“I guess I’ve done alright. I’m in the process of negotiating some contracts, selling what I own.”
“Where do you call home?”
“Right now, here. I’ve lived a gypsy life, traveling mostly. Had an apartment in Palo Alto to be near my business office. Funny, isn’t it? We both left here and settled on the West Coast.”
She’d heard from her parents’ comments on how proud he’d made his family, but it wasn’t that simple. She didn’t understand his timeline, considering the fascinating tidbits she’d heard about his life. She was intrigued by the complexity of him. “But you came back and you’re not certain if you’ll stay?”
She wondered what made him want to live a life they’d all talked about escaping—the small town, living with people they’d known all their lives. It wasn’t a bad idea, actually, when she stood in the kitchen with him so near.
“I’m at the point where I’m trying to see the big picture and define the future on better decisions. It’s probably just human nature before we hit thirty. You know, reassess for the next phase.”
“Would you like a glass of wine? It’s the only thing left, unless you’d like some juice.”
“No, thanks. We have reservations at six-thirty. If you’re ready we can begin the city tour.”
She took her wrap and suddenly wondered how she’d keep her hair from blowing all over the place. His Jeep was open and she’d wished she’d braided her hair. They stepped out on the porch and she went slack-jawed at sight of his car. She looked over at him but he had slipped on a pair of sunglasses.
“Nice ride.” A shiny silver sports car sat in the driveway. Low, sleek, and masculine. All his toys were. Dustin said nothing, but his lips quirked boyishly.
“Come with me.” He encircled her wrist with his fingers. The sensation of his hand on her arm exuded a charged, raw power she was coming to understand was his. Automatically her body responded, her nipples beaded into tight points, and she became the silent one.
The car was convertible but the top was up. He held on to her as they descended the porch steps. Dustin opened her door and even brushed her dress from the door frame as she sat down. He reached over and took hold of the seatbelt. The medallion fell from his shirt collar and brushed her shoulder. The medal was warm as it trailed over her skin. She felt tiny bursts of pleasure. His face was inches from her, his breath caressed her neck and shoulders.
Claire crossed her arms over her chest trying to hide how easily he excited her. Goosebumps rose over her arms and she rubbed them away.
“There, all set?” His leaned in and kissed the side of her mouth. “I want you this very second. Make no mistake.”
She looked up into his face. Her heart thundered, and she pressed the balls of feet into the floorboard. She didn’t trust her voice and nodded.
Chapter Eight
Damn. Maybe they should just forget eating and go to his place. What would she think? All his thoughts about taking her out and romance and patience disintegrated. Claire was more than a vision. She smelled so good and was too beautiful for words. He wanted to crush her into his body and devour her lips.
He’d never seen such a lovely woman. With her hair done and wearing makeup, she pushed every one of his buttons. Twice.
She was stunning in a dress that called his attention to every line and curve of her body. He barely recovered from staring at the shoes she wore. Laces tied up and around her calves, unsettling him, until he was about to give in and lose his self-control. She was no longer some uncertain girl. Claire was a sexy woman who deserved to be spoiled and pampered.
He struggled to maintain his sanity and concentrated on driving, forcing himself to think of something besides her satin smooth skin. He was not about to engage in some half-assed, sex-crazed frenzy no matter what his John Tom demanded. He’d vowed to take it slow and he’d do whatever she needed. In the middle of dealing with her parents’ death, he wasn’t going to be some sleaze and take advantage of her.
He wanted to protect her. Hell, he wanted to possess her as well. Now that he had a chance to be with her again he couldn’t contemplate ever having to let her go. She’d captivate any man. He’d better be prepared to relax or, better yet, be on guard.
She was the only woman who, without even knowing her power, could wreak havoc on his plans, and he wasn’t about to lose her for being an impatient cad.
She was quiet as they drove. “Penny for your thoughts.”
“I was wondering why you came back. Dustin, what happened?”
“You honestly don’t know?”