Secrets and Sins:Raphael(53)

"It's fine," he assured her. "Don't worry about it."

Yeah. Right. She tried another smile and extended her hand. "We haven't  been formally introduced yet. My name is Aslyn Jericho. Chayot Grey,  right?"

He enfolded her fingers in his, then quickly released them. "Chay," he said. "And I know who you are, Ms. Jericho. I'm a fan."

"Aslyn," she corrected, ignoring the tingling in her palm and the urge  to rub it against her thigh. Another swirl of warmth tickled her at the  thought of this man sitting in a chair big enough to fit his large  frame, eyes closed, that thick gold hair framing his stunning face as he  listened to her CD …  She studiously ignored that tickle, too.                       
       
           



       

He nodded. "Aslyn," he repeated. She had to imagine how the low rumble  of his voice rolled over the syllables of her name as if he physically  caressed them … stroked them. "Are you okay?"

Was she … ? Damn! Peeping Tom. Perv. Police. "Yes"-hell no-"I'm fine."

"Is there anyone I can call to come stay with you tonight?" he asked.

"No," she blurted, then stifled a wince. "No," she repeated more calmly.  "Really, I'm okay. Thank you for … for everything tonight."

He studied her for a long, unnerving moment where she fought not to  squirm. Jesus, he could wet a woman's panties and make her run for the  hills at the same time with that stare. Finally, he nodded again.

"If you're sure." He turned, crossed the room, opened the front door.  And paused on the threshold. "And by the way," he murmured, "you're  gorgeous, too."

With those quiet words, he pulled the door closed behind him.