Flirting with John was downright dangerous considering her feelings for him. It was like looking down the loaded barrel of a gun and hoping no one pulled the trigger. He had to think she’d lost her mind. Then again, he didn’t look upset at all, more like surprised. That wasn’t such a bad thing, was it?

Ariana knew that going out with John or anyone wasn’t the best idea right now, but the look in his eyes when he’d asked had been irresistible. She was putty in his hands. Thank God he didn’t realize it. Still, it was beyond dangerous. Paul’s accomplices had made it perfectly clear they knew where and what she was doing all the time. The last thing she wanted to do was put anyone in jeopardy. It was a good bet that Inspector Rogers wouldn’t be too thrilled either. Oh well, it’s not like it was the first time she’d ignored his advice.

“Are you sure you don’t mind bringing Mr. Darcy?”

“Not at all, we have an understanding. No stinking up the place while we’re eating.” He said it with a completely straight face, and she burst out laughing.

“Oh yeah. He agreed to that?”

“He sure did. Right, buddy?” As if the dog understood him he sort of nodded his head and wagged his fluffy tail.

Still giggling, she grabbed her purse from the table and turned to her dinner companions. “I’m ready if you are.” She’d swear her dog was smiling as wide as her “date.” For a brief moment, Ari wondered if Shira had somehow set this up with John. It would be just like her to butt into her love life. She stifled her snort. What love life?

John had Mr. Darcy’s leash and held out his hand for her keys. He locked the door, handed them back, and then took her hand.

“Can I ask you a question? I’m warning you though, it might piss you off.”

John grinned, before he answered, “Sure. But I don’t think you can piss me off. I’m pretty easy.”

Easy, huh? She’d leave that comment alone for now. Especially since as he’d said it, he waggled his eyebrows. “Why didn’t you call one of your women to have dinner with you? We haven’t exactly had a ‘go to dinner’ type of relationship.”

If she hadn’t been watching him closely, she wouldn’t have seen the fleeting change of expressions on his face. Curious. It looked more like surprise than anger, but it changed back to a slight smile before she could be sure.

“No reason. I was hungry, I like you, and I thought it might be nice to have company for dinner. Is that okay with you?”

“Sure. I just wondered, and why today?”

“I told you earlier, I didn’t have any food in my apartment, and I really didn’t want fast food. Eating alone wasn’t all that appealing either. But does it matter?”

It didn’t. Ari didn’t like eating alone either. It was better since she got Mr. Darcy, now she had company even if they couldn’t have a two-way discussion. “Well, then. I’m glad you asked me.”

“Me too.” He was so laid-back and sweet it was easy to forget he was a trained killer. Not for the first time, she wondered what he’d think of Paul and all the trouble he’d put her in. It would be nice to confide in someone, but was he the best choice?

As they walked down the street to Amici’s, she contemplated the different scenarios and how it might play out if she shared all she’d been dealing with for the last year. It would be a relief to tell someone else. But he’d already shown protective tendencies. The door thing was one of them. Chances are it would get a lot worse if he knew, and dealing with the US Marshall was bad enough. Having to fend off two overprotective males would be overwhelming. And that was the obvious outcome.

“Ariana?”

“Hmm?”

“Where did you go?”

“Umm, what do you mean? I didn’t go anywhere. I’m right here.”

“Physically, yes, but mentally you were far away. I was talking, and you didn’t even hear me.”

“Oh.” How would she get out of that one? It wasn’t the first time she’d zoned out while with others since all of this started happening, and each time she’d been mortified. It made her seem like a ditz since she couldn’t explain it to anyone. No, not couldn’t, more like wouldn’t or refused to. The first mistake she’d made was to get involved with someone at work. What had her mother always told her? Don’t shit where you eat—yup a lovely thought, but her mother was a hard woman, cold, and unlovable. But you always knew where you stood with her. If she wasn’t gone, she’d have given Ari hell for getting into this mess.

“You’re doing it again.”

“I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”

“If you want to talk about it, I’m a great listener.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. Maybe, we’ll see.”

“Okay, the offer’s out there. Now, I hope you’re hungry because I heard this place is amazing.”

“I’ve heard that too from some of the people at work.”

