I guess I’ll be getting coffee at the meeting.
“I’ll drive you back,” he says when he’s done.
“It’s fine,” I say. “I’ll just take a cab again.”
“Absolutely not,” he repeats, and there’s something in his tone that makes my stomach flutter. Possessive. Protective. Unreasonable. Hot.
“It’s fine. I’ve taken cabs my whole life,” I insist, pulling on my underwear.
“Not today,” he says firmly.
“Antonio, I’ll be fine.” I work the dress up my legs, not bothering with my bra. “I’m running out of time, and I need to get home so I can get ready. You’re a distraction. And I mean that in the best way possible.”
He sighs. “Fine, but only because you said that, and I really like you. But you’re not taking a cab. I’ll call a car for you.”
The dress settles into place. I reach behind to find the zipper, and Antonio’s there immediately, hands at my back.
“Let me,” he says, and he doesn’t wait.
His fingers close the zipper slowly, and I know the slow slide of his knuckle up my spine is deliberate.
He leans in, mouth at my ear. “Still want to shower alone at home?”
I shiver. “Not a want. A need.”
He laughs quietly and kisses the side of my neck. Then his hands slide to the straps at my shoulders.
He hooks one finger under one strap and tugs it lightly.
“This,” he says, voice low, “is still a crime.”
I glance at him over my shoulder. “It’s a dress.”
“It’s an offense,” he says, and his finger traces the strap again like he’s considering ripping it. “Tonight, wear literally anything else.”
I turn to face him, a questioning smile on my face. “Tonight?”
He doesn’t even pretend to hesitate. “Yes. Tonight. At dinner."
I feel a ridiculous flutter in my chest. "We haven't made plans for dinner."
"We’re making them now," he says, his smile sure.
“I don’t know,” I say, playing it cool. “I’m a very busy woman.”
"Even busy women have to eat," he says, leaning in and kissing me. "And I'm pretty good company."
He is. Dangerously good.
“I’ll pick you up,” he continues. “Eight o'clock.”
“I haven't said yes.”
"Eight o'clock," he repeats, ignoring me.
He deepens the kiss, and I melt against him. My arms wrap around his neck, and I lose myself in the taste of him. For a moment, I forget about the meeting, the coffee, the responsibilities waiting for me. All I can think about is him, and the way he makes me feel, and the way I want to feel it again.
A sharp, polite knock on the door breaksthe spell.
