Free Downtown Girl (Lipstick Red #1) by Zara Asher

dismissed it as silly.
    When David spoke, she’d been floundering, with no idea what to do or say next.
    ‘After you,’ David said graciously, as he took charge.  They were outside the plush gilt double doors of Chavabox, blocking the entrance.  The doorman nodded his head to Jack, opening the door with an experienced flourish.
    They each received their own Maitre D, as they were shown to their respective private dining rooms.  ‘Enjoy your meal,’ Taylor managed to say as Jack walked away, his eyes dark, thunderous and unreadable.
    ‘And to you,’ he replied, shooting daggers with his eyes towards David.  
    ###
    ‘Are you going to tell me what that was all about?’ David asked when they were finally alone in their dining room.  The table was set with four sets of knives and forks, distracting her from the uncomfortable situation.  She was glad they were alone, so she wouldn’t embarrass herself by picking up the wrong implement at the wrong time.
    ‘Absolutely nothing,’ she replied, coloring.  ‘He’s only ever spoken to me about work before, or made light chit chat in the corridor.  He’s never, ever kissed my hand.’
    ‘Until tonight?’ David answered, stroking his chin with two fingers while his thumb rested under his chin.
    ‘I could get sacked.’ She whispered quietly, her eyes brimming with tears.  She was taken aback when David laughed at her distress.  ‘I’m glad you see the funny side of it, because I don’t,’ she replied haughtily, a tear spilling over her curled lashes.
    ‘Taylor, that man wants into your pants.  He’s not going to sack you.  And if he does, I’ll hire you.  I could use a good defense lawyer on my team.’
    ‘How can you possibly tell that?  He can’t possibly want into my pants.  There are dozens of beautiful women at Willgox.’
    ‘But none of them as smart as you I’ll bet!  I know he wants into your pants because I know men, and I know when one Alpha male is giving another a warning.  I consider myself duly warned, but I’m not one for doing what I’m told.  I won’t share you Taylor, I’m warning you now.’
    ‘I don’t want to be shared,’ a sob escaped as she took a deep breath and regained control over her emotions.  ‘And even if he did want into my pants, why would he decide to show his hand now?’
    David took her right hand, enveloping it fully with both of his.  ‘Because he thought you’d wait for when he was ready to make his move.’
    ‘How could you possibly know that?’
    ‘Because I know Jack Collins!’
    The waiter entered with the wine menu and some complimentary tasters.  Her phone buzzed in her pocked while David tried the samples on offer.  She ignored it while she watched him order his own food. 
    ‘Can I take your order?’ the friendly table server asked.
    Taylor faltered.  ‘I’m not ready,’ she looked at David.  ‘Could you order for me?’  He nodded, surprised.  He obviously thought she would have specific food requirements.
    ‘We’ll have the Fromage De Chrevre for starters and the Filet De Boeuf Facon for our main course.  We’ll choose dessert later.’
    Grateful for the change of direction in conversation, she kept the flow going. 
    ‘So, in English, what are we eating?’
    ‘Goats cheese with roasted red onions in balsamic syrup for starters, and beef fillet, served with caramelized onions, green beans, chestnut mushrooms, Chantenay carrots and potato roulade in a whisky sauce for our main course.’
    David still toyed with her hand, rubbing his thumb in circles on her palm.  She could get used to this. 
    He pulled her upright.  ‘This is what a private dining room is all about!’ he grinned, opening a door at the back.  A small and intimate lounge with a champagne bucket on ice overlooked the city, the lights shimmering into the distance for a perfect view. 
    A central circle in the drinks table caught her glance.
    ‘That will flash when our first course arrives.