Chapter 6

At the party, Regine hid in the massive kitchen at the Spaulding estate and tried to forget about Mason. Although they had talked on the phone and he’d sent her flowers, she hadn’t seen him since the night of their dinner. Now he was mingling with the guests who had come to celebrate the forty-fifth wedding anniversary of his parents, and she could sense his nearness. She’d caught a glimpse of him as he stood in the receiving line with his sister to greet the guests as they arrived.

She and her crew had laid out a sumptuous buffet in the ballroom. Two long banquet tables housed an array of seafood, beef, lamb and chicken dishes. All the entrees were accompanied with succulent assortments of hot and cold vegetables and several salad creations, and trays of fruit completed the feast.

While speeches and congratulations were being given by family members and friends, Mason slipped into the kitchen to say hello. Talking to him on the phone was different than seeing him in person.

She tried to remain aloof while concentrating on putting the candles on the anniversary cake. But when he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, his warm breath on her neck sent shivers down her spine. She turned in his arms and without thought offered him her mouth. Before their mouths could connect, one of the household staff entered to inform him it was time for the toast to his parents. He reluctantly released her. He didn’t seem to mind that he’d been caught by household staff about to kiss the caterer. Mouthing that he would return, he exited the kitchen.

As Regine resumed the task of preparing the cake, her thoughts revisited the past few weeks. They’d talked several times, and each time he asked her to dinner. She had declined, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible. Evidently her sudden coolness hadn’t deterred him, because tonight he was acting as though they were already a couple.

She was towel-drying the china when Mason came into the kitchen again. She composed herself as he took the plate from her hand and set it upon the counter. He then took her hand gently in his and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“I want to thank you for a wonderful meal. Everyone enjoyed it,” he said with smile.

“Thank you. I’m glad.” She liked how he looked tonight. The black tuxedo emphasized his already devastating looks.

Mason slid his hand under her elbow. “My mother has been raving all night about the lamb. Come on, I would like to introduce you.”

Regine smiled and nodded. “It’s really easy. I’ll be happy to share it with her, but I don’t have to meet your mother to do that.” She untied the apron around her waist and laid it on the back of a chair. She consciously smoothed her hair.

Mason smiled at the gesture. “You look beautiful.”

She grinned. “If you keep telling me that I’m liable to start believing it.”

“Believe it, little lady, because it’s the truth.”

Regine knew she didn’t look her best. The light foundation she’d put on her face was gone. And her lips were now devoid of the lip gloss she’d reapplied an hour ago. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she ran shaky hands down her pants. You can do it. You’re the caterer and they are the clients. This has nothing to do with Mason.

Mason held the door, waiting for her to proceed ahead of him. She gave him a tentative smile. He winked. She took another deep breath, squared her shoulders, and strolled through.

* * *

Mason looked at the lovely woman who walked beside him. He knew his parents would make Regine feel welcome. Although his mother was from an old aristocratic Boston family, she and his father were kind, loving, and generous people.

His mother had raved about the food. He hadn’t brought a woman around them since Megan. This was different from Megan, or any other woman he’d dated. Just hearing her voice made his heart swell. Her beautiful brown eyes stirred something in him. He loved her dry sense of humor, her no-nonsense approach to things. She was genuine and fun.

When it came to women, he’d always had his share and had never encountered a problem getting one to share his bed. He always let her know up front that he didn’t do long-term relationships.

Some women had tried to change his mind but to no avail. It only made him want to end the relationship sooner. With Regine, he wouldn’t have that complication. She wanted exactly what he wanted—an affair—without emotional connections. No strings. That’s what he wanted. Or was it? Where in the hell did that come from? He frowned at the foreign thought and shook his head. Once it was over, they would go their separate ways with no hard feelings or regrets.

Mason moved toward his parents. They were so engrossed in their conversation with each other they didn’t notice his approach until he was almost upon them. They laughed, and he grinned when he saw his father place his hand on his mother’s hip. He loved the way they still enjoyed each other’s company. His parents were great role models when it came to marriage. The deep love between them was something that many envied. That type of love happened only once in a lifetime…if a person was lucky.

He grabbed Regine’s hand and propelled her forward. Mason cleared his throat. His parents turned to him with smiles.

“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Regine Thomas.” Mason gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and didn’t let it go. “Regine, these are my parents, Jude and Abigail Spaulding.”

