Chapter 39 Temptation's Edge

• The restaurant was swanky, all dim lighting and private booths that screamed exclusivity. The kind of place where secrets were shared over fine wine and nothing was what it seemed on the surface. I walked in, my heels clicking against the marble floor, each step a reminder of the choice I was making. David sat at a corner booth, his sharp suit perfectly tailored, an exuding quiet confidence only the truly wealthy could pull off sans looking like they were trying too hard.
• Jasmine," he greeted, flashing that warm, inviting smile as he came up onto his feet for me. I sat in the plush leather as he pulled out the chair for me; the faint scent of his cologne remained between us. Subtle but unmistakable, much like him.
• "You look beautiful," he said, his eyes hanging on mine a beat longer than was necessary. It was the kind of compliment I was used to getting from clients, the ones that were ever so friendly, a little too dense with innuendo. Coming from David, however, it sounded like something else altogether-more like a test, perhaps, to gauge whether I'd blush and/or avert my gaze or preen at the attention. I opted for the latter.