She glared. “Great. I can’t even imagine what this man thinks I’m doing with you. As long as I don’t have to show him, it’s okay. But if he starts asking for demonstrations, I’m out of there.”
He squeezed her hands gazing at her seriously. “I would never expect you to do anything like that. Even a hint of it and I’ll have you gone before Moreno knows what hit him. But for now,” his face lit up, “it’s time to get to our final destination.”
“We’re not going back to the hotel to change?” She was confused. “Am I going to have to shimmy into that dress in the back of the car while we’re driving? That might distract a few other drivers.”
He put the car in gear. “No, no peep shows for anyone else.” He maneuvered into traffic.
“Oh, but you get one?”
“Sure, if that’s what you want,” he teased and she sat back shaking her head.
She honestly wouldn’t mind giving him a peep show if it would do any good. He’d seen her in her bathing suit however and aside from their pretend PDA it hadn’t seemed to have any effect on him. He walked right through the bedroom every night to use the bathroom and never once seemed like he wanted to crawl in bed with her. Maybe he didn’t find her attractive. Or maybe he truly meant it when he said he didn’t want to ever get involved in a long-term relationship with anyone. She should be honored he didn’t think of her as merely a quick fling, and yet…
She sat back watching the miles fly by as they headed south. Soon they were on U.S. One to the Keys and she looked sharply at him. “Um, there are only a bunch of islands out here you know.”
He nodded. “Yes, I’m aware. We’re going to Key Largo.”
A short while later they pulled into the parking lot of a fancy resort. Holy cow, what was he doing? She kept her mouth closed as he got out, grabbed a garment bag and her purchases from the boutique and led her inside.
As he checked in he explained, “I got us a room so we can change. This place has a great restaurant for dinner and dancing.”
“Dancing?” She groaned softly thinking of the disco lights and loud music of the club. Not her first choice of things to do on an extra night off. But he had been sweet to arrange for this special day, she certainly didn’t want to complain.
“Not like the club,” he said as if reading her mind. “This is big band music and slow dancing. Not a flashing light in sight.”
Big band music had never been her thing, but a year and a half of the gyrating, pounding music every night at work might make her a convert. As they entered the room he’d reserved, she smiled that it wasn’t a suite. Just one room although there were two large queen-sized beds. But he’d said he got the room so they could change. Was that all?
“I’ve got dinner reservations for seven,” he said as he set the bags on the bed. “Why don’t you use the bathroom to get ready and I’ll get dressed out here.”
She picked up her dress then frowned at the second bag he handed her. A peek inside revealed silky undergarments that matched the dress. Was that what he’d been speaking with the sales lady about? Hopefully he hadn’t picked them out. Or maybe he had and he wanted a little fashion show. She smiled. It could be an interesting night.
Chapter 14
When Meg entered the bathroom, Chris unzipped his bag, placing a black suit, crisp white shirt, and spit-shined shoes on the bed. He pulled his shirt over his head. Today had been interesting.
He’d loved watching her face as he’d surprised her with each new gift. She’d been shocked and excited but also appreciative. He still remembered how she’d been when he’d picked her up at the spa. She’d practically skipped over to him thrusting her hands out for his perusal.
“Look,” she’d giggled. “Aren’t they adorable? She painted little flowers on the first finger. And my big toes, too.” She’d lifted one bare foot to show him the pastel pink color and flower decoration. Like a little girl, and refreshing from her typical sarcastic banter, though he had to admit he liked that too.
There were a lot of things he liked about her, and that could spell trouble for him. He couldn’t afford to get too involved. Once this case was over it would be over for them too. That was the way he liked things. Drop that damsel off at the castle gate and ride into the sunset alone. So why wasn’t relief oozing through him when he thought of doing this with her?
He tried not to dwell too long on that as he switched his khakis for dress slacks then shrugged on the white button-down. Socks, shoes, then the patterned tie he’d chosen. It had a splash of blue in it to go with her eyes. The dress she’d chosen was blue wasn’t it? She hadn’t shown it to him.
She’d been a trooper about showing him everything else though. He smirked remembering the half dozen outfits he’d had the proprietress pack up for them. Meg hadn’t realized he was buying her all this. She thought it was only the dress and shoes and hadn’t known about the lingerie he’d had them add as well. But soon enough, once they finished this Moreno business, she’d need more to wear. She’d said she wanted to go back in style. He’d make sure she did.
He was slipping his suit coat on when the bathroom door creaked open. The dress was stunning on her and his breath actually stopped as she shyly stepped into the room. It was classy and elegant but hugged every delectable curve she had. Gold earrings dangled beneath her hair that was sleek and pulled back slightly. Her tanned skin didn’t need any enhancing but her eyelashes were darker and longer so she must have put some make-up on. She hadn’t used any since she’d been living with him. The spa? Probably. It was perfect, just enough.
“Is it okay?” Her hands fiddled with then smoothed down her skirt as she nibbled on her bottom lip.
Why was she nervous? She must know she was exquisitely beautiful. Then again she might not. She always did seem to make jokes about being a mess. That was usually when he had the hardest time keeping his hands from grabbing and ravishing her. Now was another one of those times.
“You look absolutely gorgeous,” he complimented and she genuinely blushed. “I might not be able to take you out tonight. The women will all hate you because every man in the room will be staring at you. Come to think of it, I don’t want every guy staring at you. We could do room service.”
She rolled her eyes then sauntered over to straighten his tie. “You’re no slouch yourself, soldier. You clean up real nice in a suit and tie. You should wear them more often.”
“Out by the pool maybe,” he teased winking at her. “Why don’t you slide those cute, little, painted toes into your shoes and we can get going. Our reservation is in a few minutes.”
She gave him a sly look but did as told. Placing a few things in a small clutch purse, she tilted her head at him. “Did you tell them to give me all this extra stuff,” she asked holding up the purse. “You didn’t actually pick out the underwear did you?”
