After that, they settled into companionable conversation while they ate until Indie closed her knife and fork and dabbed at her lips with her napkin. “I’ll be right back,” she said, smiling. “I just need to powder my nose.”
Gracefully, she got up and turned to go but then she spun around and grabbed her tiny purse from where she’d placed it beside her napkin. Another bright smile and then she was walking away, her h*ps swaying with every step.
She was almost at the door, heading out of the private dining room, when the seductive sway of her h*ps was interrupted by a stumble and then a curse under her breath. Stone made to get up and help her but she immediately righted herself and, still muttering, disappeared through the door.
He sank back in his chair, shaking his head. Talk about a mystery woman. One minute alluring temptress and the next, swearing like a truck driver, albeit under her breath. Which one was she, really? No wonder men could never understand women. With a man, what you saw was pretty much what you got. With a woman, you just never knew…
Stone was still pondering the enigma that was Indiana Lane when she returned. And just like before, he had to do a double take. Where was the siren who had just left the table?
Indie was approaching but this was a different Indie from the one who had arrived at the restaurant over an hour earlier. The gold eye shadow was gone and so was the pink blush that had highlighted her already lovely cheekbones. And the ruby lips she’d pursed and pouted earlier? Gone. In their place were the soft pink lips that had chastised him the evening before.
When Indie got to the table she didn’t even give him a chance to get up and pull out the chair for her. Cheeks flushed, she sat down and dropped her purse on top of the table. She let out a deep sigh. “I can’t do this. It’s just not me.”
He smiled and leaned forward. “What? The makeup?”
“Yes,” she said, giving him a crooked grin. “And the high heels. I was trying to make a good first impression…or second…but my face felt like some kid had plastered watercolor paints all over it. And not to mention these darned high heels.” She chuckled. “Not exactly everyday wear for me. Let’s just say it’s been a while since I had to fit myself out in this kind of get-up.” She gave him a rueful smile. “Sorry.”
That made him laugh. “I’m not. I’m glad the old Indie is back. She’s the one I want to talk to. As beautiful as she maybe, I don’t think a fashion pot can do the job I have in mind.”
Then it was her turn to laugh and her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Fashion pot? Who the hell says ‘fashion pot’?” Then she put her hands to her lips. “Oops, sorry,” she said, but she didn’t look sorry at all. “I meant ‘who the heck’.”
Serious as a judge, he replied, “Yes, of course you did.”
Then they both ended up laughing and with that the tension was broken and they relaxed.
“Indie,” Stone said, “as I mentioned to you, I would love it if you could join my team in South Africa. I’ve adopted an orphanage there. It has nothing to do with Hudson Broadcasting Corporation. This is a personal project of mine.”
“I love the idea already,” she said, her face eager. “When can I start?”
Stone sat back, surprised. “When can you start? That sounds like you’re available right away.”
“I am.” She spoke without hesitation.
Wow, could he be so lucky? She hadn’t required any convincing at all.
“My only question is…”
Stone held his breath, knowing an objection was coming next. It had been too easy, of course. There had to be an issue somewhere.
“…will you be there, too, at the orphanage? Or will I be heading out there on my own?” She looked him straight in the eyes. “Because the only way I’ll take the job is if you come to South Africa with me. At least, for the start.”
“Well, I did plan to go with you and get you established,” he said, rubbing his chin, “probably stay a couple of weeks until you're comfortable. But then I’d have to head back-”
“Deal. That sounds like a plan to me.” She sat back in her chair, a look of satisfaction on her face.
Well, that was easy. They hadn’t even discussed remuneration or benefits but already she was accepting the offer, accepting a position she didn’t even have the full details on. Her only concern seemed to be whether he’d be there at the start or not. All his hiring should be this easy.
There was something about the whole thing that puzzled him, though. She didn’t strike him as the fearful, dependent type. In fact, it was her air of independence and decisiveness that had drawn him to her. Why, then, did she insist that he go with her? It just did not add up.
And then there was the fact that she’d been so available. Immediately. Not that he minded. Like Jenna had said, he needed her like yesterday. But didn’t she have a family or obligations? He hadn't seen a ring so he guessed she wasn’t married and probably didn’t have kids but she had to have parents. She would certainly want to see them before leaving for a country so far away. And what about…a boyfriend?
“Now it’s my turn to ask you a question,” he said, and although he was dreading the answer he plunged right in. “Aren’t there people you need to say goodbye to? Your parents or…anyone else?”
“Nope,” she said, her voice firm in its finality. "Don’t have any parents, don’t have any pets, and don’t have a boyfriend.”
Well, that answered that. The boyfriend part at least. But no parents? "Forgive me for asking but...did your parents pass away?"
“My mom died,” she said, her face gone thoughtful and her voice quiet. “And my dad, well, let’s just say he’s been missing in action since I was three. That’s when my parents got divorced. I haven’t seen or heard from him since the day he moved out.”
Stone frowned. A deadbeat dad. No wonder Indie seemed so strong and self-sufficient. She’d had to be, surviving without a father. She’d probably had to fight her own battles all her life.