He saw a flicker of surprise flash on his mother’s face when she noticed their hands entwined. It vanished as fast as it had appeared.

Abigail Spaulding shook Regine’s hand and graced her with a warm smile. “What a pretty name. It’s nice to meet you, Regine.” Abigail Spaulding was the kind of woman who could make anyone welcome. His mother was truly a warm and loving woman.

“Thank you. Congratulations on your anniversary. I wish you many more.”

“Thank you.” Abigail looked at her husband and smiled. “I can hardly believe it’s been forty-five years. They have gone by fast.”

Mason’s father extended his hand. “Welcome.”

Regine smiled beautifully. “It’s nice to meet you, sir,” she said and accepted his hand in a firm handshake.

“Sir?” He grinned at Mason. “You don’t often hear that word coming from the lips of young people these days.” He clapped his son on the shoulder and chuckled. “Where did you get this beautiful lady, son?”

Mason slipped his arm around Regine’s waist and his mother’s eyebrows lifted, questions evident in gray eyes so like his own. He knew she would want answers. But right now he didn’t have any. He was issuing a public claim, and he didn’t know why.

He felt Regine stiffen against his arm, but he didn’t remove it. He glanced at her. Her smile was still in place, but he noticed tension around her lips. He was sure he would be put in his place once they weren’t around his parents. He grinned at the thought.

“Regine is the owner of Seasoned Just Right Catering. She and her staff prepared the lavish spread we ate tonight.”

Surprised, his mother looked from him to Regine. “Your company is the one that did the Atlantic City opening?”

“Yes, we did,” Regine stated with pride.

“The food was delicious. Thank you for tonight’s dinner. It was magnificent. I especially loved the lamb and the sauce. I’ve had mint jelly with lamb, but the distinct flavor of your sauce was amazing. I couldn’t quite make out what it was.”

“The sauce was made with plain Greek yogurt, fresh limes, a little bit of honey, and gooseberry jam.”

“Gooseberry? That’s different, but simply delicious.”

“If you would like, you can have the recipe. I’ll write it down and leave it on the counter in the kitchen for you before I leave tonight.”

“Well, I’m honored. I know chefs don’t normally share their recipes. Although I love to cook, I don’t do as much as I used to.”

“When we were first married, Abby learned to make one of my favorite meals, a beef pie,” Jude Spaulding said.

Abigail smiled adoringly at her husband. “I still can.”

“Dad was raised on a ranch in Montana and loves hearty meals. Mom comes from the heart of old Boston.”

“Yes, that’s correct, and I’m proud of it. Ranching was hard work back then, but it was honest work. I’m rough around the edges and your mother was raised in fine society, pure class.” He directed loving eyes toward his wife. “Somehow, I roped her in.”

Abigail laughed softly. “That’s only because I let you.”

Mason leaned over and said to Regine, “My father was visiting a friend in Boston and met my mother in a restaurant across from her college campus. After Mom graduated, they got married on the anniversary of the day they met.”

Regine smiled at Mason’s parents. “That’s so beautiful. Tonight is a double special occasion.”

Abigail looked at her husband and then at them. “Yes, it is.”

Out the corner of his eyes, Mason noticed his sister Nicole across the room, waving her hand, trying to get their attention.

Mason pointed in his sister’s direction. “Mom, Dad, the brat is signaling for you. You know how she’s like a drill sergeant when she’s in charge of something.” He waved back at Nicole. She rolled her eyes at him and planted her hands on her hips.

“Mason, stop talking bad about your sister,” his mother said sternly and then ruined it with a laugh. “We better go and see what she wants before she bursts. Nice meeting you, Ms. Thomas.” Abigail Spaulding led her husband toward their daughter.

Mason touched her arm. “Can you stay a while?”

When she hesitated, he glanced around and saw that Regine’s crew was very well organized. All the tables and the set-up outside had been cleared. Some of the guests had left, but a number of them were still mingling and enjoying after-dinner drinks.

“Yes.” She was silent for a moment. “Your mother didn’t ask for the recipe, did she? And we’ll talk about your behavior.”

Mason shot her an ornery grin. “Okay. I have a lot to explain. I didn’t intend to slip my arm around you, but I’m not sorry I did. It was a natural reaction. And in reference to the recipe, my mother might not have asked directly for it but I knew she wanted it.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

He teased her. “Who me?” Mason proceeded to usher her toward chairs away from the crowded section of the room. “I’m just glad I held on to you so you couldn’t run from me this time.”

