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chuckled, crossing her legs as she settled more comfortably into the plush seating. “I think you’re giving me too much credit. Maybe Mr. Kawamoto was just playing hardball,” she suggested, though she’d reached a different conclusion over dinner. “Or maybe he just needed more time to weigh the pros and cons of your business proposal before he reached a decision.”
    Roderick grinned. “I think you underestimate what an incredible impression you made on him, how thoroughly you charmed him.” He raised his glass to her. “A toast. To one of the most beautiful, fascinating women I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.”
    Lena blushed with pleasure. They clinked glasses and sipped their champagne, never taking their eyes off each other.
    â€œZandra was right,” Roderick murmured.
    â€œAbout?”
    â€œYou. She said you’d be perfect for me. She was right.”
    Lena’s pulse did a weird fluttering thing. “Well, she told me that you preferred an escort who spokeJapanese. I happened to be the only one who met that qualification.”
    â€œI’m glad you were.” Roderick held her gaze. “But that’s not the only reason you’re perfect for me, Lena.”
    Her mouth went bone-dry. She gulped more champagne, needing something stronger to steady her nerves.
    â€œI’d like to see you again,” Roderick said quietly.
    Lena shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    â€œWhy? Because we’re attracted to each other?”
    She gave a short, humorless laugh. “ That’s an understatement if I ever heard one.”
    Roderick smiled wryly. “So you’re refusing to see me again because we have such amazing chemistry. Is that what you’re telling me?”
    â€œThat’s exactly what I’m telling you.”
    â€œAnd how would Zandra feel about you turning away a paying customer?”
    Lena shot him a narrow look. “She’s not my pimp.”
    Roderick frowned. “I wasn’t suggesting—”
    â€œ I choose which clients I want to go out with. Zandra has never forced anyone on me. It doesn’t work that way.”
    A muscle clenched in Roderick’s jaw. He downed the rest of his drink, set aside the empty glass, then turned in the seat to face her. His gaze was piercingly direct. “I know I promised not to pressure you—”
    â€œLook how long that lasted.”
    He scowled. “Damn it, Lena. I’m trying to figure out a way to make this work.”
    â€œAnd I’m telling you that—”
    Without warning, the limo swerved sharply. Lena’sglass flew from her hand as she hurtled across the seat and slammed into Roderick, who was pinned against the door.
    â€œShit!” he swore, catching her by the shoulders as horns blared furiously behind them. His concerned gaze swept over her face. “Are you all right?”
    She nodded jerkily.
    Straightening from the door, Roderick lowered the privacy glass and barked at the driver, “What the hell happened?”
    The man’s anxious gaze appeared in the rearview mirror. “Sorry about that, Mr. Brand. Some crazy asshole just cut me off. Are you two okay? Miss Morrison?”
    â€œI’m fine.” Lena was so shaken up that she barely registered that he’d used her last name.
    Roderick pulled her onto his lap, brushing her hair off her face, passing his hands over her body as if to check for broken bones. “Are you sure you aren’t hurt?” he demanded.
    â€œI’m okay,” she mumbled. “Just a little rattled, that’s all. And grateful.”
    â€œGrateful?”
    She nodded, exhaling a shaky breath. “It could have been worse. If I hadn’t used your body as my landing pad, I might have gone headfirst through the window. And that wouldn’t have been a pretty sight.”
    Roderick wasn’t amused. Scowling