He gently pulled her closer. Her heartbeat hammered erratically. This was bad, so very bad.
“Why don’t we go out for lunch? We can talk about things over some food. Aren’t you hungry?”
She was, but not for food... Inwardly, she scolded her mind for wandering off again. “But you need to change.”
“I have another shirt in the car.”
He slid his hand down both of her arms, linking their fingers together. Now, more than ever, she was aware of how bare her shoulders were without her jacket, and she desperately needed covering.
“Nicole, I was proud of the way you handled the situation with Kate. Any other woman would have stressed out or fainted from seeing everything you had.” He softly squeezed her hands.
Her face warmed from the compliment. “Then I must have put on a great performance because I was terrified the whole time. I’veneverdone that before, and I never thought I’d have to be strong for another employee like that.”
“Your gentle voice helped her.”
“And what about you, Mr. Doctor-Do-Gooder? When did you learn how to deliver a baby?”
He chuckled, pulling her between his legs and wrapping his arms loosely around her waist. She really should push him away, but being close to him like this was a refreshing surprise, and it just felt comfortable to be next to him.
“A year or so ago, I was dating this girl—”
She sucked in a fast breath. “What? You got your girlfriend pregnant?”
He scowled. “No. Now stop interrupting before you jump to conclusions again.”
Mentally, she kicked herself. Of course, she was going to think that. Mick Remington could charm an eighty-year-old nun and not feel guilty. “I’m sorry. Please, continue.”
“My girlfriend’s older sister was a physician’s assistant, and she was pregnant. She’d gone hiking with us this one time and went into labor. While my girlfriend was over in the bushes puking her guts out from seeing the bloody discharge, her sister walked me through how to deliver a baby.”
Nicole couldn’t believe how relieved she was that the baby wasn’t his – and that his girlfriend couldn’t handle the situation. At least Nicole hadn’t been puking her guts out.
Smiling, she relaxed against him. “What a hero you are.”
His hands wandered up her back as he pulled her closer. His gaze dropped to her mouth. “I’d like to beyourhero.”
Had she ever heard more romantic words before, especially coming from a man? “Why?”
His stare wouldn’t leave her mouth. The rhythm of her heart sped faster.
“Because I want to be the one to save Adkins Dev-Tech. I want to save your inheritance.”
Her heart had been melting for this man ever since he walked into her office. As much as she tried to fight it, she couldn’t deny the attraction between them. And Heaven help her, she didn’t want to deny the pleasure of his kiss any longer.
“I would...” she swallowed, moistening her suddenly dry throat, “like that very much, Mick.” Her hands had a mind of their own and traveled up his smooth chest slowly. His muscles bunched beneath her touch. “But, do you know what else I would like?”
His head moved closer. She felt the whisper of his breath on her mouth.
“What’s that?” he asked.
She watched his mouth getting closer to hers. “I would like...”
“Yes?” His voice turned deep.
“I would like you to...”No, don’t say it, Nicole!
“To what?” he whispered huskily.
She pressed her hands against his chest and moved away. “To take me out to lunch. I’m starving.”
