Don't Say a Word - Barbara Freethy [84]
"I'm always game."
"I've been wanting to try it, but it never seemed to be the right time. And Michael isn't an adventurous eater. It will be my treat. It's the least I can do." She smiled as she stood up. "I kind of like this, picking the restaurant, paying for my guest. I think I'll even drive."
"Whoa, slow down. I'm driving."
"You don't think I can drive?"
"I like to be the driver."
"So do I, and I've been the passenger every time we've driven so far. Come on, Alex. You can trust me. I promise not to hurt you."
He sighed. "Fine, you drive. But I warn you, I am definitely a backseat driver, only you'll be hearing my comments from the front seat." As they left the apartment, Alex thought about what Julia had just promised. He didn't believe he was risking his life to ride in the car with her, but he had a distinct feeling that by spending more time together, he was definitely risking his heart. And the funny thing was that until Julia had entered his life, he'd almost forgotten he had a heart.
Julia entered the restaurant, feeling as if she'd just stepped into another world. The tented ceiling, the thick brocade tapestries on the walls, took them straight to Morocco. They sat down on low, soft cushions, the room lit only by candles. It was a lush, sensual atmosphere, and Julia felt a shiver run down her spine as she glanced over at Alex. He was as comfortable here as he was anywhere. She'd never met a man who could adapt to any environment as easily as Alex did. He made whatever room he was in his own.
A waiter came by to explain the menu and suggest drinks. As soon as he left, a beautiful woman entered and performed a belly dance for them. She seemed especially interested in drawing Alex's attention, and Alex seemed to enjoy every second of her performance. In fact, he looked as if he'd forgotten Julia was even present.
It didn't matter, she told herself. They weren't on a date. They weren't involved. They weren't committed to each other. Alex could flirt with the belly dancer. Heck, he could take her home and sleep with her, and Julia wouldn't have a thing to say about it, except that she really wouldn't like it.
Julia frowned at the turn of her thoughts. She took a sip of wine, relieved when the woman moved away. "She was pretty," she commented, feeling completely insincere.
"Beautiful," he said with a smile. "I'd like to see you in one of those costumes."
"I doubt that will ever happen. I'm far too inhibited." She licked her lips as his gaze roamed her face, as if he were searching for all her personal secrets. There were some things she didn't want to share with him.
"Are you inhibited?" he asked. "Or is that just the way you've been raised to be?"
"It's the same thing."
"It's not. I believe we're influenced by our environment, the people in our lives."
"I suppose that's true. My mother was very big on rules and doing the right thing, telling the truth, never going astray. She and my father made such a big, happy family life for us that it was easy to be content in it. It wasn't until she died that I started to look around and wonder what else I wanted. I must say it's difficult to believe she might have been the biggest liar of all." Every time Julia thought about the lies, her heart hurt.
"She didn't lie about her love for you," Alex said in a tender voice. "She obviously took care of you, protected you, tried to make you happy. That's the important stuff, Julia."
"I'm trying to focus on that, but it's not easy when I'm hit with a new problem every time I turn around."
"You have had a busy week."
"Tell me about it. I can't believe I just walked out and left my apartment in such horrible condition. I should have cleaned it up."
"It will be there when you get back. What's your sister up to?"
"I think she went to my dad's house." Julia sighed. "I don't want to talk about any of it right now. Do you think we could put a moratorium on the subject through dinner?"
"Absolutely," he said with so much relief she had to laugh.
"I'm