Heated Rush - Leslie Kelly [34]
Annie sipped her drink again, her soft blue eyes gleaming in the low light. The sun had gone down, the interior of the restaurant descending into shadow and candlelight. The golden flicker of the flame picked up the highlights in her long, blond hair, and emphasized the fragility of her jaw, the slenderness of her throat.
The woman was completely, utterly feminine. Every inch of her was soft and perfectly defined. And so close to being his, he could almost taste her.
Peaches.
“You know,” she said, interrupting his lazy, hungry musings, “I can’t help thinking about how different things might have been if the program hadn’t been messed up.”
Oh, she had no idea. “Me, too.”
“I was genuinely attracted to your picture. But your real bio might have made me try harder for one of the earlier guys—the nice guy, hero types.”
“You saying I’m not a nice guy?” When she gasped in embarrassment, he chuckled, letting her know he wasn’t serious. “Kidding. I know what you meant.”
She gave him a little glare, reminding him of how she responded to teasing. Then she continued. “I mean, an all-American rescue worker would probably have scored points with my family. I don’t think I would have read about an international traveling businessman who loved women and considered him a suitable match for a freckle-nosed day care center operator from Green Springs, Illinois.”
He said nothing for a second, knowing she hadn’t been fishing for compliments. She was just open and honest…the only way the woman appeared to know how to be.
He could be no less.
“And what a loss that would have been,” he murmured, meaning it with every fiber of his being.
She licked her lips, falling silent, as if she was replaying his words. Hearing, too, the ones he didn’t say.
That he was glad they’d met, glad she’d chosen him. And very anxious to see what came next.
All the same thoughts echoing in his own head. None spoken, but there just the same.
“I’m glad we met, Sean,” she finally whispered.
“So am I.” He reached across the table and brushed her fingers with his, lacing them together atop the crisp white tablecloth. “Whoever messed up that program might have done me a terrific favor.”
“I think they did me a favor, too.” She kept her right hand where it was, touching his, but lifted her wineglass with her left. Raising it in salute, she added, “Here’s to the person who screwed up.”
Sean didn’t hesitate to join in her toast. “May he be in heaven a half-hour before the devil knows he’s dead.”
BY THREE O’CLOCK Friday afternoon, Sean knew there was no way he was going to be able to wait until the next morning to see Annie again. Maybe if they were going to head off to a romantic hotel for their weekend holiday, he’d be able to stand it. But the thought that they’d be surrounded by her nosy, overprotective family for two days, without a moment alone, made the prospect of a getaway a whole lot less appealing.
Considering how much he’d enjoyed her company last night, he just wanted to spend more time with her. Hearing her laugh, watching her eyes light up when she smiled. Seeing the amazement on her face when she tried something new—like the limo ride or the caviar he’d persuaded her to sample. Their relaxed, low-key after-dinner walk along the water to see the stars had ended one of the most pleasant evenings he’d ever enjoyed in this city.
His impatience had everything to do with how much he’d enjoyed being with her…and nothing to do with him dying for that third date—and its conclusion.
Well, almost nothing.
Yes, he enjoyed spending time with her. But he had to admit, after having her in his arms—tasting her, caressing her before they’d left for dinner, then gently kissing her again when he’d escorted her to her door late last night—he was dying to make love to the woman.
And he would.
He’d have her, get the wanting out of his system and move on. He had places to go, jobs to complete, and staying in Chicago after this weekend was out of the question.
So, why did the thought