“I called ahead for a table while you were getting ready. I wanted to make sure we could get one outside since we have Mr. Darcy.”

“Thank you. I should have thought about that. Especially since it’s a Saturday night.”

“No worries, I’ve got your six.”

“Six? Oh, right. Thank you, again.” She couldn’t have held back her smile if she’d tried. He really was a wonderful guy. Why couldn’t she have met him before Paul? How different life might have been. But then again, he wasn’t the settling down type either. She had to remember that. Getting attached and hurt was the last thing she needed.

Handing her Mr. Darcy’s leash, John went to check in with the hostess. While they waited, she looked around, taking note of the people and cars. Mr. Darcy sat at her side like he was on protection detail. It was quite cute, and several of the other diners smiled when they looked over at them.

Nothing out of the ordinary that she could tell. Of course, one of the Marshalls on her protective detail was in the car across the street. She never knew their names, just called them all Shadow and added a number, this was Shadow Four.

“We had perfect timing. Our table is right over there. Is that okay with you?”

The hostess brought them to a table tucked at the back of the patio area. It looked very romantic. The best part was that both chairs were set against the wall of the building so they could look out and neither of them would have their back to the street.

“Perfect. Thank you. Mr. Darcy won’t be in anyone’s way either.”

“It’s what I was thinking too,” John said with a wide grin, and he held her chair waiting for her to sit down. When was the last time someone had done that? She couldn’t remember if it had ever happened. If she ever met his mother, she’d have to remember to thank her for his manners. Everyone knew if a child had good manners it was due to their mother.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. C’mere, Mr. Darcy. Have a seat next to me.” Ari couldn’t believe how well he listened to John. It almost made her jealous—almost. They had a connection, unlike anything she’d ever had with a dog as if he understood what was in her heart and soul. The connection had been forged the first time she met his eyes at the rescue facility. From that moment on there was no doubt in her mind she needed to adopt him.

The hostess handed them menus. “Your server will be over in just a bit to take your drink orders. If you need anything, just let any of the staff know. Enjoy your meal.” If the food was as good as she’d heard, Ari had no doubt they would, the problem was picking something. It had been forever since she’d eaten in a restaurant, let alone with a man.

“Order whatever you’d like, this one’s on me. It’s the least I can do since you take such good care of my plant, errr, Miss Jade.”

Ari giggled. It sounded funny coming out of his mouth. “You don’t have to call her that just because I do.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want her to get confused and start dropping leaves.”

“Now you’re teasing me.”

“Maybe just a little bit. It’s too easy. Seriously, though, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your taking care of her. It’s the first plant I’ve owned that has lived longer than a month.”

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. How long have you had her?” It was an easy question, so what caused the shadow that slid across his face? Did the plant belong to an ex-girlfriend, someone he was still in love with maybe?

“Not too long, actually. I got it shortly after I moved in, and then started going on missions again.” Okay, so maybe not an old girlfriend. But something was bothering him.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“I don’t know exactly. But I get the feeling you’re upset.” Clearly, she’d startled him from the look on his face.

“Nope, everything is fine. I’m just not used to people reading me. Or I should clarify that not used to anyone other than my Team. Nothing gets by them.”

Before she could say anything else, the server appeared at the table. “Would you like something to drink? We don’t have a full bar, but here’s the wine list, and we have a full selection of soft drinks, and Pellegrino if you’d prefer that over tap water.”

John looked through the wine list. “Ariana, would you prefer red or white?”

“Get whatever you like better, I’m probably not going to have any.”

“Why not? I know you enjoy wine, I’ve seen your collection. C’mon, have some wine. We aren’t driving, and I’m sure Mr. Darcy will be able to get us home if we’re a bit fuzzy.”

It was all Ari could do not to roll her eyes. “Fine, how about a pinot noir then. Unless you don’t like reds?” How did he make her cave like that? One minute she’s saying no, then she’s picking the wine.

“I like both, and since I’m having lasagna, red will be perfect.” John picked the wine and asked the server to bring them a bottle of the Pellegrino water and an antipasto platter. She was impressed and a little surprised. This was a side of him she hadn’t seen before.

“Did you pick your entrée?”

