Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [42]
She chuckled as she stepped closer to him and placed her overnight bag down at her feet. "Have you forgotten that I can handle myself?"
No, he hadn't forgotten and had always admired her ability to do so. When she came to stand directly in front of him, the scent of her perfume began playing a number on his libido. He cleared his throat while scanning her outfit again "I thought we were going swimming."
"We are. This time instead of wearing my bathing suit I decided to bring it with me. But I see you're ready."
In more ways than one, he thought, although he knew she was referring to the fact that the only thing he was wearing was a pair of swimming trunks. "Yes. I thought we'd get our swim out of the way and then enjoy dinner. It will be delivered in a couple of hours. But if you'd rather we eat first, then..."
"No, that's fine. I'll probably be quite hungry by then."
He smiled. He intended to make sure she was totally famished. "I'll take that," he said, leaning down to pick up her overnight bag. He looked surprised because the bag was heavy.
She shrugged and smiled. "When have you known me to travel light?"
"Never."
"Then nothing's changed."
He furrowed his brow. "And what about when you're on assignment and you have to travel light?"
"Then I make an exception."
Ian smiled and nodded quietly. "I'll take this up to the bedroom. You're welcome to change in there if you like or you can use one of the guest rooms," he said.
"I'll change in your bedroom."
He moved aside to let her lead the way, and when they got to the stairs and she began climbing ahead of him, his body became more aroused with every step she took Every time she lifted her foot to move up a step, her short hemline would inch a little higher and emphasize the sweet curve of her bottom.
He pulled back, deciding to just stand there and watch her, or else he would find himself tumbling backward. When she got to the landing she noticed he wasn't behind her and turned around. She lifted a brow when she saw he was still standing on the fourth stair. "Is something wrong'?"
"Nothing other than the fact that we need to do something about that dress."
She leaned against the top banister, and he wondered if she knew that from where she was standing with that particular pose, and with the aim of his vision, he could see under her dress. He might be wrong since her outfit was flesh tone and everything seemed to blend in, but he couldn't
help wondering if she was even wearing panties. "What do you suggest we do with it?"
He blinked and met her gaze. His mind had totally gone blank. "Do with what?" She chuckled. "My dress. You said we had to do something about it." "We can burn it."
She grinned. "No we can't. It's an exclusive design." Ian lifted a brow. "Is it?" "Yes. Don't you like my outfit?"
"A little too much. I suggest you change into your swimming suit before I decide a swim isn't what we both need."
He then began walking up the stairs toward her. When he reached the landing he handed her the overnight bag. "I think this should be as far as I go considering..."
"Considering what?"
"Considering I wouldn't mind taking you right now on that banister you're leaning against." He'd been fantasizing about her every since he'd left her in the cafe. He'd barely kept his concentration while waiting for her to show up at the penthouse.
She smiled at him as she straightened and gripped the overnight bag. "This should be one interesting afternoon."
He smiled back at her. "Trust me. It will be."
Ian couldn't wait. He had to dive into the pool to cool off. It was either that or change his mind and go upstairs to Brooke. But he knew once he was in that bedroom with her, chances were that's where they would stay until dinner arrived.
He just couldn't get rid of the memory of the two of them on the golf course. Brooke had always been a quick study, and today had been no different. If she practiced there was no doubt in his mind that she