Stealing Cupid's Bow by Jewel Quinlan Page B

adult daughter. She was likely in her teens at the most from her guesstimation of his age. To Alexander, she probably just seemed grown up.
    “It is, but I think that’s one of the funnest parts,” she said.
    He seemed to consider it but made no comment, which said a lot.
    “Any contact from your ex-boyfriend?” he asked, changing the subject.
    Raine frowned into her glass. “None. And I think I’m glad.” In fact, he hadn’t crossed her mind most of the day.
    “Well, you look much improved today. Not a tear in sight. But maybe I’d better check before I make hasty assumptions.” He leaned closer to examine her, his brows pulled down in mock-seriousness. His fingertips lightly stroked her cheeks, as if checking for moisture.
    The subtle pressure of his hand drew her gaze to him. Her breath caught. The planes of his cheeks and jaw were strong and masculine. His face also had an aquiline nose and a broad, intelligent forehead. The manly features were balanced with eyes that boasted long lashes and lips that had the right amount of fullness. The brush of his fingers on her skin caused blood to rush to her face. What was it about him that aroused her so? She felt all tingly and warm inside, as if she had just downed a brandy. When he finally finished and leaned back into the sofa, she wasn’t sure if she was relieved or desolate.
    “No tears,” he concluded. “Good. Someone like him doesn’t deserve them anyway.” He reached over and squeezed her hand, the gesture casual and easy.
    Raine wished she could say she felt that way. But at the moment, her insides were knotted up by his very presence and lightest touch. Hopefully it wasn’t obvious how flustered he made her. One thing was certain, sitting here with him made it difficult to connect with the rejection and self-pity from earlier. His full attention was on her, and it felt as though they were in a private room, not surrounded by the noise of a casino. It was plain that he was a very caring man. And it was moving that he would be concerned for her. But it was also felt like a little more than concern. Could they possibly be on a date? A spurt of shyness rose up at the thought. No. No way . He was just being nice.
    “What about you? What are your parents like?” she blurted.
    “You would like them. My mother is a beautiful and loving woman and my father is the strong, warrior type.”
    Of course. And he was the perfect blend of the two. “Do they live nearby?”
    “No, but I have other family around.”
    She glanced around the bar. “So, this must be a pretty normal night for you I’m guessing. This bar must be like your living room.”
    He laughed. “Yes, in a way it is. But I also do have a living room.”
    “You do?”
    “Sure.”
    “I guess when you told me you lived here I just envisioned a regular hotel room.” Now she felt silly. Judging from the limo ride, his clothes, and the watch on his wrist, he was well-off and probably had a whole wing of rooms or something.
    “No, there’s more. I even have a kitchen, if you can believe it.”
    She saw the humor in his eyes and couldn’t resist swatting him on the shoulder.
    A smile spread on his lips and he reached out to take her hand. “Have dinner with me.”
    Her breath whooshed out in a surprised huff, the request unexpected. “Tonight? It’s already late, I should be getting back.”
    “Okay. How about tomorrow night then?” His eyes seemed to glow as he waited for her answer. He rubbed her hand between both of his. “I’m really glad we met on the plane, and I would really like a chance to get to know you better. I know it’s soon, but you’re only in town for a few days, right?”
    She nodded, a feeling of elation rising in her chest. So he wasn’t just being nice. He was asking her on a date! Shocking really, that he would want to, after seeing her a blithering, snotty mess. Was it too soon to go on a date? She decided she didn’t care. “All right,” she said, suddenly