“I’m thinking of having the lasagna, too. I should get something different since they have so many options, but after you said lasagna, it kind of stuck with me.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just been so long since I’ve had it, that when I thought of Italian my mouth started watering at the thought.”

“It’s okay, I can’t remember the last time I had it either.”

The wine arrived, and the server poured some in each of their glasses for them to sample. When John approved she poured the full serving and placed the bottle on the table. The antipasto was next.

“Shall we toast?”

“Sure. Did you have something in mind?”

“How about to my sexy dinner partner and his owner.” It was the last thing Ari expected and burst out laughing before she could stop herself. It was loud enough that couples at the other tables turned around to stare at them, but it only made her laugh harder. John brought out a side of her she’d had buried for a long time. One she didn’t think would ever be back. “Oh yeah, I’ll drink to that,” she said when she’d calmed down. “Cheers.”

“Thank you again for coming with me.”

“Well thank you for asking and convincing me to join you.” His eyes were the deepest green she’d ever seen it was like looking into a pair of glittering emeralds. The fine lines at the corners and the thin scar on the right side of his face made him more attractive to her. He was perfect imperfection, it wouldn’t make sense to anyone else, but to her it did. She’d often wondered about the scar since she’d met him, but didn’t think asking would be polite. Some things her mother had ingrained in her so well she still could hear the woman’s sharp voice.

He smiled and touched their wine glasses together in another silent toast. She’d love to know what he was thinking, but she didn’t want to break the spell. Her heart was doing somersaults in her chest, and the moment seemed so intimate she almost reached out and traced the scar with her finger. Then Mr. Darcy chose that instant to woof, and the moment was gone. Looking down to study her menu, she focused on getting herself back on track, but she figured she was bright pink from the heat in her cheeks.

“What’s up, buddy?” John asked her fluffy companion, the mood breaker, and fart passing king of the world.

“Woof.”

“Do you want some of this bread?”

“Woof.” And just to make sure they understood what he wanted, Mr. Darcy put his paw on John’s leg.

“Mr. Darcy, stop that.”

“Don’t worry. It’s fine. Can I give him some or do you think it will aggravate his ummm issue?” He whispered the last. Probably a good idea. The last thing they needed was the other customers knowing it was Mr. Darcy if he accidentally let a few loose.

“Bread shouldn’t bother him. But I wouldn’t give him too much. Better to be safe than sorry.”

“I agree. I’d rather not be banned for life.”

“No kidding.” He held out a piece of bread to her four legged-fuzzball, but he turned his head away. “What’s wrong? I thought you wanted it?”

“Woof.” Again, he put his paw on John’s leg and looked at the table.

“You want me to put butter on it?”

“Woof.”

“What kind of a dog are you raising here?”

She had no idea, it was a first for them. Usually, he was thrilled to take whatever she offered. What strange weirdness was this? Because sure enough, as soon as John buttered the piece of bread he took it and laid under the table.

“I’ve never seen him do that before.”

“Obviously, he watched us butter our bread and decided he wanted the same thing.” A low woof came from under the table in acknowledgment. Her dog was definitely one of a kind.

John refilled their wine glasses. “If you keep this up I’m going to be too buzzed to eat.”

“From two glasses?”

“I didn’t eat a lot today. Actually, I think I only had a couple of the cookies Shira brought over. Things got a little crazy earlier, and I was too distracted to eat.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Remember, the offer still stands, I’m a great listener if you want to talk about it.”

“Thanks, I really do appreciate the offer. We just don’t know each other that well.”

“I’m trying to change that. I don’t think you realize it, but I’m drawn to you, Ariana, like a bee to honey.”

Speechless. He’d rendered her totally unable to speak. Up until he’d shown up to invite her to dinner she didn’t think he’d thought of her as more than his plant sitter. “Ummm, I don’t know what to say.” It was a total surprise.

“You don’t have to say anything. I thought I’d lay my cards on the table and see how they played out.”

“Poker analogy?”

“Yeah, well I did just get back from a month with a bunch of men.”

Ari took a sip of her wine. He was so easy to be with and had been from the first. It was kind of scary. And she really didn’t know him.

