Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)(37)

“I’m not arguing your goals,” he told her. “Just how much effort you have to put into it.”

“You’re a strong, tall, good-looking man. You’d never lack for female companionship, and if you let it be known you wanted to get married, you’d have tons of women volunteering.”

He dodged the compliment by pushing the plate of bruschetta toward her. “Try it.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m sure it’s delicious, and I’m not going to convince you there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.”

If only that were true, she thought sadly. “If there’s nothing wrong with me, why are you here? You’ve made it clear you’re not interested in having a romantic relationship. Therefore, you’re with me to help. If I didn’t have a problem, I wouldn’t need help.”

He groaned. “Remind me not to challenge your brain again.”

She nodded. “It’s a good rule. For what it’s worth, you’d beat me in any physical activity that required upper-body strength. I work out, but I can’t achieve the muscle mass you have.”

“Small comfort. So I can win in the caveman category.”

She smiled. “You also have a very sexy voice. I enjoy listening to your show.”

“You listen?”

“Nearly every night.”

“In bed?”

“Sometimes.” His show was late at night. Being in bed shouldn’t be a surprise.

“Naked?” he asked, his dark gaze settling on her face.

“I usually wear a T-shirt and...” Information connected. “Oh.” She realized they were flirting. She leaned toward him and lowered her eyes so she had to look at him through her lashes. “Sometimes I’m naked.”

His expression tightened and his pupils dilated.

Sexual interest, she thought happily. Which was one of the purposes of flirting. Inciting it as well as indicating one’s own.

“Should I mention I touch myself?” she asked. “Don’t men find that arousing?”

Gideon had just taken a sip of wine. He started to choke and cough. He was able to inhale, so she didn’t offer to pound him on the back. After a few minutes, he cleared his throat.

“Better?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Was that a no on talking about mast***ation?”

“It was a no,” he said, his voice low and hoarse.

“There are a lot of rules to dating. Someone should write a book.”

“I’m sure you can find one on the internet.” He waved at her. “We need to talk about something else.”

“All right.” What would be a suitable topic? “I’ve been reading some papers on using Lagrangian mechanics in the flow of crowds. I thought it might be useful for the festivals.”

He studied her for several seconds, then smiled. “I want to hear all about it.”

CHAPTER NINE

“I’M CONFUSED,” FELICIA SAID.

Consuelo picked up the packing tape and used it to seal the box. “Not about moving, right? Because this office is tiny.”

Felicia shook her head. “I’m happy to be moving into the larger office. I’m going to be more comfortable in my own space. It’s about my date with Gideon.”

Her friend paused. “What happened?”

“We went to the winery and had drinks and appetizers. We talked.” She’d told him more about her time growing up at the university and he’d... She frowned. Gideon had deflected most of her questions. She didn’t know any more about him today than she had this time last week.

“Yes? He what?”

Felicia shook her head. “I don’t know why he’s helping me. I thought it was for sex, but all he did after our date is kiss me on the cheek. Based on his physical reaction to me, I don’t think he’s lost interest. So why didn’t he want to do more?”

Consuelo shrugged. “Men are strange and fragile creatures. They pretend they’re all macho, but it’s not true. Did you ask him what was wrong?”

“No. I wanted to, but I didn’t know what to say. I felt confused.”

“Welcome to the world of dating. But you like him?”

“Yes. I enjoy the sense of anticipation I feel when I’m going to see him. He’s easy to be with and I like how being around him sexually arouses me.”

Consuelo laughed. “I just love you so much.”

Felicia knew her comment didn’t warrant her friend’s response, so she must have been inadvertently funny. Again.

“Should I not mention being aroused?”

“No, it’s not the share, it’s the language choice.”

Felicia considered that. “I like how he turns me on? I like how he’s hot?”

“Better. Do you have another date scheduled?”

“Yes. Gideon’s going with me to the Sierra Nevada Balloon Festival. Then he’s my date for Charlie and Clay’s luau. He doesn’t seem to mind spending time with me.”

“He obviously enjoys your company. That’s a good thing.”

“I know, it’s just...I’d like it better if he couldn’t control himself around me.”

Consuelo grinned. “What? Just push you to the floor and do it?”