Page 32 of Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind

He looked stunningly handsome in a pair of light slacks and an expensive-looking white polo that showcased his tawny skin.

When Tiberius opened the door, Ryan took a deep breath and put her hand in his. Immediately, some of her anxiety began to ebb, though her heart continued to pound.

As if he sensed her distress, he looked at her with concern. “Ryan, are you all right?”

You can do this, Winslet,she mentally coached herself, looking toward the open-air restaurant on the southern tip of the marina.It’s just dinner.

“Yes, of course,” she said, forcing a smile. “Just a bit nervous, that’s all. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a date.”

She closed her eyes in mortification. What had compelled her to blurt out the truth like that?

“Ryan, look at me.”

Tiberius’s voice was low and soothing, and she found herself looking into his deep, dark blue eyes. He lifted her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles, just as he had that first night. And once again, she felt the kiss in more places than just the back of her hand.

“I am honored to be among the few to be granted this gift. You look absolutely beautiful, Ryan. I am a fortunate man, indeed.”

She sighed, actually sighed. Instead of thinking of her as an un-dateable loser, he assumed she was just selective. That earned him some definite bonus points and made her even more determined to see things through. Shecoulddo this. Shewoulddo this.

“Thank you.”

Tiberius placed his hand on her lower back. It felt so good that it took her a moment to realize he was leading them not toward the restaurant, but away from it. Right to the line of bobbing yachts.

Well, hell.