“I have an idea. How about we play twenty questions? You can ask me anything. Unless it’s classified, I’ll answer. How about it?”

Did she want to go down that road? There were too many things she’d rather not share. He didn’t know about the asshat and his accomplices, so none of that should come up, right? “Sure, but I reserve the right to not answer.”

“That’s not fair.”

“I don’t have classified stuff, and I won’t know if you’re lying about it or not.”

“Lie? No way. I’m a SEAL, remember?” Again, she’d swear a shadow passed across his face. But maybe it was her imagination.

“Fine, but I reserve the right to say no to one question. Okay?”

“Yup, that works. You can go first.”

Before she could ask her first question, the server brought their meals. As Ari cut into her lasagna and the aroma of fresh basil and oregano teased her senses, she decided the questions could wait. “I need to try this first.”

John nodded, already chewing his first bite or maybe second. Obviously, he wasn’t all about savoring the experience.

“It’s really good. I’m glad you dragged me here.”

John chuckled. “Me too. I thought for sure you were going to turn me down. I’m so glad you didn’t.”

“Eating alone gets old after awhile.”

“Exactly. Although MREs in the jungle with a bunch of dudes isn’t my idea of a nice meal.” Ari could totally picture it. His team in camo, grabbing food where they could while dealing with bad guys.

After eating about half her meal, Ari was stuffed. While they were eating, Mr. Darcy remained under the table and was extremely well behaved, just as John promised. No gaseous outbursts at all. She couldn’t wait to share that piece of news with Shira. To reward his good behavior, she slipped him a few breadsticks, no butter necessary.

“Are you ready for your first question?”

“Sure am,” John answered as he refilled their wine glasses. She was just a wee bit tipsy. A warm, satisfied feeling washed over her while they were eating. It was the first time she was this relaxed in a long time. It was John, all John. And it didn’t hurt that it was like living a dream—dinner with the leading man of more than one late night fantasy.

“I can ask anything, right?”

“Yup. Go for it.”

“Why did you decide to become a SEAL?”

He took a long swallow of wine before answering, and she had to control the desire to squirm in her chair. Maybe it was too personal a question to start with. But then it was better than the one she wanted to ask, ‘how did you get your scar?’

“It was a no-brainer really. My father was a SEAL. I grew up idolizing him. I told everyone who asked that I was going to be a SEAL just like my father when I grew up.”

“Wow, I can’t even imagine knowing what you want to be when you were so young. I must have changed my mind about fifty million times.” Just the thought of all of her ‘plans’ made her smile.

“I won’t say it was easy. My dad made it look that way. Since I knew I wanted to be a SEAL, I enlisted through the SEAL Challenge Contract. Basically, it’s a Seaman to SEAL program. By doing that I was guaranteed a chance to become a SEAL candidate. After that, the fun happens. There are a lot of steps to go through. But it was all worth it.”

“I didn’t realize you couldn’t just join as a SEAL.”

“It’s okay, most people don’t realize that.”

“Your father must be so proud of you.”

“I like to think so. We lost him before I made it.”

“Oh no. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. It was a long time ago.” He covered her hand with his and gave it a slight squeeze. It was all she could do not to jump or pull her hand back. He had to have felt her twitch. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” she answered trying to brush off her actions. “I think I got in more than one question though.”

“It’s okay.” He poured more wine in her glass. When had she finished the last one? “My turn. What do you do for a living? I know you can’t be a full-time plant sitter.”

Relieved it was a ‘safe’ question, she took a sip of water this time, determined not to get any tipsier than she was already. “I work for a Naval contractor on base in the technology area. It’s all I can tell you or I’ll have to kill you.” She softened her words with a wide grin and was answered by a twinkle in his emerald eyes. Damn, he’s sexy.

“Thank you.”

“Huh?”

“You said I was sexy.”

“Shit, I mean oops. I said that out loud? Oh my God, no more wine for me.”

“I already told you I’m attracted to you. It’s nice to know the feeling is mutual.”

He was right, it was one she didn’t need to keep to herself. “But I don’t do one-night stands. Just saying.”

The last thing she expected was the reaction she got. He burst out laughing and had to muffle it behind his hand when the other diners turned to look at them for the second time that evening.