“I haven’t been running from you.”

“Really? What was the last couple of weeks? I’ve called you several times and asked you to dinner. You were either too busy or on your way to a client.”

“Well, I was.”

“Hmm. You were avoiding me,” he said and then leaned into her and whispered, “I wonder why? Could it have been the kiss we shared? Or maybe you’re afraid of me.”

She caught her breath as the scent of his cologne tantalized her nostrils. “What makes you say that?”

“You’re running scared…like now.” He moved closer. “Your breathing is shallow and you’re finding it hard to catch a breath.” His head dipped slowly. If she moved an inch, his lips would touch hers.

He watched as her eyes fluttered and slowly began to close, waiting for his lips.

Mason pulled back and cleared his throat. “I think we need to continue this at another time, agreed?” he said in a husky tone.

Her eyes opened wide and she blinked. “Sure.” It came out in a barely audible whisper.

He smiled and asked softly, “Would you like something to drink?”

“Thank you. That would be nice.”

Mason touched her cheek lightly. “Sit tight. I’ll be right back.”

* * *

Regine watched in a daze as Mason walked toward the bar. She couldn’t believe they’d almost kissed in full view of the entire room. She was definitely losing it. Although shocked at her actions, she’d wanted his mouth on hers. She glanced across the room at his parents, hoping they hadn’t witnessed what had just transpired between them.

Good. They were still talking to Nicole. She observed Abigail Spaulding. She was a beautiful woman, blonde with streaks of silver and blessed with those amazing gray eyes that she’d passed on to both of her children. Tall in stature, she looked regal. Although she wore a simple cocktail dress, it was in exquisite taste.

Her husband slipped his arm around wife’s waist, leaned in and whispered something in her ear that caused her to throw back her head and laugh. Regine smiled at the gesture because it reminded her of Mason.

She studied Jude Spaulding. It was apparent he was enamored with his wife. An impressive-looking man, he was dark-haired, blue-eyed and as handsome as his son. Mason had definitely inherited his father’s dark hair, his six-foot-plus height and chiseled jaw.

At one point when she and Mason were with his parents, she’d noticed his mother observing her on the sly. It was apparent she wondered about their relationship. Other than that, she’d felt warm and welcome vibes from both of his parents. She still wondered why Mason had wanted her to meet his parents since they didn’t have that meet-the-parents relationship.

“Here you go,” Mason said and handed her a glass of Perrier with a wedge of lime. He sat in the chair beside her.

She lifted her eyebrows. “Is this the best you could do?”

He laughed. “I thought to myself, if I bring her a glass of wine she’ll tell me she’s on the clock and not drinking. Therefore, I decided on something nonalcoholic…and I still get the look. Is there no winning with you?”

Regine took a sip of the cold beverage. “I don’t know. You’ll just have to keep trying and see.”

Mason threw his head back and laughed. “I will. You can count on it.”

Regine stared. His laughter was captivating. People in the room turned and looked at them upon hearing it. Regine dropped her head, trying to hide the flush that she could feel creeping onto her face from the knowing eyes turned her way. Mason had leaned in close and placed his arm around her waist. She was surprised at how easy they enjoyed one another. Granted he was attentive, but she needed to stay focused. They both just wanted to have fun. She was not his woman. It didn’t mean anything. That’s right. Keep telling yourself that.

As they sat quietly watching the people mingling and talking, she observed him slyly and sipped her drink, wondering what he was thinking.

He leaned in close again and whispered in her ear, “Would you like to get a breath of fresh air?”

“I noticed the grounds as I came through the gates. I would love to see everything up close,” she said.

His lips grazed her ear. She shivered.

“Usually when a guy asks a girl to go outside, it means privacy and a little something else. I’m either losing my touch or you really want to see the grounds…in the dark.”

When she turned her head, her lips came in line with his. They were so close she could feel his breath on her face. His breathing changed, his lips parted and his eyes grew dark.

“Why not do both?” Regine said.

“Well, what do we have here?” A tall, brown-haired and very attractive man stood looking down at them. He was dressed in a dark suit that seemed to add height to his build. He had piercing blue eyes and a snide grin.

