Read Table for Two for Free Online Page B

hinting that he intended to win this battle of wills. He gently but firmly took her arm and led her out of the room. A part of her rose up to object his high-handed manner, but another part of her found him amusing and felt indulgent.
    They walked to a cafe two buildings down. Cassie loved how DC bustled and glowed at night. The lights from the stores greeted late shoppers with tantalizing smiles; restaurants opened their doors, tempting potential clientele with savory aromas and soft music. The sky was clear black overhead with a few twinkling stars and the air was cool, with the tender scent of rain. As they walked, Cassie noticed the covert glances sent in Drake's direction. She knew people couldn't help themselves, he moved through the crowd like a dark mist, emanating grace and a strong presence.
    He shoved his hands in his pockets. "You definitely have a lot of admirers," he said proudly.
    Cassie stared at him, stunned. Was the man legally blind? "Me?" She tapped her chest to make sure she had heard correctly.
    He nodded.
    "They're all looking at you."
    He shook his head. "No." He slanted her an amused glance. "They can't believe that a piece of the sky has come down to join them."
    She laughed. "This coming from a man who looks like a moving silhouette. Don't you know you're not supposed to wear black at night?"
    He tugged on his shirt. "I think it suits me."
    "Just be careful crossing the street."
    He sighed wistfully, laying a hand on his chest. "She cares about me. I'm touched."
    Cassie didn't reply as he held open the door of the cafe.
    The cafe was not crowded and it hummed with jazz that complemented the peaceful light that filled the air. They chose a booth near the window.
    Cassie ordered tea and he surprised her by ordering hot chocolate.
    He read her expression and smiled. "I thought getting coffee sounded more mature than hot chocolate."
    "Uh-huh. I bet you just get it for the whipped cream."
    He grinned, holding up his hands in surrender. "Guilty." He held her gaze a moment longer, until Cassie turned away. Why did he look at her like that? What did he have to ask her? And why did his gaze make her feel like either ripping off her clothes or running for cover?
    Silence fell between them. Cassie pretended to read the menu, which had–at the most– seven items to choose from, while Drake stared out the window at the street and the few cars that rolled past. Cassie was determined that he should be the first to speak. She stole a glance at him above her menu. He had a prominent profile that spoke of strength and an air of command. She wished she could read his thoughts.
    His eyes suddenly caught hers. "Do I pass?"
    She dropped her gaze to the menu. "I don't know what you mean."
    "Hmm. I suppose a gentleman wouldn't admit that he caught a woman staring at him, but since I'm only what I am, I can't help being curious."
    She stared at him, her heart constricting. Did he really remember her from this afternoon and was he referring to their talk about gentlemen and rogues? No, it couldn't be. She was Cassandra—bold, mysterious. Not Cassie, no one had recognized her as Cassie before. She tossed the thought aside. "I was merely lost in thought."
    "I hope I was in it."
    She didn't reply, not bold enough to admit the truth.
    Their orders arrived soon after. Drake's hot chocolate was placed before him, heaping with whipped cream. He ran his finger through it, then licked it off. It was a simple gesture, but for a moment Cassie couldn't take her eyes off his tongue as it swirled around his beautifully long finger.
    "Tastes good," he said, satisfied.
    She swallowed. "I bet it does."
    He held up his spoon. "Would you like a taste?"
    Of him, certainly. "Yes... no." She shook her head to clear her thoughts. He would not get her stuttering again. "Oh, sorry, um... What was the question you wanted to ask?"
    "It can wait." He sat back in his seat and studied her for a moment. "I'm sure you're curious about me. Why don't you