"I'm a heterosexual male who hasn't been in a relationship for a while."
"Why is that?" The warmth from his hand was seeping through her skin.
"Why am I a heterosexual male?" He grinned when she lifted her tapered brows.
"I was involved with someone who wasn't completely honest." His expression turned flinty, causing her heart to do a slow dive. "What else do you want to know?"
"You're building what is called Lancashire Palace. Rumor or the press is hinting that it is a hotel that will be rivaling the Hylton as well as the Wyndham. Is that true?"
He gave her a quizzical look.
"Are you by any chance a reporter?"
"What? No." She shook her head, sending her thick hair dancing. "Of course not. I'm just curious."
Shifting, he pried her hands apart and lifted one to his lips. His eyes met hers as he grazed her knuckles lightly. The tremor was unexpected, so was the heat that shot straight through her system.
His eyes darkened when he felt her reaction.
"It's a hotel that's going to be extravagant and highly expensive. You get what you pay for." His voice had dropped significantly. Outside, the breeze had kicked up a notch, sending the leaves on the trees waving madly. But inside the warmth of the vehicle, it did not matter.
"Mostly suites, complete with spas and fully equipped workout areas. Indoor swimming pools, shopping experiences, concerts, plays and such." He turned her hand over and trailed a finger over the palm. "So soft."
Her breath hitched when he bent his head and pressed his lips dead center. She had to bite her lip to keep the moan contained.
"I want to see you again."
"That's not--"
"I was thinking dinner. Tomorrow."
It was spiraling out of control. She had to stop it now.
"Please." His voice had thickened, his eyes growing dark with need. Something inside her melted and she felt her heart twisting.
"I'll--I'll think about it." She whispered.
"In the meantime--" Letting go of her hand, he moved close and framed her face between his palms. "Think about this."
When his mouth closed over hers, she could think of nothing at all.
Chapter 4
He wanted to take her home, but she declined, selling him a story about her being the DD. That her friend was hitting the bubbly and she had to be the responsible one.
"I could swing for a suite, so driving home would be eliminated."
She had come up with another plausible story about having an engagement early in the morning.
"Why do I get the feeling you're avoiding me?" he asked half teasingly.
She had said maybe and left it at that.
Carrie had grilled her about the ride she took with him, and she had told her parts of it. Some of the more intimate details she had deliberately left out.
Now she was bringing it back, full force. It was almost midnight and she was wide awake. Her body heated as memories flooded through her.
They had started kissing in the front seat. The first touch of his lips on hers had her almost swooning. She had always thought that was nonsense whenever she read it in the few romance novels while trying to fall asleep. But his lips touching hers had turned her into putty.
