Chapter One – Dinner

"Thank you, Mr. Batista; I appreciate you letting me take up so much of your time." She said smiling shyly. She was a go-getter in the business world but very self-conscious personally.

"Any time. Thanks for the media exposure on this project." He flashed her those sparkling eyes.

"Actually I care about it a lot, I'm glad a respectable company is handling such an important project." She almost forced out the words knowing she sounded like a suck up. She was trying so hard to be strictly professional but his eyes, his cologne and that body were a huge distraction. She barely made it through the interview and hoped he didn't notice her lack of eye contact.

"Will you have dinner with me tonight?" He asked casually as they wrapped up the interview. She smiled again in response. There was no denying the physical appeal of this creature in front of her. No denying the sexy voice that beckoned you to sleep with its owner. All she'd done for the past two hours was smile at this man and it had nothing to do with what he was saying.

"I don't mix business with pleasure." She retorted. Yes! I would love to have your babies! Wait, what was the question?

"Our business is complete, ma'am." He whispered in her ear. If she only knew how fucking nervous he was she'd happily agree just to end his misery. He thought the entire world knew he had no game with the ladies. He'd been married and now divorced twice. The last time he asked a girl out was in high school and that got him two daughters and a hefty deduction from his paycheck. His 2nd wife asked him out so it was well over 18 years since he'd done this. Did guys even ask out girls anymore or did the feminine revolution abolish that bit of chivalry?

"Our interview is over; I'm still interviewing your partners." She said as she gathered her laptop and recorder. "Again, I appreciate your time Mr. Batista; you've been very courteous as I know how much you hate to give interviews." She stuck her hand out to shake his and he took it tenderly in his own. What was supposed to be a hand shake turned into him holding her hand.

"So what are your dinner plans if you won't go out with me?" Keep trying Dave, maybe she'll give in.

"I'm going up to my hotel room and review and edit the interview we just had. See if there's anything missing." She really wanted to go out with him. Honestly, she wanted to throw down here and now and fuck away any memory of another girl right out of his beautiful head.

"That's not dinner, that's just something to do. You need to eat." He helped her carry her laptop out of the conference room the hotel leant to her for the interviews.

"I don't eat." She smiled. Food is not what I crave you sexy beast. He laughed as they entered the elevator. He watched her push the button for the 11th floor, same floor he was on, great odds already. Now for the room number.

"How about this, since you're embarrassed to be seen in public with me, let's order take-out and watch movies. If you're more comfortable in your room I'll be back around 5." He held her things as she looked for her card key as they walked the hall.

"Mr. Batista, I'm going to be really honest and up front with you." She stopped looking in her purse and looked into those eyes that gave her chills. "No woman, sane or insane, would be embarrassed to be seen anywhere with you. I would be more than thrilled to have dinner with you, but I'm serious when I say I have work to do."

"So is 5 okay with you?" He leaned against the door frame and pulled her card key from her laptop bag. She looked at her watch and grabbed the key from him.

"Give me until 6, Mr. Batista." She winked and went into her room. Holy shit, where did that courage come from?

"6 it is and please call me Dave." He winked at her. She smiled for what felt like the hundredth time in two hours. Dave placed her laptop bag and her other bag inside her door.

"Thanks for the help." She said as he stood in the doorway. Now it was just getting awkward and he knew it. He wanted to jack with her for a few more minutes reveling in his new found bravery.

"Your welcome. I'll be back at 6, be thinking of what you're in the mood for." Another wink and a cocky smile.

"I sure will." I guaran-damn-tee it. Is it hot in here? He stepped back and let her door close. He heard a thud against the wall in her room and he chuckled to himself. He felt the same way. He'd seen her on tv before here in Houston and always wondered why she was still the one stuck in the field. She was undoubtedly talented and beautiful; she should be at the desk doing the news.

He walked back to his room to change for his daily workout and a little mind clearing. He'd spent the afternoon with her doing the interview for what would probably be a two minute tv appearance but he'd truthfully enjoyed it, she was easy to talk too. When he was asked for interviews by all three networks he stated his company would give an exclusive interview only to her, if it wasn't her he wouldn't do it.

