"Was insensitive, then," he altered, the chiseled line of his jaw clenching. "But it does not change the fact that your so-called date has either stood you up or is only too happy to leave you to stand around here like a fool!"

"And that is your sensitive side talking?" So close to tears now, she had to push a hand up between them so she could cover her trembling mouth.

A soft curse rattled from him. "I will take you to dinner," he offered, sounding so driven to say it that Vivian almost ...