Nights In Black Lace Read Online Free Page A

Woman-of-the-world.
    Whereas he, Bryan Bachman, was still knocking around said world, waiting to hear from graduate schools while he tried to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. She looked like she had. She looked successful, despite her thrift store outfit, which was cute as hell.
    â€œHey, would you like to get out of here and get something to eat?” he said all of a sudden. “How about a BLT? My treat.”
    Big spender. But he could probably afford that. She actually seemed pleased. He would have sworn that she blushed for a second, and was amazed when she did.
    â€œAh, what is a BLT?” she asked politely.
    â€œThat’s a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich,” he explained. “I’ve been craving one. It’s really simple and really good, when you get the ingredients right. The tomato has to be ripe and the mayonnaise is key—”
    â€œIt sounds very American,” she said thoughtfully. “But then we French invented mayonnaise.”
    â€œYeah.” Bryan stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans, wondering if he’d made a mistake. He should have asked her out to a good bistro, not that he knew one from another. Of course, he could have asked her to recommend one. And risk sounding like a mooch? No way.
    He didn’t even know where to get a decent BLT in Paris, let alone whether she’d like his favorite sandwich.
    â€œSo you want American food,” she was saying. “We can go to Le Diner, then.”
    â€œYou know a place?”
    She nodded. “The chef is as French as I am, but the cuisine is definitely not.”
    â€œIs that a good thing or a bad thing?” Bryan asked sheepishly.
    Odette had to laugh. “I have heard only good things about it, but I have never been there. I do know that tourists haven’t discovered it yet—it just opened.”
    â€œOkay, that’s a good thing. I won’t run into anyone I know from back home.”
    Odette gave him a look of mock offense. “Why? Are you ashamed to be seen with me?”
    â€œHell, no,” he said, flashing a startled smile. “You must be the hottest woman in Paris. If you don’t mind my saying so.”
    â€œNot at all.” She gave him a smile that melted him.
    â€œAnyway, I’d much rather look at you than a bunch of fanny-packers.”
    â€œAh. I see. Merci, m’sieu. ”
    He looked around at the filled-to-capacity hall as if he had no idea where he was and gave one last absent-minded glance at the catwalk. The music was louder and the models were dancing now, working the crowd.
    The model hound in the row he’d left reached up and tried to grab an ankle. Bryan noticed the beefiest bouncer heading that way.
    â€œ Cochon ,” Odette said indignantly. “There is one at every show.”
    â€œHe is a pig. Do you want me to—”
    She shook her head. “The situation is under control.”
    The tycoon was being lifted off his feet and hauled away faster than he could call a lawyer.
    â€œAll right. Well…shall we go?” He’d gotten lucky, she’d said yes, and he wanted to leave before anything else distracted her.
    â€œYes.”
    Bryan looked around, somewhat disoriented by the place and the ever-louder music. They must be getting around to the grand finale.
    â€œLead the way,” he said to her.
    She shook her head. “That’s not how I like to do things.” She stepped forward and slid her arm around his. “You are the man, no?”
    â€œUh…yeah. I like the way you say that.”
    Â 
    It took several minutes to get near the exit. He seemed even taller that close. His body so near hers, his thighs brushing hers, made her think of what she wanted: sex. Uncomplicated by emotion. But as passionate as two people who didn’t really know each other could make it.
    Not just yet. She needed to find out more about him, look him up online, confirm