Greek for Beginners by Jackie Braun Page A

agreed upon and enjoyed.”
    â€œA very diplomatic answer,” she said.
    â€œSomething for both of us to think about.”
    Their entrées arrived then and the conversation turned to benign topics. Nick was eyeing the dessert menu, if only to prolong their evening, when Darcie said, “That was almost as good as the dinner your mom and grandmother made.”
    â€œI will be sure to pass along your compliment. You have room for dessert tonight, yes?”
    She grinned. “I’m on vacation. I get to indulge.” When he lifted a brow, she clarified, “In sweets.”
    They ordered coffee and two pieces of chocolate cake layered with a decadent mousse filling. The cake was delicious, but what made his mouth water was watching Darcie savor each bite.
    He set his fork aside and, after taking a sip of coffee, asked her, “Have you decided where I will be taking you tomorrow?”
    â€œI was thinking the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. That is if you have the time.”
    â€œI will make the time.”
    * * *
    Darcie had blown her diet big-time with that delicious dessert, so it was a good thing the scrumptious man she’d spent the evening with came calorie-free. Still, if one of them had to go straight to her hips, she would rather it be Nick.
    â€œYou are smiling,” the man in question noted as they returned to the hotel. “Care to share your thoughts?”
    â€œNo.” She pressed her lips together tightly afterward to keep from smiling again.
    â€œAh.” He nodded.
    â€œ Ah what?”
    â€œThere is no need for you to say anything now. I know.” He glanced over, winked. The accompanying smile was smug.
    â€œWhat is it that you think you know?”
    â€œYou want to invite me in for a drink.”
    â€œI want to—”
    He cut her off with a tsking sound. “But I must refuse.”
    The hotel was just ahead. Its sign lit up like a beacon.
    â€œYou’re saying no?” Forget that Darcie hadn’t asked or, for that matter, having a drink with him wasn’t what had caused her to smile in the first place.
    â€œI was, but all right. One drink. Since you insist.”
    Nick winked again and turned the car to the right. Just that quickly, he was pulling into the valet parking lane at the front entrance.
    â€œYou’re something else,” she murmured with a shake of her head.
    â€œI will take that as a compliment.”
    Inside the hotel, he steered her to the lounge. At her questioning glance, he said, “I will not claim to be a saint. A drink in your room poses too much temptation. And we have not yet defined our expectations of our hypothetical fling. Let us move slowly.”
    â€œTake our time.”
    â€œDrive ourselves insane,” it sounded like he said.
    So they had a drink in the lounge. Afterward, Nick not only walked her to the elevator, but he also insisted on accompanying her all the way to her room.
    â€œI am not coming in,” he assured her when the doors of the elevator slid open on her floor.
    â€œTesting your restraint?” she teased.
    He snorted, and it was her restraint that was on the line when he told her, “I want to picture where you will be sleeping tonight.”
    She opened the door and switched on the light. The room was small with just enough space to accommodate a double bed, dresser, writing desk and television. Housekeeping had been by, so the duvet was turned down, the pillows freshly plumped. A foil-wrapped square of chocolate sat in the center of the one closest to the door.
    It wasn’t the treat that had her mouth watering.
    Darcie’s gaze cut to Nick. He was studying her as well, his expression seductive. She had to remind herself that it wouldn’t be wise to hop into bed with a man she barely knew, even if what little she did know about him she found very appealing.
    â€œI must go.” His tone was brusque.
    â€œYes.”
    He gave her a