The way his breath teased her sent tingles down her spine. Until now, she hadn’t realized that warm breath could be exciting. He’d complimented her a few times already. She assumed, at first, it had been for Laylee’s benefit, and then for the benefit of her boss and coworkers.
This time, whispered so privately, felt just for her. To be sure, she looked into those mesmerizing green eyes and whispered, “Do you mean it?”
“You’re by far the most striking woman I’ve ever known.” With two fingers, he touched a tendril of hair left loose over her ear. The rest she’d twisted up and pinned for a dressier look. “Physically, I’ve never known a woman as perfect as you.”
She started to object, but he wasn’t finished.
“It’s more than that though. You’re stunning, for sure, but when someone meets you, they sense your compassion and caring. Speak to you for a few minutes, and your intelligence also comes through.” His mouth hitched in a casual, very sexy smile. “You’re the whole package, and I’m pretty sure no one is immune.”
Skye had trouble breathing, much less speaking. She’d never received praise like that. Not from anyone. Her parents loved her, but they often drew unfair comparisons to Laylee. She and her sister were close, but Laylee was so energetic, always flitting around, that she seldom paused long enough to compliment. Clyde? He’d been all about her looks, and then he’d met her sister and, like most men, he’d been easily diverted. The differences between the sisters had been obvious to him, and of course, she’d come in second place. Only after Laylee laughingly turned him down did he circle back to Skye.
Ford was unlike any man she’d ever met, and her heart was quickly getting into trouble. “Thank you.”
“This dress . . . It suits you in a dozen ways. The color, the simplicity.” His gaze dipped over her. “On someone else, it might seem sedate. On you? It’s like you set out to torture me.” Three beats passed before he gave her another smile. “In the nicest possible way.”
Holy smokes, he was good at this. She felt seduced, and they were sitting at a table with several people. Thankfully, the others were involved in their own conversations.
Needing something to do, Skye twisted her napkin in her hands. The body-hugging dress with an asymmetrical hemline wasn’t that low-cut, and the hem landed just above her knees. She’d bought it on a whim over a year ago but hadn’t had a chance to wear it. That is, not until Laylee found it in her closet.
She’d surprised Skye by choosing simple silver earrings and a delicate necklace as jewelry, much more in line with Skye’s style than her own. To finish the outfit, Skye wore strappy sandals with a two-inch heel.
After all the praise she’d gotten from her sister and Ford, she truly felt beautiful.
Of course, he’d easily charmed everyone, including the Montgomery family, who’d hosted the dinner to celebrate the retirement of one of their own. Ford’s manners were impeccable, his smiles engaging, and his conversation witty.
While the others chatted, he leaned close again. “Am I doing okay with the bosses?”
He was kissing close—and looking at his mouth, she was oh-so tempted. “What do you mean?”
“This dinner is important to you, I can tell. I’ve been on my best behavior—it helps to be successful with a sales pitch.”
How could she not smile at that? “You’ve impressed me.” Mostly just by being himself. Yes, she’d noticed a little of his slick maneuvering, but she doubted anyone else had. No wonder he was so good at his job. “And in case I didn’t mention it,you look . . .” Delicious. Indescribable. Like temptation defined. “Very handsome.”
Green eyes glittering, he whispered, “Your mouth said one thing, but your eyes said something else.” Into her ear again, he breathed, “I’d love to know what you were really thinking.”
Suddenly, from behind her, Clyde said, “She’s always had expressive eyes.”
Skye started, but Ford merely took her hand, unsurprised. He gave a single nod. “Clyde.”
While everyone at the table greeted Clyde, Ford brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “Relax.”
Easier said than done.
As Clyde turned back to them, Skye could almost swear she felt the tension arcing between the two men. Thankfully, the meal was over and even better, there were no empty seats at their table, so Clyde couldn’t join them.
“Cocktails in the lounge,” one of family members announced. “I hope you can all stay for a few drinks and some dancing.”
Choking back a groan, she allowed Ford to tug her to her feet.
With a telling smile, he said to Clyde, “See you around,” in clear dismissal.
To her, what was even more telling was that other than his initial hello, Clyde kept his distance. Oh, he watched her—often. But he didn’t intrude again. Half an hour went by peacefully.
“Should I be insulted?”
The teasing words regained her attention. She and Ford were in the middle of a slow dance, and she’d been distracted. Hard to believe, with her oh-so aware of his nearness. “What?”
His hand on her back brought her marginally closer. “You left me, and here I was doing my best to behave.”
