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then, so was Trelain. He selected a full glass from the tray. “One should be sufficient.”
    The man took another one, though he didn’t seem to drink it. “But more is better.”
    The waiter left, and Trelain took a sip. “Your philosophy of life, I presume?”
    “Totally.”
    “So who are you, Daniel?” Trelain noticed that people milled all around them, but no one interfered.
    “A child of the universe. A lover of art in its myriad forms. A surfer and diver. Oh, yes, and I dabble in computer software sometimes.”
    Trelain glanced at him sideways. “Dabble? Like Bill Gates?”
    The guy gave a huge smile. “Yes, precisely like that.”
    No doubt richer than Croesus, based on the deference everyone seemed to show him. “So, what exactly does ‘rescuing me’ look like?”
    “If you’ll let me, I’ll take you to my home in Laguna Beach. Sun, surf, relaxation.”
    “Mr. uh…”
    “Terrebone. Daniel.”
    “Are you propositioning me?”
    The man leaned down so his lips were close to Trelain’s ear. His breath smelled like peppermint. “I am propositioning you at every level, cavalier. You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen on two feet, and I want you near me. Preferably under me for hours at a time.”
    Bloody hell. Trelain smoothed a hand down his arm to try and control the goose bumps. The man chuckled. “I think that sounds good to you.”
    A little distance was required. Trelain stepped back. “You are more than persuasive, uh, Daniel, but you also impress me as a man who is used to getting what he wants. Perhaps I don’t enjoy being one of a multitude.” Yes, he was being flirtatious, but it was also true. Maybe part of the appeal of the reporter had been that he wasn’t usually attracted to men. Trelain liked being special. Hell, who didn’t?
    Daniel very discreetly ran his fingers up Trelain’s arm. Good. He wasn’t trying to make a show of possession. “It’s true, my friend, that I have had many brief encounters in my past. I don’t think you know anything about me; why would you? But others will delight in telling you of my peccadilloes, so I might as well come clean. That was the past, however. I have not been in a relationship of any kind for many months. I am weary of the game. I want someone special in my life, and you, my friend, are very special.”
    Trelain smiled. His thoughts had been answered. He opened his mouth to speak, but Terrebone put up a hand. “One more thing. I won’t rush you or crowd you. I would love to have you come to my home as a guest with no strings attached.”
    Trelain cleared his throat. “I am dancing three nights this week, and I believe Laguna Beach is some distance from here.”
    “About an hour. But you are free on Thursday, I believe?”
    “Yes.”
    “Why don’t you pack your bathing suit”—he gave that charming, lecherous grin—“or not, and I’ll send a car for you after your performance. I’ll have a massage therapist standing by, my chef will prepare all your favorite foods, and you can have a quiet vacation for a few days.”
    Suddenly, Trelain was too tired for banter. A vacation sounded like heaven, and if it was with this beautiful man, all the better. He might have a thing for that silly reporter, but it was a stupid, fruitless crush. This man was handsome, rich, and seemed sincere. And he knew he was gay. A huge improvement. “I would love to come.”
    Daniel looked surprised, then delighted. “You are a world of surprises, cavalier. I like that in a man.”
    Trelain sipped the last of his champagne and glanced at the still-milling crowd of patrons. He sighed. “And now I must continue my role as money-grubber-in-chief.” He bowed slightly. “If you’ll excuse me.”
    “Oh, one more thing. Please give this to Allison.” Terrebone handed him a scrap of paper. It said IOU $1,000,000.
    “Fucking hell.”
    “Not enough? I just wanted Allison to know I hadn’t been wasting your precious time.”
    Trelain