Hollywood Heir (Westerly Billionaire #4)(14)

She looked at his scar, and a flush spread across her cheeks. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. That was completely insensitive of me—”

He reached across the table and put his hand over one of hers. “No, it wasn’t—”

“Yes, it was. That’s what I’m talking about. I pride myself on being able to sense what people need, but this week I feel like I’m stumbling blind. What I said was thoughtless, and I apologize.”

He gave her hand a squeeze. Now that it was in his, he didn’t want to let it go. “I don’t accept.”

Her eyes darkened. “You don’t?”

“No.” Okay, so it probably wasn’t fair to take advantage of what she’d admitted, but he wanted to see her again. “The only way I’ll feel better is if you agree to go to dinner with me.”

Her gaze skirted away. “Like a date?”

A smile tugged at his lips. “Exactly like that.”

“Oh, I don’t know.”

Disappointment welled within him. His hand went to his cheek. He’d deliberately sought to make himself unattractive. Still, a part of him had hoped she could see past the superficial. He was tempted to rip the scar off and confess the truth, but that would change everything. Instead, he sat back and told himself to calm the fuck down. “I understand.”

She leaned forward and touched his arm gently. “I don’t think you do. Before I say yes or no, could you answer a question for me?”

“Yes,” he said in a tight voice. Did she know?

“Why wouldn’t you see a play with me?”

Now there was something he could be honest about. “Acting was my passion when I was younger, then . . .” Her lips pursed in that adorable fashion that made him forget what he was saying. She raised her hand as if she might touch his scar, and he yanked his face back.

“Is it painful?” she asked, a husky tone inflecting her words.

“Not physically. I’m more messed up on the inside.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You didn’t do it.” He squared his shoulders. “Instead of dinner, do you have plans for this morning?”

“Yes. I need to find a new client if I have any intention of paying my rent.”

“How much are you short?” He didn’t want to bring money into their relationship, but he didn’t like the idea of her struggling, either.

She waved hand. “Only a hundred dollars. I’m not worried.”

“That’s about how much you paid for the balloons the other day.”

She smiled, and it transformed her face. “It was worth it.”

“If you need—”

“I don’t, but thank you.” This time when she touched his arm briefly, his heart did a somersault. She stood and began to gather the clutter from the table. “It was nice seeing you.”

Shit, she was leaving. He was on his feet in an instant, blocking her retreat. “Let me help you.”

“I’m fine,” she said, misunderstanding his offer, while she gathered the last of her trash.

“I know a lot of people. Some have plants.” Reggie could arrange something without anyone ever knowing.

“Oh. Thanks, but I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

The corner of her mouth twisted in a half smile. “It’s complicated.”

Not really. Not for me anymore. I don’t want our time together to end yet. “Are you married?”

“No,” she said, sounding shocked.

“Engaged?”

“Not even close.”

“Then it’s not complicated at all. Say yes.”

She looked uncertain. “I usually work alone.”

“I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.”

“What I do is important to me.”

“Understood.” He was well versed in negotiations. This wasn’t a refusal—she was clarifying her terms. “I’m genuinely interested.”

Her chest rose and fell as she took a few deep breaths. “I couldn’t handle another person doubting me right now.”

“I wouldn’t do that to you.” Again. He hated that he’d made fun of her profession the first time they’d met. He’d never been anyone’s hero, but she brought out a protective side of him. In a way she reminded him of who he might have been, had no one opened his eyes to the reality of human nature.

She seemed to sense his inner battle. “I’d love to say yes.”

Never had he wanted to kiss a woman more than he did in that moment, but she looked upset again. “Then say it.”

“I don’t know. I’m not usually indecisive. Everything is normally clear to me, but this week—with you—”

He cupped her cheek with one hand. “What would you say if I told you it’s the exact opposite for me? When I’m around you, I feel like a shipwrecked man who has just spotted a boat on the horizon.”

“That sounds good.” She let out a shaky breath that warmed his lips.

“It is.”

Her gaze searched his. “Only one person in the whole world knows what I do. If I let you in, you have to swear to keep my secret.”

“You have my word.” Lost in her eyes, he would have promised her anything.