Dani stood and moved around the counter, giving a big hug to the woman who had saved a lost boy and his sister. “You’re amazing, Mrs. Jankowski.”
“Believe me, I’ve gained more from knowing those two than they’ll ever understand,” she answered with a catch in her voice. “I had no one until a belligerent boy stepped foot in my store.”
Dani understood—she felt like crying herself. Lifting her eyes, she saw Logan leaning in the doorway, watching them. How much had he heard? Would he be angry with Mrs. Jankowski for talking about his childhood? His expression was blank, giving her no clue as to what he was thinking.
“I’m trying to decide if I want to know why the two of you are hanging on to each other for dear life,” he said.
Mrs. Jankowski winked at Dani before turning around. “None of your business, young man. Where is that girl? If we don’t leave now, we’re going to miss our dinner reservations.”
“You’re not staying and eating with us?” Dani asked.
“No, for some reason I can only guess at, Maria and I were gifted with a girls’ night out. Dinner, movie, a suite at the Palms, and all the works at their spa in the morning, and then lunch at their five-star restaurant. Seems you two will have the house all to yourselves until tomorrow afternoon.”
She untied her apron and handed it to Dani. “Put this on him or he’ll ruin his shirt.” Leaving, she waved her hand. “You two have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t. Better yet, do something I wouldn’t.” Laughter trailed behind her as she walked to the stairs. “Maria, girl, let’s go!” she yelled.
Dani stood where Mrs. Jankowski had left her, her gaze centered on Logan. Would there ever come a time when he didn’t steal her breath away? He wore a pair of loose white trousers that looked Middle Eastern and a V-neck white silk shirt, rolled up at the sleeves. Like her, he was barefoot.
Well, someone needed to bring her oxygen right now. She didn’t know what to do. Apparently he’d arranged for them to be alone, but she feared she had ruined everything by asking questions about him.
“Hi,” she stupidly said.
“Come here, Dani.”
There had been no change in his demeanor, no welcoming smile. Just “Come here,” the words spoken roughly. She went. Stopping in front of him, she waited to see what he would do. He inclined his head, listening to the sounds behind him.
Mrs. Jankowski’s voice floated to her as she ushered Maria out the front door, and then all was quiet except for their breathing. She was sure hers was coming faster, maybe his, too. There was heat in his eyes—hot, burning fire.
“I want to kiss you.”
Dani exhaled. “I wish you would.”
There was no answering smile, no words of agreement, just his lips crashing down on hers. Having experienced how easily he could steal the strength from her bones, she grabbed his waist with both hands.
Minutes, hours, maybe days passed before he raised his head. “Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving,” she whispered.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
I’m starving. Logan understood that she didn’t mean for food, but as tempted as he was to pick her up and carry her upstairs, he had a courtship agenda. He’d made a decision earlier not to do any thinking tonight. If they made love, he wouldn’t be breaking his vow. At no time had he thought to include a rule that the woman had to be in love with him. If this turned out to be a brief affair, at least he would have memories of being with her. The pain of losing her, he would deal with when the time came.
She was always beautiful, but tonight she was so damned sexy that he grew hard just looking at her. Sometimes she straightened her hair, but now it was a mass of curls he wanted to comb his fingers through. He liked it. A lot. This afternoon, in the sunlight, her hair seemed to have streaks of fire in it, but tonight in the dim light, it was the color of a rich burgundy. Winding a lock around his finger, he brought it to his nose and inhaled.
“I was hoping for apple pie, but I think I’ve just discovered another one of your scents that makes me want to taste you. What is it?”
“Peaches and cream.”
“Another lickable dessert. Nice.” He leaned back so he could see her toes, grinning when he saw she had painted them her happy yellow. His gaze traveled up long, sleek legs, over the little sundress, and back up to her face. It was a damn good thing he was a disciplined man; otherwise their first time would happen right now on the floor of the kitchen.
Taking her hand, he led her to the bar stool. “Sit here and talk to me while I finish our dinner.” He topped off her wine and took the wrap off the plate of grapes, cheese, and crackers.