Regine felt Mason stiffen against her, his arm suddenly like an iron bar around her waist. She gave him a surprised glance. His gray eyes looked cold as ice chips and his jaw was clenched so tightly it was a wonder it didn’t snap. The stranger extended a hand that Mason ignored.

“Luke,” Mason said and stood slowly. His gaze didn’t waver. He cupped Regine’s elbow and assisted her to her feet.

“Mason, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Luke inquired in a deep voice.

Mason took hold of Regine’s hand. His fingers tightened, but not painfully. For a long moment, he didn’t say anything. Regine could feel the anger he was struggling to control. She wondered what had happened between these two.

“Ms. Thomas,” he finally said indirectly. There was a long pause. “Luke works for the company.”

Regine threw a look in Mason’s direction, stumped by the coldness and brevity of his introduction. His face was granite and there was a noticeable tic in his cheek, as if he were grinding his teeth. There was definitely bad blood between these two.

She offered her hand with a slight smile, feeling the uncomfortable energy between the two men that made her want to retreat. She didn’t like confrontations. They only served to remind her of another awkward situation in her past. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said.

Luke took her hand, held it for a moment and then brought it to his lips and planted a wet kiss. The kiss had been unnecessary. She had the strong urge to snatch her hand back.

Luke chuckled. “He forgot to mention that I’m his cousin. Our fathers are brothers.”

Surprised, she gave a slight tug and he released her hand, but not before running his thumb across her knuckles. She delicately wiped her hand on the back of her black slacks. She saw that Luke noticed the gesture. There was a tightening of his lips, but other than that, he held his smile firmly in place. During the entire exchange between her and Luke, she could see and feel the fury in Mason.

Luke’s eyes roamed her body, finally resting on her breasts. It made her uncomfortable and fueled her temper. Regine tilted her head, narrowed her eyes, and shot him a glare. She supposed some women would be enamored with his show of gallantry, but it didn’t do anything for her. Although handsome, Luke didn’t have Mason’s devastating looks or his wicked appeal.

“What are you doing here, Luke?” Mason asked, his tone rough with controlled anger.

“I was invited,” he said, keeping his eyes on Regine. “Ms. Thomas is so formal, and one thing I’m not is a formal type of guy. What’s your first name?”

There was a long moment of silence. Mason moved into a stance and waited.

“It’s Regine,” she said.

“Ah, I believe it’s French. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Do you have French blood?”

“My great-grandmother was Creole.”

“Nice.” Luke traveled from her face to the rest of her body.

“You’re out of line,” Mason grunted. Regine touched his arm to get this attention.

“Don’t.”

“I reviewed the guest list, Luke, before the invitations went to press. I didn’t see your name on it,” he said.

Luke laughed. It was hollow and cold. “Don’t burst a blood vessel. The invitation came addressed to the parents. I just assumed you forgot to send one to me. I forgive your oversight. Besides, the last time I checked, I was still family. ” He looked around and then brought his gaze back to them. “Nice party. I’m sure Uncle Jude and Aunt Abby are happy with the turnout.”

“I don’t believe you came all the way from California to just attend my parents’ anniversary party, especially when you couldn’t bother to attend your own mother’s birthday celebration last year in the same state that you both live in. What do you really want, Luke?”

Luke stiffened with anger. “I had other commitments. She understood.”

“Your parents are always understanding of your shortcomings. But I’m not them. I’m asking you why you came?”

“Cool your jets, cousin. I don’t want anything.…” He then reached to take Regine’s hand again. “At least, not yet.”

“You son of a bitch,” Mason snarled. He pushed Luke away from Regine and then stood between them.

Regine grabbed his arm. “Mason! Please, not here. It’s your parents’ party.”

“One day we’ll both be in the right place and nothing will stop me,” Mason spewed in a tight, low voice. “Don’t ever touch her again.”

“Mason, people are watching. You need to stop this now,” she argued, glancing at his parents to see if they had noticed. Thankfully, they were engrossed in a conversation with several couples in the far corner of the room. But the people nearest to them seemed to have moved closer to observe what was going on.

“What’s your problem, cousin? Touching is unavoidable. Regine is one beautiful woman. But now I know what I needed to know.” A nasty grin spread across his lips as he watched them for a moment. “I’ve never seen you this enamored with a woman. Very interesting.”

Mason said venomously, “I’m warning you, Luke, it won’t be like the last time. You won’t come out a winner.”

