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“That’s the beauty of the mind. Fear is all up here.” He tapped his head. “If you can capture that fear and put it into perspective, then you realize it’s not something that has to control you or limit you.”

“That’s what I realized with my job, but I hadn’t put that idea into play with my other fears.”

“Unfortunately, I had to learn it at a very young age. I recognized fierceness in you the first time our eyes connected at the bar,” he said as he pressed his hand to her cheek. “I need to speak to the pilot for a moment. Promise me you won’t come any closer to the helicopter than this. The blades are dangerous.”

“I promise.” She’d promise him anything. He was so caring and thoughtful, and yet, unlike other men, his tenderness was bordered by a sexual undercurrent like she’d never felt before.And she sensed that the honesty about his past wasn’t coming easily, but earnestly.

“I’m so happy you were courageous enough to do this.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I’ll be right back.”

She watched him talking with the pilot, glancing back at her every few seconds, attentive and protective. She’d never dated a guy who was so in tune to everything about her or who cared enough to try to be. She looked around the deserted mountaintop and wondered what he had in store for them next, because there was no restaurant anywhere in sight.

The pilot climbed back into the helicopter, and Eric jogged over to Kat. With his body between her and the gusting wind, he guided her farther away from the helicopter as it kicked up dust and dirt and lifted into the sky.

“He’s leaving us here? Are we going mountain climbing next?” she hollered over the sound of the blades as they carried the chopper away.

He laughed. “Would you be willing?”

“You look way too serious. No, not at night I wouldn’t, but during the day I might.” She loved that he tugged her in tight against him again. She fit there perfectly, and he smelled heavenly.

With the helicopter gone, he smiled at her and brushed her hair from in front of her eyes. “No hiking tonight, I promise.” He led her away from the lights of the helipad to a black Land Rover she hadn’t seen parked by the edge of the woods—and apparently, the edge of a road as well.

“You’re like James Bond, with cars and helicopters popping up whenever you need them.” She climbed into the passenger seat, enjoying his deep laugh as he settled into the driver’s side.

“James Bond, huh? That’s one I haven’t heard before.” He started the car, and the headlights illuminated a road thatdisappeared beneath an umbrella of trees. “We’re on our way to Falling Grace. Have you been there?”

“No, but it sounds either very creepy or quite romantic.”

He reached for her hand. “I assure you, there’s nothing creepy about it.”

A few minutes later they pulled up in front of Falling Grace, a chateau-style restaurant built near the edge of a cliff. Candles flickered in every window, and brilliant white lights lit up the woods on the periphery of the property, giving the evening a magical feel. In-ground lights illuminated a stone walkway that snaked through gardens with a fountain on one side and ornate sculptures on the other.

Kat looked down at her jeans, then at the expensive cars parked all around them. “I’m not sure I’m dressed for this.”

“Darlin’, clothes do not make someone appropriate for a restaurant. You’re just as gorgeous in your jeans as you were in your dress and your suit.” He pressed his hand to the small of her back, bringing her body flush against his again.

She would never, ever tire of this closeness.

His eyes moved from hers to her mouth, then back up again, stealing her worries about her clothing one brain cell at a time.

“We’re both wearing jeans. The way I see it, we can lose the clothes altogether and go in naked, or take our chances.”

His smile was contagious, and his sense of humor only made him even more attractive. “Nothing ever rattles you, does it?”

“Life’s too short to get too rattled over things that don’t matter. Clothes are meaningless.” He took her hand and led her toward the entrance.

“I really do like the way you think. Have you always been this confident, or did that come with your success?” She noticed the way his eyes flashed serious for a second, then just as quickly brightened again. He did that a lot, momentary deep thinking.

“That, my darlin’, is a great question.” He held the restaurant door open without answering, making Kat wonder about the sore spot she’d just touched.

A pretty brunette greeted them with a pleasant smile. “Good evening. Welcome to Falling Grace. Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes,” Eric answered. “Two for James, please.”

The hostess’s eyes widened, as if recognition suddenly dawned on her. “Yes, of course, Mr. James. Your table is ready. Please, follow me.”

Eric’s hand never left Kat’s back as they followed the hostess through the dimly lit restaurant, past tables full of important-looking people dressed to the nines, with regal voices and assessing eyes. They passed through double doors at the rear of the restaurant, and to Kat’s surprise, they were led to an open elevator. A handsome gentleman dressed in a dark suit greeted them.

“Mr. James. Ma’am.” He moved to the side as they stepped inside.