Falling for the Secret Millionaire by Kate Hardy Page B

can’t.’
    â€˜So maybe we need to offer something different.’
    He wondered if she realised that she was using the word ‘we’. Though he wasn’t going to call her on it, and risk her backing away again. ‘Such as?’
    â€˜When I was looking at what my competitors offer, I saw an idea I really liked—a place that had comfortable sofas instead of traditional cinema seating, and little tables where people could put their drinks or food,’ she said.
    â€˜Like having the best night in, except you’ve gone out for it?’ he asked. ‘So you’ve got all the comfort and convenience of home, but professional quality sound and vision—actually, that would work really well.’
    â€˜And when the ushers take you to your seat, they also offer to take your order for food and drink. Which they bring to you and put on the little table.’
    â€˜I like that. A lot. But serving alcohol and hot food means getting a licence,’ he said, ‘and we’d have to think about what we offer on the menu.’
    â€˜We could have cinema-themed food,’ she said. ‘But it has to be easy to eat. Pizza, burgers, hot dogs and chicken.’
    â€˜Would that replace traditional cinema snacks?’
    â€˜No. Not everyone would want a meal. I think we need to include the traditional stuff, too—popcorn, nachos, bags of chocolates. And tubs of ice cream from a local supplier.’
    Her eyes were shining. He’d just bet his were the same. Brainstorming ideas with her was the most enjoyment he’d had from anything work-related in a long, long time. And he had a feeling it was the same for her.
    â€˜You know what this is like?’ he asked.
    â€˜What?’
    â€˜Talking to you online. But better, because it’s face to face.’
    Then he wished he hadn’t said anything when she looked wary again.
    â€˜Excuse me,’ she said. ‘I need the Ladies’.’
    â€˜The toilets are that way.’ He indicated in the direction behind her.
    â€˜Thanks.’
    * * *
    On her way to the toilets, Nicole stopped by the till and handed over her credit card. ‘Mr Hunter’s table,’ she said. ‘The bill’s mine. Please make sure that you charge everything to me.’
    â€˜Of course, madam,’ the waiter said.
    She smiled. ‘Thanks.’ It would save any argument over the bill later. And, given that Gabriel had already bought her two coffees and a brownie, she felt in his debt. This would even things out a little.
    You know what this is like? Talking to you online. But better. His words echoed in her head.
    He was right.
    And she really didn’t know what to do about it, which was why she’d been a coward and escaped to the toilets.
    Tonight, Gabriel wasn’t the corporate shark-in-a-suit; he was wearing a casual shirt and chinos that made him far more approachable. He’d attracted admiring glances from every single female in the restaurant—and it wasn’t surprising. Gabriel Hunter was absolutely gorgeous.
    But.
    They were still on opposite sides. They shouldn’t be wanting to have anything to do with each other, let alone help each other. And could she trust him? Or would he let her down as badly as Jeff had?
    She still didn’t have an answer by the time she returned to their table. And she was quiet all through pudding.
    And when he discovered that she’d already paid the bill, he looked seriously fed up. ‘Dinner was my idea, Nicole. I was going to pay.’
    â€˜And I told you, the deal was that we went halves.’
    â€˜So why did you pay for the whole lot?’
    â€˜Because you bought me two coffees and a brownie, and I don’t like being in anyone’s debt. I pay my way.’
    â€˜Now I’m in your debt.’
    She smiled. ‘That suits me.’
    â€˜It doesn’t suit me. And we haven’t really finished our