Never Say Love by Sarah Ashley Page A

mouth, high cheek bones with just the faintest hint of blush and that gorgeous hair. Apologise Benito the little voice inside his head commanded. Who the hell was in his head telling him what to do? Shit, he was in a mess. She was killing him!
    After vowing never to have a steady woman in his life, he now felt totally out of control, sucked into her.
    “Sorry,” he mumbled, “can we eat now?”
    “Apology accepted and yes, I’m famished.” She laughed.
    Taking the arm that he offered, she placed her delicate hand on his forearm as she had done when they’d walked around Covent Garden, allowing him to lead the way into the restaurant.
     
    The place was already busy with only a few tables free. They were offered a table in the window which he was grateful for; he didn’t want to be secluded with this woman who seemed to have some kind of mind-control over him. How the hell was he going to cope when he was working with her? Shit, what the hell have you done? The little voice resounded in his head. She really is killing you, ha ha!
    Glancing at the wine list, he ordered a bottle of Valpolicella before studying through the menu. He really should get to know more about her, especially now that he’d effectively hired her as his P.A.
    Once they’d ordered their food, both choosing the filet mignon, Lucy opting for a salad accompaniment whilst Benito chose steak cut chips, he watched her. Turning the stem of his wine glass he asked, “So, Lucy, tell me a little bit more about yourself.” Lifting the glass to his lips he watched her as she studied him, formulating her answer. She looked at the dark, dark eyes set under perfectly arched brows, square, masculine chin cleanly shaven and a broad mouth with full lips, the perfect bow. Every time she looked at him she saw something different, saw something new that attracted her more to him.
    “What do you want to know?”
    “Everything.” His deep voice rumbled, his tone demanding as he half smiled, his body language, whilst relaxed as he sat back in his chair, his fingers running along the edge of the table, he studied her.
    Leaning forward, Lucy whispered, just loud enough for him to hear. “Really, well you must surely know that keeping hold of my virginity was the biggest mistake of my life. It’s just a big turn off now, isn’t it?” Sitting back she sighed, “You sent me away.” She added, looking down at her lap, her hands wringing together.
    Benito looked at her before gazing around the restaurant at the other diners and then up to the ceiling. Shaking his head, he puffed his cheeks out before blowing out and extending his hand over the table.
    “Lucy, give me your hand, please.” He looked seriously at her, willing her to comply.
    Holding her forehead in her hand, she closed her eyes for a second, feeling awkward at the conversation that was taking place, this discussing her virginity with an amazing looking guy.
    Slowly lifting her delicate hand from below the table she placed it in his, her fine fingers sitting easily in his larger hands.
    “Lucy, what you kept is precious, don’t think badly of yourself. It’s a gift, something so special for you and for the man you choose to give it to, not for a quick fling.” As he said the words, he stunned himself. It was as if he was opening his mouth and someone else’s words were coming out. Of course, he hoped that she’d give it to him, desperately.
    Smiling, she looked at him and, after taking another large drink of her wine on an empty stomach, she was fuelled with Dutch courage, randomly blurting out. “My new boss is great, he’s so good looking…” gasping at her own statement, her eyes widened, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that.” She looked down at her lap again, half laughing, he cheeks flushing, “I’m so sorry.”
    The awkward moment passed as she recounted her childhood memories, growing up with an older brother, he was the same age as Benito. Some of the things they got up to