Holding the cut-glass tumbler, she took a careful sip. She’d heard whiskey referred to as fire water before and she didn’t want to make a complete fool of herself coughing and choking. To her surprise, notes of spice and even vanilla warmed on her tongue. Without thinking, she took a second sip, enjoying the slide of liquid down her throat, heating as it went.

‘Wow, that’s not what I was expecting at all.’

‘Ah, that’s because this is the good stuff. We keep it to ourselves.’ He winked. ‘May I?’

She realised she was clutching the glass to herself.

‘Sorry. Yes.’ As she thrust the glass towards him, her fingers brushed his and there it was again, that little sense of connection. Did he feel it too? Or had the wine and whiskey addled her brains?

‘Have you any plans for this evening?’ he asked before taking a smooth swallow from his glass. She eyed the column of his neck. God, he was sexy, that was for sure. Normally a man like this wouldn’t look twice at her. She knew she could pull in a few admiring looks, but she was realistic enough to acknowledge she was no supermodel. It didn’t matter to her. She’d always got by on her brains and work ethic, which were more important.

Oh God, he was still looking at her. Waiting for an answer to his question. Be cool, Hannah.

‘No. I haven’t.’ She raised her chin, wondering what came next and ignoring the hopeful bump of her heart.

‘I’ve got a table booked at a new restaurant. Would you like to join me? It’s always better eating with company.’

Hannah laughed. That told her. ‘That’s a very practical approach.’ But she liked practical.

He smiled. ‘I’d also enjoy your company. Is that better?’

‘It will do.’ She gave him a prim nod which made him grin.

‘I like you, Hannah. You don’t take me too seriously.’

‘Should I?’

‘No. You shouldn’t.’ For a brief second his expression was unreadable. ‘I ought to go. I’ve got some calls to make. How about we meet in the lobby at six forty-five? The table’s booked for seven and, believe it or not, the rain is due to stop. It’s a nice walk and I can show you a little bit of the city.’

‘That would be great, thank you.’

He rose to his feet, tossed back the last of his whiskey and gave her a quick salute. ‘Until later.’

Hannah sat perfectly still, not quite believing what had happened in the last hour. It looked like she’d got herself a date, although it had come with a clear warning. Charming as he was, he was not a man to be taken seriously.

Chapter Two