He nodded, polishing off his beef sampler. “The more I taste this food the more I think we’ve found our caterer.”
“That would be one less thing to worry about,” she said.
“So you’re in agreement? This is our caterer?”
“I think it makes the most sense.”
“Sam will be happy. The wine isn’t bad, either. I’d like to bring in some of our own stock to start, but it will be a nice mix to have both.”
“So we’ll have the salad followed by the beef?”
“And some canapés during the cocktails.”
“Then boom, we’ve got a menu. I feel like I should high-five you.”
“Bit by bit, we’re getting this wedding done.”
Allison pushed up from her chair. “We should find Sam and let him know about our decision.”
He rose when she did then caught her arm when she moved to leave the room.
“He’ll be back,” Darian said. “There’s no rush.”
“Oh?” She turned into his arms. “And what would you like to do to fill the time?”
“Well, we are in a beautiful, romantic spot.”
“You don’t do romance,” she reminded him.
“True enough.” His lips trailed along hers. “Maybe you could teach me.”
Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him close. “First, it’s always wise to start with a compliment.”
“Your current pinstriped suit is far superior to your other pinstriped suit.”
She scrunched up her face. “I should point out that mocking the woman you’re hoping to woo into bed is never a sound strategy.”
“Ah, now you tell me.” His hands slid down her body. “You look beautiful tonight,” he said. “It was all I could do to keep my hands to myself on our ride up here. I wanted to pull that clip from your hair and watch the curls bounce down around your shoulders. I wanted to pop the buttons open on that pristine shirt and see if the bra matches it or if you were hiding something sexy and colorful.”
“Obviously you’ve never had to hunt for the perfect bra to wear under a white shirt,” she commented dryly. “But please, do continue.”
He leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. “I wanted to run my lips over every inch of your naked body. But making you scream my name might have been a little inappropriate with Tim driving right up front.”
“You think?” She tilted her head to the side as he kissed his way down her throat.
“I suppose I’ll have to be equally good on the ride back.”
“I’d rather not have the whole company know I’m screwing the boss,” she agreed. “But”—she pulled his face back up to hers—“with the divider up, maybe we don’t have to be on our utterly best behavior.”
“That’s my girl.” He kissed her before she could answer.
Allison sighed against his mouth. This was what she’d been waiting for. The simple pleasure of being in his arms. She couldn’t imagine ever not wanting this man.
“So responsive,” he said, his lips slanting over hers. “I love that about you.”
As if it was a challenge. All he had to do was walk into the room and her body stood at attention.
“Sam will be back soon,” she whispered.
“Wouldn’t want him catching us,” he agreed.
“So stop kissing me,” she said, pressing her mouth back against his.
“An impossible request.”
She knew the feeling. Closing her eyes, she let herself enjoy the taste of him on her tongue. His hands ran down her body and she wished they were someplace where they didn’t have to have so many layers of clothing separating them.
Darian drew back, glancing at the door. “Footsteps,” he said, turning her to face the door with him.
No sooner had she composed herself did Sam appear.
“What do you think?” he asked, his cheerful expression open and excited.
“I think you’ve got yourself some business,” Darian said. “We loved the food.”
Allison had to smile at the joy on the proprietor’s face. Securing a King Enterprise account was no small thing and would no doubt do wonders for his business.
“Thank you for accommodating our schedule,” she said. A hand slid under the back of her blazer, startling her.
“We appreciate it,” Darian added, as if he wasn’t caressing her lower back.
Trying not to alert Sam to the touch, she pasted a smile on her face. “We’d like to select the salad and beef combo. It was excellent. I’m sure your chef can come up with some hors d’oeuvre trays that can be passed around during the cocktail hour.”