“Guilty as charged.” He shrugged. “Couldn’t help myself, I had to know more.”

Elle was flattered. Beyond flattered, actually. But she was trying too hard to keep her poker face intact. She couldn’t let him see how he affected her, especially since she was still smack-dab in the middle of figuring him out.

“Interesting,” she replied, staying coy. “And you, where are you from?”

Luke’s eyes widened in response and he nudged her on the shoulder. “You didn’t read my resume?”

Busted.

No, Elle wanted to answer, I was too busy staring at your gorgeous head shot. The resume only received a tiny glance. “I did, but I don’t remember seeing a hometown listed, only your work in Los Angeles.”

“That’s because I’ve lived here my entire life.”

“Ah, well, that makes sense, doesn’t it?” Elle looked at her empty glass, wondering how she polished off an entire glass of wine during such a short period of time. Luke offered to pour her another glass, but she shook her head. She couldn’t lose control. “Thank you, but I’ll wait for our food to arrive.”

“Sure.”

Silence took up residence at their table, and, feeling awkward, Elle picked up her menu and stared at the dishes, unsure of what to order. Luke followed her lead and glanced at his as well.

“I’m not really a fan of pork, so—”

“The pasta’s great too.”

“Mmm.” She bit into her upper lip as she studied the dishes. “I think I’ll try the sole.”

“Nice choice.”

Menus were placed back on the table and silence reared its ugly head once again. Luke chuckled to himself and poured another glass of wine, raising it to his lips.

“So . . .” He paused, studying her face with narrowed eyes, as if he was trying to solve her like a puzzle. “How is my character coming along?”

There it was. Work talk. She’d waited for that, wondering when he’d cut to the chase. She took a rather large breath in, pursing her lips before speaking. “He’s fine.”

Again, silence.

“I’m sorry, did I . . . did I piss you off or something?”

Elle crossed her arms in front of her chest. “No, why would you think that?”

“Well, I mentioned the show and you shut down. It’s like you built this wall right here.” He motioned with his arm, an invisible line down the center of the table. Elle sensed concern in his knitted brow. She was hurting his feelings—she hadn’t expected that.

She’d come in contact with many self-serving actors in the past. Guys would chat her up at a bar while she was out with Whitney. They’d buy her drinks, ask a few questions about her life, her work, and then parlay it into talking about their careers. Before she knew it, they’d be pulling out a business card or a head shot and she’d feel like a complete fool. Was it fair to assume Luke was the same as those who’d fooled her in the past? Not necessarily, but she couldn’t help it. Yes, he had the role already, but this was his big break, and having an “in” with the creator and head writer of the show could definitely serve him well.

When Elle sat frozen, completely lost in her own quizzical thoughts, Luke spoke softly. “Listen, Elle, I like you. But if you’d rather just . . . I don’t know, have a drink and call it a night, that’s okay.”

“I—I.” She stumbled on her words. She hadn’t expected such a reaction from him.

You’re screwing this up, she thought to herself. She shook her head and reached across the table to take his hand in hers.

“No, I’m sorry. Just frazzled, I guess. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

She watched as his face relaxed; he squeezed her hand in return, then raised it to his lips and placed a kiss inside her palm.

“Forgiven.”

Elle didn’t know that one word could reduce her to a pile of mush. But that one did. She sat, stunned as Luke cradled her hand in his.

“I asked about my character because, frankly, I’m excited. I’ve been hitting the pavement for years in audition after audition. This is a big deal for me.”

Elle had never thought about this from Luke’s point of view. His resume was filled with measly projects that probably failed to pay his bills each month. Securing a supporting role on television’s hottest show was life changing for him. She needed to recognize that.

“That makes sense.” She squeezed his hand. “I get it.”

“Look, I know you think I’m some opportunist or something. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you give me a chance, you’ll see that. When I’m here with you, I see you—that’s all.”

“And what do you see?”

“The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

Elle closed her eyes tight, tilting her head in disbelief. There was no way she could believe this gorgeous man was that affected by her appearance. She knew she was attractive, but she was also a realist and knew he’d probably dated his fair share of actresses and models.

“Not only that,” he continued, “I’ve watched the show since it began. It’s smart. Really smart. I’d dare say it borders on brilliance.”

She’d received countless compliments on the show up until this point, but the word brilliance had never been used. She silenced the little voice in her head that told her not to believe him. She found herself swept up in that word, in the sentiment of his compliment.

“Thank you.”

The waiter returned and Luke placed their order. She sat, stirring in her own conflicting thoughts. Part of her wanted to follow Whitney’s advice, walk to the ladies’ room and take her hair down, return to the table and allow Luke to see she was just as captivated by him as he appeared to be by her. But the other part, the dominant part of her psyche, rejected that as foolishness. Pure and utter foolishness.

She had to stay strong, stay smart. She had to remind herself that no matter how intoxicating this man might be, she was, for all intents and purposes, his superior, his boss.

She had a reputation to uphold, and the last thing she needed was a scandal on her already very full plate.

When their meal came to an end, Luke refused her offer to split the check.

“Don’t be silly, I invited you to dinner.”

She felt guilty, knowing his paychecks for Follow the Sun had yet to begin, and he was probably strapped for cash based on the sparse employment listed on his resume. But the last thing she wanted to do was insult his manhood or ability to provide. So she simply thanked him and they walked slowly to her car.

“So . . .” He looked up at the evening sky. “Where to?”

The foolish part of her brain wanted to invite him back to her place, to allow herself to get lost in his touch, to lose herself in the seduction that was Luke. But she just didn’t have it in her. Her hair was still up tight in its bun, with no plans for it to be released.

Elle felt her body tense as she delivered what she knew would be interpreted as a dismissal. “I’m going to call it a night.”

“Oh.” Luke exhaled and nodded, pursing his lips in obvious disappointment. Elle wanted to change her mind, to extend an invitation to her place, but she had to be careful, no matter how attractive he was.

“I guess I’ll see you later this week? Costume department needs my measurements. Maybe I’ll stop by your office or something.”

“That’d be nice.”

Luke leaned in, his eyebrows pressed toward one another in a pensive glance. His lips brushed against hers and, although her immediate reaction was to turn her head, to only give him access to a cheek, she just couldn’t do that. Desire was building within her, and even though a kiss was not nearly enough to satisfy that desire, it would have to do for now.

Her lips touched his with subtle urgency. He smiled before placing a hand behind her neck and kissing her deeply, his tongue gaining entry inside her welcoming mouth. Her arms wrapped around his back, pulling him closer, her tongue completely at his mercy. Her heart was racing inside her chest. Just when she thought of leading him back to her car, and driving quickly back to her place, he pulled away. He took his lips away from her, and immediately she craved him, wanted him to return. Her lips pressed to his, the hunger inside her demanding to be fed. After several seconds, he pulled away, teasing her with feathery touches to her upper lip. And then he kissed her again, pushing her to the brink before pulling away once more.