Tempting

She grinned. “It depends on why you’re really here.”

“Maybe I just want to get to know you.”

“Oh, please. I may not have gone to law school and lost my humanity, but I’m not an idiot.”

“You went to Cornell, which is tough to get into, and I never said you were an idiot.”

As she stared down at him, it occurred to her she wasn’t disappointed he’d shown up at the restaurant. Interesting. She also noticed she sort of enjoyed bantering with him. They were both verbal and quick.

But he hadn’t answered the question—why was he here?

“Being an idiot was implied,” she said.

He motioned to the chair across from his. “You could join me.”

“Or I could not.”

He glanced around at the dining room. “It’s after nine. Your dinner crowd has left. Have dinner with me. We’ll get to know each other. I’ll even let you pick the topics we discuss.”

Somehow she doubted that. He’d been less than friendly the last time they’d been together. She was ambivalent—understanding his need to protect his family and hating that she was considered the enemy. Still, she pulled out a chair and sat down. “I want to order the food,” she told him.

“Why am I not surprised?”

“And the wine.”

“Will you cut my food into tiny pieces and feed me, as well?”

“Only if you have bad table manners.”

Eddie walked over and looked at her.

“Mr. Canfield and I will be having dinner together, Eddie.” Dani placed the order, picking her favorites, then chose a bottle of Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese.

“Nice,” Alex said when Eddie left. “The wine’s a little pricey.”

“It’s worth it. Besides, you’re rich. You can afford it.”

He raised his eyebrows. “You’re assuming I’m buying.”

“You did the inviting.”

“This is your place.”

“Fine. You can take advantage of my employee discount.”

He nodded. “I appreciate that.” He passed her the bread basket. “How are you enjoying your job here?”

The implication being it was a new job. She wasn’t surprised he knew that—no doubt dragon-boy had investigated every aspect of her life.

“I like it a lot. Bernie and his mother are great. I know Mama Giuseppe makes everyone crazy, but I think she’s very entertaining. The kitchen staff are terrified of her. I like the food, the staff and the regulars. I hope to be here a long time.”

“Why the restaurant business?” he asked.

“I never thought about doing anything else. I grew up as a Buchanan. I want to say it’s in my blood, but I guess that isn’t true. It’s what I know. Why did you go to law school?”

“My soul was getting in the way of being a ruthless bastard. I knew they’d suck it out of me.”

She glared at him. “I answered your question seriously.”

“Fair enough. I wanted to do the right thing. Be on the right side of the law. For that, I needed to understand it.”

That surprised her. “You consider yourself an idealist?”

“Why not?”

“You’re in corporate law and you’re working on a presidential campaign. Is there idealism left in either place?”

“Democracy is alive and well.”

“So is the need to raise millions of dollars for nearly every kind of campaign.”

“We can still make a difference, either on a local and individual basis, or nationally and globally.”

He was serious. She hadn’t expected that.

“I’m getting worried,” she admitted. “I don’t want to have to like you.”

“I’m totally charming.”

“Not to me.”

“It’s a subtle charm.”

“Apparently.”

Eddie appeared with the bottle of wine. After he opened it, she hesitated, as if not sure who would do the tasting. Alex gestured to Dani. “Please. It’s your party.”

She nodded at Eddie, who poured her a sample. Dani swirled, inhaled, then tasted. “Excellent,” she said. “Thanks.”

Eddie poured, then left.

Alex sipped the wine. “Nice,” he said.

“I like it.” She eyed him. She had a feeling she knew the reason for his visit. So did his friendliness mean she was Mark’s daughter or not?

“You’re being nice, in a twisted kind of way,” she said, deciding there was no reason to be subtle. “It’s been two days. You have the results. I’m trying to decide how your presence here and attempts to get to know me figure into things.”

His humor faded. “It’s a match. You’re Mark Canfield’s daughter.”