Secrets of the Lotus. Michelle Garren Flye

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ glanced around the room and Josie realized until then he hadn’t noticed the furtive glances and whispers. “I see what you mean. You know, it’s only a matter of time before somebody else I don’t want to talk to comes over. You want to get out of here?”

      “Very much.” Josie folded her napkin and laid it across her plate.

      He rose and took her hand, and out of nowhere, the maitre d’ appeared. “Mr. Mason, your food should be ready shortly—”

      “That’s fine.” Dan handed the man a folded bill. “Pack it up and send it down to my driver, would you? We’re going for a walk.”

      “Of course, sir.” The maitre d’ bowed as they passed.

      * * * *

      “I actually hate eating out.” Dan shivered and stuck his hands deep into his pockets as they walked down the street, coats buttoned against the wind, scarves wrapped around their necks and the cold biting at every inch of exposed skin.

      “I can’t imagine why.” Josie craned her neck and looked past the tops of the buildings to the sliver of night sky visible above. The night was clear, the wind low. She wished she could see the stars, but the city lights were too bright. She could just make out a crescent moon hovering above them.

      Dan caught her as she stubbed her toe on an uneven bit of concrete. “Would you please look where you’re going? You’re making me nervous. You’re going to fall.”

      “Sorry.” She returned her gaze to the walk in front of her, marveling that so many people were still awake and out at this time of the night. “Where are we going anyway?”

      He stopped and looked around. The streets were lined with shops, restaurants and clubs. “You know, I’m not sure. I don’t usually leave a restaurant and go for a walk. I just wanted somewhere we could talk in peace.”

      Josie giggled. “Come with me. I know a place.” She led the way around the corner to a small church nestled between two tall office buildings. Dan hesitated. “What’s the matter?” She shot him a teasing smile. “You aren’t afraid you’re going to be cast out, are you?”

      “I guess if I’m going to be hit by the wrath of God, it might as well be now.” He shook his head and followed her in. He lowered his voice. “You should know it’s been at least five years since I’ve been inside a church.”

      “That’s a shame,” she whispered. “They’re great places to think. I stop by here once or twice a month.”

      The sanctuary was silent and empty. She led the way down the aisle to a pew near the back. Dan turned his head from side to side, looking at the flying buttresses and intricate stained glass windows. “The architecture is amazing. I actually wish I were a little more up on my Bible stories so I could identify who’s depicted in the stained glass.”

      “They tell the story of creation.” She pointed. “See, each one is a day of the first week, all the way up to Adam and Eve.”

      He was silent, staring at the final window of the first man and woman holding hands against a blissful green background. Josie followed his gaze, wondering if he was thinking, as she often did, that the artist had done an extraordinary job of depicting the loving look between the two.

      “Earth to Dan.” She tugged his sleeve. “Now I’ve got you someplace where you might find it difficult to lie to me, you want to tell me exactly what it is you’re up to?”

      “I’m not up to anything. Honestly.”

      “Scouts’ honor?” Her voice was low but slightly mocking. “I’m sorry, but I find it difficult to believe.”

      “You’re more jaded than I thought. It’s true, and you’re right. I wouldn’t be likely to lie to you in a place like this. I like you, Josie Stewart. You’re not like the other women I date. There’s something…fresh about you. I can’t quite put my finger on it. You’re beautiful, accomplished, talented. But I know plenty of women who are all those things and I can’t stand most of them. I want to have you around to hang out with. I want to be friends. If you like me, that is.”

      Josie couldn’t figure out why she still questioned whether she liked him. He was handsome, pleasant, a little unpredictable and rich. He knew how to treat a woman, that was clear. Yes, she liked him. She liked the streak of independence in him that made him stand out from the other mannequins she saw on the streets of New York every day. He had a way of looking at her that lifted her spirits and made her think anything was possible.

      But while she could admit she liked him, she didn’t trust him. She knew there was more to Dan’s offer of friendship than he let on. That aroused her reporter’s instincts, making her desire to follow through with the relationship if only to find out what he was planning.

      Besides, she couldn’t really judge him if he was up to something, considering her own plans regarding her brother and Dan’s fortune.

      “Yeah, I like you.” She hesitated, took in a breath as if to add something then let it out.

      “What is it?”

      “I… I could use a friend. A real friend. And if you’re being honest about being that friend, that’s great. But I just got out of a relationship. A really intense thing. I don’t want to jump back into another one. I’m kind of liking me alone right now, you know?”

      “I can appreciate that.”

      “Okay.”

      “Friends?” Dan held out his right hand.

      “Friends.” Josie let him twine his fingers through hers. She had an odd feeling their oath might not be as solemn or even as honest as some taken in the little church but at least it was made in the right location.

      * * * *

      “I think the food tasted better here.” Dan set his plate aside and smiled at her. “You don’t think about how much your surroundings affect your enjoyment of something as simple as food, do you?”

      They sat cross-legged on the floor in the enormous living room of his luxury apartment, empty cartons in a jumble. When Josie, a little put off by the stuffy appearance of the formal dining room, had suggested a picnic, Dan had spread a blanket in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and a maid had produced candles, china, silverware and crystal goblets. Within moments, they were sitting alone in his apartment, enjoying as nice a picnic as Josie had ever had. The maids’ efficiency reinforced Josie’s idea that Dan’s staff was used to him entertaining women.

      “I don’t think it was the surroundings as much as the company.” Josie raised the glass to her lips and took a cautious sip. “But yes, some of those people could definitely give a person indigestion.”

      He nodded, propping one arm on his knee and gazing out the window across the city. Taking the opportunity of silence, Josie leaned back against the couch, closing her eyes and wondering if now was the moment to bring up her plan, her actual reason for being here. Could she do it without hurting his pride?

      She summoned her courage and opened her eyes to face him but lost her focus in surprise at finding his eyes locked on her face. Worse, he looked amused.

      “What?” СКАЧАТЬ