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uncomfortable with the directions of his thoughts. Then he rationalized them. The more relaxed and comfortable she got, the easier it would be to connect with her. And the faster he would get the intel he needed. Right?
    Once their meals were ready, Evan escorted the hotel staff to the door with a tip, then joined Nia at the table. He knew the moment he sat kitty-corner to her at the table that she had reinforced her defenses.
    “This turned out to be a much better solution, don’t you think, Ms. James? A quiet dinner here rather than a loud restaurant? Much more conducive to business,” he explained as he topped her wineglass. “I hope the sea bass is to your liking.”
    “Thank you, I’m sure it will be. I’ve always found the food at this hotel to be excellent.”
    They ate silently for a few moments.
    “So, what else do you need to know about my father’s estate?”
    “You said earlier that you live in McLean, Virginia,” she confirmed.
    “My parents. Or at least my mom does now. I live a little farther south.”
    Nia nodded, and took a sip of her wine.
    “Is that where the collection is? At your parents’ home?”
    “Most of it. There are some in his office, but I’ll see if Sandra can have them transported to the house for you.”
    “How many pieces?” she asked.
    Evan shrugged. He really had no clue. His dad had commented a few years ago that there were over fifty original contemporary paintings, and he’d certainly acquired several more since.
    “I’m not sure, but I’d guess over one hundred pieces including painting, sculptures, and other antiquities.”
    “And you want to sell the full collection? Nothing you want to keep?”
    “I’m not really a collector. There may be a couple of things I’ll hold on to. Dad has an old mahogany humidor in his office that I’ve always liked,” Evan told her honestly. “He said it was his grandfather’s. I’ll keep it.”
    “Once you go through all the items again, I’m sure there are other things you’ll want,” she assured him with a soft smile.
    “So what do you think? Is this something you and your people can manage?” he finally asked.
    “I would be happy to, Mr. DaCosta. From what you described, your father certainly has an impressive collection, and it would do well at auction or on consignment. We’ve done lots of work in the D.C. area, so I think we have options,” she replied.
    “Good, then it looks like I’ve found myself a solution.”
    “Excellent.”
    She stood, slipping her jacket back on as though the meeting was over.
    “Grab your drink, let’s go enjoy the evening view outside and toast our agreement,” Evan added, standing also.
    He strode to the terrace doors and stepped through, holding it open for her. Nia was a few steps behind, indicating she had hesitated to follow. But she was there, with her face void of expression. He walked beside her to the rails, the evening breeze whipping around them.
    “Here’s to a lucrative business relationship,” Evan declared, raising his wineglass.
    “Cheers,” she replied, tapping her glass to the rim of his.
    They both took a drink, and their eyes met. Hers were filled with an unexpected mix of nervousness and speculation. Then her gaze dropped to his lips, and Evan felt a deep pull at the base of his stomach. She lowered her glass and licked the corner of her mouth. His eyes were instantly drawn to the spot, with a need to trail his tongue across the path hers had taken.
    Their eyes met again.
    “When will you have the necessary paperwork done?” he asked briskly, his tone deep with guilty arousal. Now was not the time to lose sight of the endgame.
    “I should have it ready for you to sign by tomorrow morning.”
    “Good. Now that we have an agreement, have dinner with me again tomorrow.”
    She was about to take another sip of her wine, but paused with the glass halfway up to her lips.
    “There’re really no need, Mr. DaCosta, we can take care of the contract by