Page 15

"Now, is that any way to speak to a paying customer?

" he asked mildly. Rocking back on his heels, he let his eyes wander over her spectacular face, noticing the weariness in her eyes.

Despite that, she was still so achingly beautiful that he could barely resist the urge to walk around the counter and bury his lips on hers.

"Customer?" she asked derisively, her shoulders straightening, suddenly suspicious. "Why don't you try Romano's? Or anywhere else? I'm sure your current girlfriend would appreciate that."

"I'm sure she would," he mused, lips curving slightly. "She happens to have excellent taste."

Her eyes flashed at that. Ignoring the sharp pain of his statement, she started to log out of the point of sale. "Well then, I would appreciate you leaving so that I can lock the store." She glanced pointedly at the smart watch on her wrist. "It's after closing time."

"I would think you're flexible enough to give me a few minutes. I have a mind to spend some money in your establishment."

She hissed out a breath when he wandered over to the closet space that held a few dresses.

"What do you think?" Plucking an elegant plum-colored dress with a daring neckline and narrow skirt, he held it up. "This looks like a size two." He glanced over at her appraisingly. "Your size, I believe."

"You know nothing about me." She stood where she was, determined to keep her cool. She told herself that what she had decided would stand firm, but seeing him here was weakening her resolve.

"Did you read the letter?"

"No." She shifted slightly when he merely gave her a look. "So?"

"I also have a mother." His soft comment had her blinking.

"What?"

"You're assuming that I am shopping for a girlfriend. I'm reminding you that I also have a mother."

"Oh." She did not question the relief pouring through her at that or her crossing to stand next to him.

"I really like this one." She picked out a black sheath that looked deceptively simple, until draped over a body.

"As I recall, she's also petite." She worried her bottom lip and sent his blood pressure spiking.

"Or this one." Putting the black dress back, she selected a sober-looking lime green dress with a demure neckline.

"I think I much prefer this one." He still had the plum-colored dress in his hand. "How about accessories?"

She guided him over to the immense glass case displaying her own designs as well as others.

Opening it, she scanned the shelves and took out a set in a velvet case.

"It's one of my favorites," she murmured, toying with the chunky necklace with the multi-colored stones woven between the silver.

There were earrings and a thick bracelet to match.

Shaking her head, she started to put it back when he stopped her.

"I don't think this would suit her."

"I like the set. Now shoes and a purse."

Giving him a puzzled look, she marched over to that section and helped him to select them.

"Is that all?"

"For now, yes."

They walked over to the counter, and she went behind it, wondering why he hadn't made a move towards her.

"This is our most expensive design." She shrugged when he fished out a gold card and handed it to her. "Which would not be a problem for you."

"I want it delivered. You do offer that service, don't you?"

"Of course. But wouldn't you rather take it with you?"

"No." A smile ghosted his lips. As soon as she finished ringing up the sale and placed the items into a fancy shopping bag with the store's logo, he reeled off the address.

She was halfway through typing it before she realized where it was. Lifting her head, she gave him a look that could have melted iron. "What kind of game are you playing? This is my address."

"I'm aware." Shoving his hands into the pockets of his tan dress pants, he gave her an enigmatic stare. "I want you to have dinner with me on Saturday."

Refusing to acknowledge the quickening of her pulse, she held his stare. "I have a date, and I certainly do not want you buying me anything. I will zero out the sale and refund you--"

"No, you won't." His enigmatic stare turned cool.

It occurred to her that they were alone in the store and his presence, the way the thin red sweater stretched over his chest and shoulders was making her acutely conscious of his incredible sex appeal.

His hair was hanging over his forehead, taking her back to ten years ago.

"Look, I already have a date--"

"Break it." His deep voice did not rise, but the steel behind the tone was unmistakable.

"Why, you arrogant--" She let out a gasp as his hand closed over hers and pressed down hard.

"I already told you that I am here and am not going anywhere."

Maxie felt her heart tripping inside her chest and drowning everything out.

