He glances at the screen and grimaces. "Damn. It is Keith. The band's rehearsing and want me there."
He pulls his hand away from mine, the warmth vanishing instantly. "I have to go."
"Will you walk me to our suite first?"
"Of course. With pleasure."
CHAPTER 18
MADDIE
As Rio escorts me out of the restaurant, I see a group of women my age watching us with envy.
To them, we personify what the tabloids now call us: The Engagement of the Year.
Inside our suite, the air is cool and quiet. My stomach flips with anticipation at what could happen next.
It has been a long time since I had a man. The pull between Rio and I this weekend is undeniable. My body is on fire for him.
Rio turns to me, his fingers tangling in my hair. Then he tilts my head back as he pulls me toward him.
He bends slightly, his enormous height dominating my petite frame.
His kiss is soft. Featherlight. A tease.
I respond immediately, melting into his embrace and pressing my lips harder against his. I open my mouth, inviting him in, my hands clutching the lapels of his silk jacket.
Yip!
Rio pulls back slightly.
Yip! Yip!
We pull apart, breathless. I look down to see Snorty sitting between our feet, looking up with an indignant expression.
I adore Snorty, but damn, that dog and his sense of timing.
"I am sorry, Maddie," Rio says, chuckling breathlessly. "Snorty is right. I better leave. Keith needs me at practice."
I boldly take his hand and stand on my tiptoes for another kiss.
"Tell them you are going to be late," I whisper against his mouth. "Or never."
"Can't do that. They will likely storm this place trying to find me," he murmurs.
But I kiss him again, and he kisses me back. Then he pulls me toward him, indulging me. His tongue sweeps against mine in a way that makes my knees buckle.
But then he pulls away again.
"I have to leave now before I'm tempted to blow off the gig entirely," he says, his eyes dark with promise. "But I’ll be back."
I watch him leave, Snorty trotting after him to the door.
“He’ll be back,” I tell my dog, trying to convince myself.
The room is quiet now. Especially after the fire between us.
The hotel’s turn-down service has already passed through. The lights have been lowered. And a gorgeously wrapped 'designer chocolate' had been placed on the pillow like a sealed invitation.
