coffee. He enjoyed the sound of her voice. Her tone was soft and her words were crisp and succinct. He could imagine her charming potential buyers because she was certainly doing it to him. She talked a little more about her family. They sounded like good people. Very supportive of her. He casually asked about what schools she attended. Her posture changed when she answered. It was obvious to him that she skimmed the details quickly and he knew it was a topic she avoided. She said just enough of the facts to answer the question. No more, no less, but still, he knew much more now than he did before. He decided not to mention Blake, Manny, or Marisol. The opportunity didn’t present itself. Marisol never seemed to be a good topic for anyone, and from the history Carter had given him, Paige was no exception. If she knew they were in town she didn’t mention it, and he didn’t want to be the one to bring it up and possibly ruin the evening. Abandoning his thoughts, he watched her expressions. He enjoyed her company and he enjoyed looking at her. She had a beautiful face—especially her lips. They were full and plump with just the right amount of lipstick, elegant not clownish. The dark red color complimented her fair skin. And her eyes were very expressive. Deep pools of chocolate. For a moment, he was lost in them. “…never grows old when you have such a beautiful view. I wouldn’t have expected it.” She stopped talking and gave him a puzzled look. “Fal?” He was startled from his distractive thoughts, and was embarrassed for diverting them. “Sorry.” She looked down into her lap. “I think I should be the one who’s sorry. I was rambling.” “No, no.” He reached out for her hand to assure her. “I was just lost in thought.” She looked up at him. “A good thought, I hope?” He brushed his fingers against her palm. “I was wondering how I’d get you to go out to dinner with me again.” “Oh…” she whispered. “So… how do I get you to go out with me again?” His voice was a mixture of pleasure and hesitancy. She spoke in a hushed tone. “I suppose you could ask. That’s always a good place to start.” He gave her a suggestive look. “So…I’m asking.” Amused, she shook her head in disbelief and laughed. “I guess.” Warmth filled his expression. “You tell me when and I’ll tell you where.”
F alcon was so close I could feel his breath fall on my shoulder. And he smelled so good! I wanted to nuzzle him just to inhale his fragrance. It was a bracing scent with hints of cloves and pine. He walked me to my room. Once we arrived at my door, I retrieved the card key from the clutch. “Do you want to come in?” I was enjoying the view as he leaned up against the doorframe looking all kinds of delicious. “No, I think I’ll let you catch up on some sleep tonight.” He made me feel warm inside. His gaze was intense and his tone was demanding. “When can I take you out again?” “I’ll be in town for a month. I’m sure we’ll have at least one more opportunity.” I teased and he played along. “A month, huh? How about tomorrow?” His grin made me feel things I’d never felt before. “I think I have plans with Elizabeth tomorrow, but maybe next week, okay? I should be free then.” “What about tomorrow?” he insisted. I knew he heard my answer the first time but chose to ignore it. He took the key from my hand, opened the door and handed it back to me. I shivered from the rush of cold air that came from my room as he held the door ajar with his foot. He placed his arm around my waist and pulled me against him. “Pretty confidant, huh?” I looked into his eyes. The heat in his gaze made me feel wanton as I anticipated his kiss. He didn’t disappoint and pressed his mouth against mine. The kiss was soft but his lips were firm and demanding. It stole my breath the moment we touched. My body reacted of its own accord, responding and returning