A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 28



"A glass of red wine."

"Will that be all?"
Dominic nodded.

"Are you sure? Our apple pie is the best in two counties." "Quite sure."

"Well, let me know if you change your mind," the waitress purred, and with a last toothy smile, she left the table.

Tracytook a sip of water, then unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap. "You're not eating?"
"Not now.Later, perhaps."

"So, you just came in here for a glass of wine?"

"You've caught me out," he replied. "I saw your car out front and thought I would see if I could entice you to let me share your table."

Her cheeks grew pink under his blatantly sensual regard. "Have you plans for tonight?"

"Yes. No, not really… that is… no."

"You seem flustered this evening. Is something amiss?"

"No. It's just…" She lifted a hand and let it fall. "I stayed up very late last night, painting. I'm afraid I haven't caught up on my lost sleep yet."

He leaned forward. "Were you working on a new canvas?" The blush in her cheeks deepened. "Yes."

"Perhaps you would show it to me later."

"It's nothing, really.Just a seascape. If my client likes it, he's promised to order a dozen or so for the offices in his building."

He knew it was not the seascape that had put that becoming blush in her cheeks, but the painting she had done of him.

"I should still like to see it," he remarked. "If you have no other plans, perhaps you would show it to me after you've had your dinner."

Tracynodded. Why was it so difficult to tell him no? A moment later, the waitress arrived with their order.