Cherry thought that Rick would more than do. Dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and bow tie, he oozed sophistication. The epitome of the dark, handsome, successful doctor. One look at the width of his shoulders in the jacket, those strong hands, those long fingers…oh yes, those long, skilful fingers—
“Jesus, Cherry.” With a groan, Rick swung her around and proceeded to propel her down the hallway while still keeping her tucked into his side. “You keep looking at me like that and I’ll skip the dinner and go straight to dessert. And you’re the dessert.”
“Am I going to have to be your chaperone?” Susie asked sternly.
“No, Ma’am,” Rick replied, gently swinging Cherry ahead of him through the front door. “I’m sure I don’t need you to show me how to undress and eat dessert.” He guffawed at her snort.
Cheeks blazing, Cherry sent her friends a wave over her shoulder before they walked to his car. Ever the gentleman, he opened the door for her, and she got in and leaned back against the backrest, searching for the seatbelt. Leaning over her, his smile a wicked glint of white teeth in the darkness, Rick brushed her hands away and pulled the seatbelt slowly between her breasts and across her lower abdomen, brushing the apex of her thighs as he went, clipping the clasp securely before slowly drawing back, the back of his hand brushing across her breasts.
Cherry blushed even as her heart picked up pace, and without thought she caught his wrist and leaned up, meeting his grinning mouth and daring expression with a deep kiss of her own.
“I know you’re up to something, Rick Reed!” Susie yelled. “Keep your hands to yourself!”
Kissing Rick was like licking hot honey, sweet and decadent yet somehow masculine. At Susie’s words, Cherry drew back and looked into his eyes.
Eyes twinkling, but a hot flash deep within, he murmured, “I’m going to have to have a chat to Robbo about Susie’s interference.”
“She’s just protective.”
“I know.” His gaze grew tender for a few seconds. “But that’s my job now.” A quick kiss and he straightened and shut the door.
Blowing out a breath, she concentrated on slowing down her heart rate and regaining control of her senses. Rick said something to her friends while he walked around the car. Opening the door, he got in and started the engine. Backing out of the drive, he pulled onto the road and they sped away.
Cherry relaxed back into the seat and watched the lights of the houses flicking past. It was comforting, the purr of the engine, the smell of an expensive car, and the warm presence of the man in the driver’s seat.
“Well,” Rick said into the silence, “That was fun.” He gave a short laugh of amusement.
“You really like teasing them, don’t you?”
“Oh yeah. They’re a grand pair of girls. Unlike you.” When Cherry cast him a startled glance, he smiled. “You’re a knockout.”
“Really? I mean, thanks.”
Reaching out, he caressed a finger down her cheek. “You look beautiful, love. I’m proud to have you by my side.”
Pleasure rippled through her. “I hope I don’t embarrass you tonight.”
“Embarrass? No, you won’t.” He said it with complete confidence. “You never embarrass me.”
“I’ll surprise you one day.”
“Sugar, you surprise me every day.” His teeth were a wicked gleam of white in the dark. “In the most delicious ways.”
The man knew just the words to say to get her all hot and flustered. Clearing her throat, Cherry returned her gaze to the houses flashing by while trying to get her suddenly hot, pulsing blood to a smooth flow. “I wonder if there’ll be any normal people there.”
Rick’s bark of laughter was pure amusement.
She groaned. “See? I knew I’d say something stupid tonight. I have to keep my mouth shut.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’d find it quite amusing to watch you say something like that to a couple of the more obnoxious guests tonight.”
“Trust me, you won’t find it amusing.” She started to twist the little chain on her clutch. “The cream of the medical profession will no doubt be at this dinner, seeing as it’s being held by one of the oldest and richest of the families in this state, and the prestigious paediatrician, Dr Margaret Clarke. I could ruin your career chances.”
“Not a chance,” he replied cheerfully. “There will be some of the medical profession, as you label us, there, but there will also be other rich people of non-medical background. Dr Clarke likes a variety when she holds these dinners.”