She was rooted to the spot, her limbs liquified as he slowly and inexorably walked around to stand in front of her.

Drawing her away from the machine, he lifted a hand to clasp strands of her hair, winding them around his wrist.

"I am asking for a chance, and I won't take no for an answer.

We have something--" His grip tightened as he drew her towards him.

"You're in my blood, damn if I can stop thinking about you.

Wanting you. I want to taste you, slide myself inside you, until I touch your very soul.

" His voice had dropped, and Maxie found herself melting at the look in his eyes and his hypnotic voice.

"Please--" Her voice was wispy, her skin hot and feverish.

"I'm not going to stand by while you go out with another man. Is that clear?"

It was as if he had thrown cold water over her desire. Coming to her senses, she wedged her hands between them and started shoving, feeling the frustration when he would not budge.

"You-- you! Oh!" She almost stamped her feet when words failed her.

When he started grinning, her temper erupted!

He knew the exact moment when she decided to take a chunk out of his lower body.

Closing his legs, he countered by banding his hands around her waist and shoving her up against the wall.

"Not tonight," he whispered against her mouth.

Maxie found herself going weak as his potent breath feathered over her lips.

Like a whisper. Longing, such as she had never felt before, rose up to grab her by the throat and would not let go.

It was no use denying it, she thought hazily.

She wanted him. She wanted his touch more than she wanted to live.

As if she had transmitted her feelings to him, he gazed into her eyes, his own dark and mysterious.

"Tell me you want me," he rasped.

Contrary to the end, she curled her fingers into the smooth silk of his sweater.

"I hate you."

Something flickered in those enigmatic eyes.

"I'm prepared to accept that for now. But you want me, perhaps as much as I want you.

Shall I tell you how much?" His eyes wandered away from hers to land on her parted lips.

"More than I want to breathe. More than I need food to survive.

I crave you." He brushed his lips lightly over hers and relished the tremor and the way her eyes went completely limpid.

Testing her again, he ran his tongue over her bottom lip and watched it quiver.

"I'm hungry for you." He nibbled, her gasp sending darts to his loins.

"You're the only woman who has ever affected me this much.

" He soothed where he had nibbled, running his tongue over the flesh.

"I want you in my bed. I have plans, which includes ice cubes and some potent wine.

I want to use my mouth all over your body, inside you until I taste only you. "

By this time, Maxie was dying. She was sure every cell in her body had liquified. She could not stand much more of what he was doing to her. It felt like torture of the worst kind.

"Stop it." Her voice was weak and thready.

"I can't stop." His tongue darted into her mouth slowly, tasting her, lingering as he explored.

"Kiss me back, baby," he urged hoarsely. "Put your arms around my neck and give me what I'm craving."

Her resistance shattered like fragile glass.

Winding a hand around his neck, she brought his head down, her lips parted, eyes glazed.

With her submission, he went mad. Crushing her lips, he took ruthlessly.

His control was in tattered shreds. He hauled her up against him, wanting desperately to merge her body with his.

Their clothing was an annoying and frustrating obstacle.

He wanted her naked and could not wait. It had to be now.

The madness inside him was raging out of control and he did not want to rein it in.

He devoured her mouth, drowning in the taste and scent of her.

She tasted dark and sweet, like honey straight from the comb.

His hands raced up and down her back, finally cupping her taut bottom and lifting her so that she could feel his incredible response to her.

Swallowing her gasp, he demanded more, deepening the kiss, until he was pressing her against the wall.

Her breathing became ragged, intertwining with his as their bodies pressed closer, the heat between them rising to an unbearable crescendo.

She gave in to the tidal wave of emotion sweeping her away, her fingers tangling in his hair as if anchoring herself to him could keep her from drowning in the firestorm he had ignited.

His lips left hers, trailing a line of molten fire down her jaw to her neck.

Her enticing throat was exposed, and he took advantage by ravaging the smooth skin.

Gathering the flesh between his teeth, he nibbled and then sank his teeth, drawing the flesh into his mouth.

Her body jolted, fingers clutching at him desperately.