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She relaxed in her steaming Jacuzzi thinking about the interviews. She reviewed her questions for the other partners and pulled out the stupid ones. This was a huge opportunity for her and was shocked they'd asked her to do it; not only the station but the paper as well. She finished her bath and went to the sitting room in the suite that had been given to her for the next few days.

She watched the monitor and her interview with Dave Batista, co-owner of Batista-Calloway Construction. She needed to work on her adjectives when trying to describe the importance of the downtown project. The revitalization of not only the inner city but everything around was a huge billion dollar project that would breathe life into this city. Sports stadiums, zoos, aquariums, housing, office complexes, entertainment complexes, museums even the international airport; everything would be given a face lift or a new body.

As she took notes she faintly heard a knock on her door. It took a few more knocks to snap her out of her zone. She looked at her watch and cursed, it was already 6 and that was undoubtedly Dave. She jumped up and went to the door swinging it violently open causing him to take a step back. He chuckled when he saw her and he thought she'd just gotten out of the shower, truth be told it was two hours ago. She yanked the towel off her head and let him into her suite.

"I'm sorry, I was engulfed in watching the interview and I think I want to do it again." She thought she'd have to convince him, beg him, plead with him and she was prepared to do just that.

"Right now or tomorrow? Because right now I'm starving." He stood dangerously close to her and played with her damp hair. "So you hide the curly hair. Is straight hair more professional?" He loved the ringlets that danced on her shoulders and down her back.

"Have you ever seen a curly haired journalist?" She said as she walked into the bedroom to put clothes on.

"Get dressed we're going out." He said prepared for an argument. He got no response and wondered if she heard him. He tried to be coyly nosey and looked at the things she had on the dining room table. Her laptop was open and hooked up to a flat top monitor paused on their interview. He began watching it and was mesmerized by her. Even in a casual environment she commanded the camera, she dared you to take your eyes from her. She was a consummate professional and expected nothing less of her subjects. Avery Bergen would one day be in the big leagues he was sure of it.

She took a cue from his attire and slipped into a pair of bootcut jeans and black cashmere deep v-neck sweater with a black lace trimmed camisole underneath. She giggled to herself when she thought of him and how delectable he looked. Loosefit jeans and a black mock turtleneck that fit every ripple of muscle in that body. To the casual observer the turtleneck seemed loose fitting, but if you watched him for even five seconds it was molded to his skin, tailor made in appearance. Oh shit! Is that too much black? Who cares, let's go.

He could feel her behind him and looked over his shoulder. She let her curls remain free and they were irresistible. He couldn't help letting his fingers play inside the thick mass of dark chocolatey ringlets. His action caused her to shiver. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist." He smiled at her.

"It's okay." She stepped in front of him blocking the monitor, "Where are we going?"

"Are you a carnivore or herbivore?" He said as he helped her with her coat.

"Carnivore and proud of it." She said before she got lost in his eyes.

"Good, I'm craving a steak dinner, how's that sound? We can discuss why you don't like this interview." He said as he put on his own leather coat. He led her to the elevator with his hand on the small of her back, something that made her shiver again. Steak, when was the last time I had a nice piece of steak? Thick cut, made perfectly, grade A Greek beef. Oops, American beef, lost myself there. Pay attention and focus and don't act like a school girl.

He led her through the lobby and out to his Mercedes with his hand still placed ever so gently on her back. He had slipped on his Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses and she thought she'd need to go back to the room and change her panties. Good lord he was beautiful, shit. Between the clothes that fit him flawlessly to the cologne that ignited every feminine spot in her melting body she was going to have a rough night.

"Avery?" He tried to get her attention as he started the car. "Avery." He put his hand on her leg startling her out of her space. He didn't remove his hand as it felt so natural resting there on her thigh. Whew, you are searing a hole right through my skin she thought as she turned to look at him.

"I'm sorry, I was thinking of the interview." Liar liar pants on fire.

"Thanks for having dinner with me." He truly meant it.