His mouth twisted, Luke glared back at Mason. “I’ll look forward to it, cousin. You’ll finally see that everything you touch isn’t gold.”

Regine stilled as Luke and Mason’s eyes locked together. They were like two warriors waiting to see who would make the first strike. By now, some of the conversation had stopped in the large room and more people were watching.

Regine moved between the two men with a calmness she didn’t feel.

Sharpness crept in her voice. “If you would excuse us,” she said to Luke.

She slipped her arm through Mason’s. For a moment, he didn’t move. Finally he placed his hand over her hers and escorted her out of the room. She felt his cousin’s eyes boring into their backs.

* * *

Outside, the warm evening air displayed none of the usual mugginess of a summer night in Philadelphia. There were no words spoken about what happened between him and Luke.

They strolled hand-in-hand, and mostly in silence, around a portion of the property. He commented on things he thought of interest. Finally, they returned to the front of the house. No cars lined the circular driveway, not even the cars of her crew. Most of the downstairs lights in the mansion were off. Apparently, Mason’s parents had turned in for the night. Glad she had driven her own SUV, she looked at her watch and realized they had been walking for close to two hours.

Mason took her hand and guided her to the back of the mansion. They moved along the edge of the pool that was dimly lit with colorful electric lanterns. The nearby swaying trees rustled in the slight breeze of the evening.

It was after midnight, the witching hour, and the familiar chirps of crickets and frogs resonated in the dark. The twinkle of lightning bugs occasionally pierced the darkness as she sat on the wicker loveseat overlooking the pool. Mason sat beside her and stretched his long legs out in front him.

Regine sighed and took a deep breath. “It’s so peaceful.” She lay back against the headrest and looked up at the dazzling stars. Tonight was magical and she didn’t want it to end.

She was saying a silent prayer that the memory of this night would always be with her when she caught Mason staring.

What had happened in the house with his cousin seemed to be forgotten. If he wanted to pretend it didn’t happen, she wouldn’t be the one to broach the topic. It was none of her business.

“I see your lips moving, but nothing is coming out. Were you making a wish, Regine?”

Mason stroked Regine’s hand. He brought it to his mouth and placed a gentle kiss in the palm. “Somewhat,” she said.

“Are you going to share it with me?”

She smiled. “Remember, we agreed to keep our secrets.” Regine was silent for a moment. “I might share it with you someday.”

Mason returned her smile and touched her cheek tenderly. “I must remember what I agree to when it comes to you. If you’ll let me, I want to help make your dreams come true.”

She didn’t want Mason to think their relationship would be more than what they’d agreed upon. “I’m in charge of my own destiny.” He tensed beside her. To soften the words, she laughed. “You agreed to fulfill my fantasy for a short period of time.”

“Is that what I agreed to? I don’t remember a timetable.”

“I think maybe we should discuss it… you know, lay down the ground rules. Decide when it’s going to happen.”

“Really?” Mason seemed surprised by her candor. “How about we let nature take its course?”

She knew she didn’t need any help from Mother Nature to push things along; she already wanted him. However, she needed to keep reminding herself it was only sex and nothing else. All right, she admitted their conversations were simulating and laced with debate. He brought out the side of her she kept buried—her humor and her zest for life. She used to be carefree and trusting, but no more. Her parents’ death and Cecil’s betrayal had stolen it from her. She hadn’t had much to laugh about in the last few years. She’d needed to be strong for the business to be a success. Farin was depending upon her. Who do you have to depend on?

“Aren’t you going to ask me about Luke?” Mason inquired after a long silence.

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“First, it’s none of my business. Secondly, if you wanted me to know, you’d tell me.”

“So much has happened that I wouldn’t know where to begin.” His breath caressed her face. She smelled his after-dinner drink laced with a touch of cinnamon. “I might share it with you someday, but not now.”

“It’s your choice.”

“You’re something else,” he finally said. “I’ve never met a woman like you. Any other woman would be dying to know what was going on between Luke and me.”

“Not me.”

“It’s a long story.” He turned away from her and stared straight ahead. “Usually, we ignore each other’s existence. This is the first time in years that we almost came to blows.”

“I’m sorry it happened in your parents’ home.”

He rested his head on the cushioned headrest. “They know there’s bad blood between Luke and me, they just don’t know what caused it…and I’m not going to tell them.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to cause a major rift. The families have always been close. This thing with us has caused too much tension already. I don’t want it to become bigger. So, most of the time, I try to make sure we’re not in the same room, or at least no more than necessary.”

