Susan Mallery - The Ultimate Millionaire

He immediately took a step back, both physically and mentally. He and Marina were on a mission. He was here to protect Ryan’s interests and not die of boredom in the process. If tweaking Marina’s assumptions about him got him through the day, then he was up to the task. But actually enjoying her company—not a good idea. Getting involved with his aunt-by-marriage’s youngest granddaughter wouldn’t be very intelligent.

“This place comes highly recommended,” he said as they made their way to the front door. “It’s supposed to be good food with more choices than beef or chicken. If this is the one we pick, we’ll be able to customize the menu. Or in our case, argue over food options.”

“You think we’re going to argue?” she asked.

“I’m counting on it.”

“I’m a pretty agreeable person, but I’m sure you’re difficult,” she said as he held open the door. “I’ll be flexible on food, but not the dessert thing.”

“What dessert thing?”

She smiled at him. “That we have dessert. It’s one of the great thrills of a wedding. You get dessert and cake. How often does that happen in life?”

“Far be it from me to get between a woman and her sugar fix.”

“Pretty and smart,” she murmured. “How impressive.”

“I know.” He turned his attention to the receptionist and introduced them.

“I’m Zoe,” the woman said with a smile. “We’re ready for you. If you’d come this way?”

They were led in to a small room set up like a dining area. The table for six had two place settings at one end.

Zoe seated them, then pointed out the menu printed on a single sheet by the plates.

“We’ll go in order,” she said. “We’ll start with soups, then the salads and so on. Please make notes or write down any questions.”

She left and then returned immediately with three small bowls for each of them.

“Lovely presentation,” Marina said as she picked the sprig of garnish out of one of the bowls. “Why do they have to put some garden weed on top of a dish? What is it? How do we know where it’s been?”

“The not knowing adds to the thrill of the moment.”

She looked at him, her blue eyes wide. “Are you thrilled?”

She was close enough that he could see a couple of pale freckles on her nose and hint of a dimple in her cheek. Once again he thought about touching her…and didn’t.

“Beyond words.”

“Liar,” she murmured, then took a taste of the first soup. “Split pea with something else. Not bad.”

He tasted it and shook his head. “No, thanks.”

They both passed on the creamy mystery soup, while he liked the chicken vegetable and Marina complained it was too healthy.

“We’re at a wedding. Do we really have to get our five servings of fruits and vegetables in the first course?”

He poked around the bowl. “Not a lot of fruit that I can see.”

“You know what I mean.” She set down her spoon. “What about tortilla soup? Or a quesadilla? Doesn’t that sound good?”

“You want Mexican food at your sister’s wedding?”

Marina’s shoulders slumped. “Not really, but I could go for some right now. I should have eaten before coming here. I’m really hungry.”

“So you like food.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Yes, some women eat. I eat. Shocking, but true. I also run every day, so I can pretty much eat what I like and enjoy it. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Running with that chip on your shoulder must help with your workout. The extra weight would increase intensity.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it. “You’re saying I’m a little sensitive about the food thing?”

“Would I say that?”

“You’re thinking I’m overreacting because you date models and I don’t feel I measure up to their ideal.”

“You’re doing all the talking.”

“I’m not intimidated. Mostly not. Sometimes, maybe a little. But I’d like to point out that these are my skinny jeans. They’ve fit all week and they look fabulous on me.”

“Yes, they do.” He’d admired the curve of her hips and her long legs when she’d first walked up. He was willing to take another look, if that would make her happy.

“I don’t seek approval from anyone but myself.”

“Why would you?”

She smiled. “You’re humoring me.”

“It seems safest. You have some attitude on you.”

“I know. I don’t get it. I’m actually a fairly calm person. I’m not sure what it is about you that pushes all my buttons.”

“It’s because I’m so smooth and handsome,” he said as Zoe came in with several salad plates, along with a basket of rolls. “You’re uncomfortable.”

Marina waited until they were alone to respond. When Zoe had picked up the soup bowls and left, she said, “I’m not uncomfortable. You have an ego the size of Antarctica. You’re not that special.”

“Of course I am. You researched me. Who was the last guy you researched?”

“The men I know are totally normal. Researching is not required. You make me crazy.”

“Then my work here is complete.”

She shook her head. “Eat your salad.”

He took a bite of the first salad. There were a lot of strange looking lettuces and shavings of things he didn’t recognize. Salad was highly overrated, he thought grimly.

“Think about the guys you usually date,” he said, enjoying the fact that he could get to her. “Scruffy, poor grad students. When compared to me, they don’t have a chance.”

She glared at him. “Oh, right. Why would dating the next brilliant man who will change the course of history by improving the world be considered interesting?”

He picked up a roll and leaned toward her. “They’re nerds. They’re not interesting yet and they’re not good in bed. Admit it.”

Fury darkened her eyes. She opened her mouth, probably to yell at him. He stuck the roll between her lips.

“Not bad,” he said, pointing at the second salad. “I like the blue cheese. What do you think?”

She pulled the roll away and glared at him. “I think you’re a pompous, egotistical ass.”

He tasted the third salad and grimaced. “So you like me.”

“I don’t.”

“Of course you do. But I was asking about the salads. What do you think?”

She pointed at the one he’d tasted third. “That one works.”

He shook his head. “Not a good idea. There’s too much garlic in the dressing.”

“Since when do you know anything about cooking?”

“I don’t.” Could he help it that she set him up with one good line after the other? Sometimes a guy couldn’t help cutting a break. “But I do know about weddings.” He glanced around, then leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “Kissing. Lots and lots of kissing at weddings. You don’t want the guests to have garlic breath.”

Awareness crackled in the room. He thought Marina might get nervous or change the subject, but her gaze never left his. The humor was gone, replaced by a tension that quickly flared into need.

What would it be like to kiss her? What would her mouth feel like against his? How soft? How hungry? How sexy?

Was she the kind of woman who took charge, or did she like to be convinced? The possibilities were endless and suddenly he wanted to explore them all.

“I think you’re overstating the problem,” she said. “I don’t think the garlic is that big a deal, but if it is, we could simply change the dressing on the salad.”

“There’s only one way to find out,” he said and leaned in farther, then brushed his mouth against hers.

There was heat and need. They competed for his attention. Marina didn’t move, but he heard her breath quicken. But before he could take things to the next level, Zoe returned.