in case I
need to reach you?"
Rebecca pulled a business card from her purse. "Are you
going to give me your number?"
O.E. had a pained look, crestfallen. He shrugged and
shook his head. "Sorry, my phone's no good. I have to get a
new one tomorrow. I'll call you and give you my number