“That must be hard at family gatherings. What about holidays?”

“We manage.”

“Whatever it was must’ve been traumatic to cause such discord.”

Mason’s laugh was rough and edged with sarcasm. He stood, ran a hand through his hair, and walked to the edge of the pool, looking out at the darkness. She sat up and watched him. The lanterns around the pool provided enough light that she could make out his form.

“I had always thought of Luke more as a brother than a cousin. All that changed twelve years ago.”

“Twelve years? After all this time, you and he still can’t stand the sight of each other? It must’ve been devastating.”

He didn’t comment, but walked back and resumed his seat.

“We all have secrets that we would like to keep buried. Some of us have demons that we fight every day,” Regine said and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Let’s talk about something with less drama.”

He placed his lips on her hair. She felt his smile.

“Like I said, you’re one in a million.” He breathed deeply, taking in the slightly cool night air. “I love this time of night on the estate but you’re going to have to come back during the day. I would like to show you the stables.”

“You ride?”

“We all do.” Mason stroked her hair. “How about you?”

“Never been on a horse.”

“We’re going to have to change that.” He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. “We have one mustang stallion, two palominos, and a thoroughbred that live cautiously but comfortably at the stables. Nicole has an Appaloosa that she keeps at her place. She’s a ferocious rider and used to ride everyday. But Jason refuses to let her get a horse until after the baby is born.”

Regine laughed heartily. “I’ve seen your sister in action. I know that must have gone over well.”

Mason finally joined in with her laughter. “You’re right. Nicole is stubborn and thinks she can do anything. She usually can, but she has to think of someone else now.”

“Besides being beautiful, your sister is one strong woman. Being pregnant does not normally immobilize a woman,” Regine said.

“You’re right.” Their eyes met and held in the dim light of the moon. “You’re also strong and beautiful.”

The only sound was their breathing. Mason entwined their fingers. She lifted her head. He ran his thumb across her lips and brought her lips close to his, but he made no attempt to fully kiss her.

“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?” he asked softly.

Regine shook her head. “I can’t tomorrow.”

“Oh?” Mason inquired. “Why not?”

“It’s Sunday.”

“So?”

Surprised, she tried to explain it to him as if she were teaching a child his alphabet letters. “You do know it’s the Sabbath? You know, a day of rest.”

He laughed. “I know that.”

“Don’t you have a rest day where you just don’t do anything? We try very hard not to book any jobs on Sunday. It’s my only day to do what I want and, believe me, I take advantage of it. Working six days a week takes its toll after a while. Sunday is my down time. It usually consists of church, a big meal, maybe catching up on my reading and being a couch potato.”

Mason lowered his head and brought his lips to her ear and whispered, “Sounds good.”

When his tongue flicked her ear, Regine’s heart skipped. His mouth then found the pulse at her neck.

Regine moved her hand to his thigh. He groaned and pulled her closer and found her mouth. The kiss was deep and infused with passion. He devoured her and she felt as if she was drowning.

Mason abruptly removed his lips, placing his forehead against hers.

She moved and twisted in his arms, looking up at him.

“Give me a minute.” He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She could feel the fast beat of his heart under her hand.

“Something wrong?” she asked.

He shook his head. “No, nothing is wrong. I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for this happen,” he said in a gruff voice.

“I know.” Regine’s voice was low and barely recognizable to her.

“But we’re explosive together.” He continued to breath deeply. Regine could hear him fighting for much needed air.

She wanted him to kiss her, but she didn’t have the guts to be the first to initiate a proper kiss. If he wanted her kiss, then he would be the one to do it. Hell, what difference did it make? Why was she tormenting herself? She wanted him, and she was positive he felt the same way. She looked up at him as her mind battled with her rising passion. Regine reached up and placed her hands on his shoulders. Their eyes absorbed each other in silence, but neither made a move toward the other.

Finally, he moved and created space between them. She dropped her hands, cursing at herself for her loss of nerve.

“It’s late.” He stood and shifted his feet. “I’ll follow you home.”

“There’s no need for you to follow me,” she said.

“I insist.”

He extended his hand to assist her to her feet. She stood and ran her trembling hand down her pant leg. She wanted to scream with frustration, but it wouldn’t do any good.