“Everything will be perfect,” he assured them. “Our chef will be thrilled with your review.”
“Our pleasure,” Darian said, his hand loosening her tucked-in shirt to run light fingertips along the naked skin of her waist.
“We really need to get back to the city,” she said. “Call me if you have any other questions regarding the menu. Otherwise we’ll leave it in your hands.”
“You won’t regret that decision, Ms. Reed. I promise.”
“I’m sure.” Resolutely, she stepped forward, flicking her jacket before buttoning up the front to ensure everything was in place.
A soft chuckle followed her as she strode from the reception hall. With a few more effusive good-byes from Sam, they piled back into the car.
“Home as quick as you can, Tim,” Darian said to their driver. “You can drop Ms. Reed off first.”
“Will do, sir.”
“And put the divider up, please.”
It slid into place as they pulled away from Sahra.
“So.” She turned in her seat to face him. “You’d better not try that when we’re in front of clients.”
His grin was unabashed. “Scouts’ honor.”
“You’re like a naughty teenager. Honestly, where’s the suave Mr. King I’ve grown to know?”
“He’s here. You’re just gaining access to a wider segment of his personality.”
“Heaven forbid,” she teased.
He reached out and pulled her closer, hooking her legs over his. “Do you prefer the straight-laced version of me?”
She cupped his face in her hands, staring into his eyes. “No,” she breathed. “I like this version better. When I can see all of you.”
His expression softened. “Crazy, isn’t it? We’ve known each other for years and yet there’s still more to discover.”
She laughed at that. “Do you really think there’s much more to me that you don’t know?”
“Angel, I think you’d still surprise me after a lifetime.”
She smiled, knowing she would never get the chance. “Your loss,” she whispered, lifting her lips to his.
…
He rather suspected it was, he mused as he kissed her. Every time he touched this woman he wanted more. He wanted to memorize every inch of her body. Unlock every secret in her mind. Never before had he been so invested in understanding a lover.
She’s dangerous, he thought. She made him care in a way he never intended to care about anyone. Loving his sister was enough. He didn’t need to add anyone else to his life that he was afraid to lose.
“You know you can’t get out when Tim drops me off,” she said, her fingers threading through his hair. “He’d run back and tell everyone at the office.”
Darian groaned. “Tomorrow then.”
“Mmm,” she purred. “Absolutely.”
“My place or yours?”
“Dealer’s choice.”
“Yours.” He knew she’d already been in his bed, but it was easier to maintain his distance if they didn’t repeat the event. It was easier to meet at her apartment, small though it was. She didn’t ask him to spend the night as they had the first time they’d slept together. Though part of him wondered what it would be like to wake up in her arms, a far more logical voice cautioned against such an action. There was no need to borrow trouble, after all.
“Fine by me.” Her fingers slipped under his shirt, trailing along the muscles of his abdomen.
“Careful,” he said.
“I remember Tim.” She pressed a kiss to his throat. “Worried you can’t be quiet?”
He laughed at the teasing words. In fact, he’d been doing that more and more with her. Nothing good could come of examining that happiness too closely. Better to just enjoy it while it was here. Wrapping his arms around her, he cuddled her onto his lap.
“I’m going to have a whole night to dream up things to do to you,” he whispered in her ear, gratified when she shivered in his arms.
“I might have an idea or two of my own,” she said, her voice equally soft.
“A match made in heaven.”
Her gaze met his and he wondered if he’d ever seen such a soft expression on her face. Looked like he wasn’t the only one basking in this newly discovered contentment.
For how long? How long before he got bored or she found a man willing to give her more than he could? Temporary was just that. This happiness wouldn’t last.
And when it ended, he’d have to find a way of being okay with letting it go.
His arms tightened automatically around the woman in his arms. After a lifetime of challenges, saying good-bye to Ali might be the hardest one he’d face.