Beau led Kori into a formal living room before excusing himself to check on his mother. Kori suddenly wished she’d had a bit of time with Beau to fine tune their story. It was one thing to bluff their way through a casual business reception—but something else again to converse with a family member at great length.
Kori gazed around the room, fascinated despite her worry. It was elegant, fashionably furnished with a blend of antiques and modern pieces. A little cool and sterile, to her mind. She liked more color, some clutter.
“Beau was raised here?” she asked Donny.
Donny nodded looking around as if following her thoughts.
“And scared his mother half to death all the time he was growing up that he’d destroy something valuable. It was bad enough for the rest of us when we came to visit, don’t touch this, don’t sit on that. I don’t know how he stood living here. There is a family room in the back, where the TV is and all. He spent most of his time there. Aunt Ellen was too worried about her Ming vase, or the brocade on that old chair to give either of us free rein in this part of the house.”
Since the old chair looked as if it belonged to a museum, Kori understood Ellen Williams’ concern.
She wondered if Beau had been a rough and tumble little boy. Had he run through the house yelling and playing, or saved his roughhousing for outside? Had he played football in high school? He had the build for it. She began to read the paper Donny had prepared, maybe she’d find the answer there.
Beau entered a few minutes later. She looked up, could quote facts and figures, but she didn’t know the man at all.
“I don’t think this is such a good idea,” she said.
“If it was a good idea last night, it’s a good idea tonight.”
“Last night was different.”
“How?”
“It wasn’t family I was trying to fool.” She waved the paper Donny had given her. “Am I really supposed to memorize all this stuff?”
“It’s not like it’s a lot. I’m only thirty-six.”
“You went to college at Stanford, have a masters degree in business. You like to travel—you’ve been to a couple of places I haven’t even heard of.”
“And your point is?”
“We don’t suit at all. Your mother will spot that in a New York minute.”
“We’ll soon find out. If you do your part well, she won’t. She already believes the story, she’s not looking to analyze anything.” He took Kori’s arm gently. “Come on, she’s awake and anxious to meet you.”
Looking at his cousin, he said, “We’ll be down soon.”
“Don’t hurry on my account. I think I’ll check in the kitchen and see what’s cooking.”
“When Mom called to invite us, she said Shu-Wen would have dinner at seven. It’ll be ready soon.”
“You are not listening to me,” Kori complained as they climbed the wide stairs. “We don’t know enough about each other to fool anyone.”
When they reached the top, Beau caught her in his arms. “I’m listening. I’m ignoring what you have to say. We will make this work. Too much depends on it.”
“But—”
She’d scarcely opened her mouth to protest when Beau covered her lips with his, successfully stopping any argument Kori might have voiced.
She stood in his embrace, quickly feeling her defenses melt as his kiss went on and on. His lips were warm and firm, and expert at drawing a response. His scent filled her senses and the heat they generated would have warmed a small house. He was a master and she felt like a novice. She’d had boyfriends before, but none who kissed like this. No wonder Carmen hadn’t wanted to give him up.
Endless time later he pulled back and looked at her, satisfaction reflected in his gaze.
“Now you look kissed.”
“And the point is?” she asked, gazing into those dark eyes that seemed to hide so much.
Her heart tripped at double time, her breathing didn’t approach normal and her body heat had to register in the triple digits. How was she supposed to think coherently?
“I want my mother to believe this engagement. I’ll act captivated, as long as you act adoring.”
“Umm, adoring, huh? Okay, I’ll give it my best shot.”
Bemused, Kori would have promised almost anything.
When they stepped into the large bedroom the first thing to catch Kori’s eye was the hospital bed jutting from the far wall. It seemed to dominate the room. A nurse rose and smiled, walking toward them.
“I’ll leave you with Mrs. Williams. Call when you wish me to return,” she said, passing to leave the room.
“Mother, I’d like you to meet Kori. Kori, my mother, Ellen Williams,” Beau said as they crossed to the bed.
The woman lying there looked almost too frail to sit up. The bed had been raised to a semi sitting position and she was propped against pillows. Painfully thin, her skin had the look of old parchment.
Her eyes held curiosity, but her smile was welcoming.
“It’s nice to meet you, Kori Pendergast. I wish I could say I’ve heard about you, but Beau kept me in the dark.”
“I’m delighted to meet you, Mrs. Williams.”
“Call me Ellen, my dear. As for you, young man,” she said to Beau, “We will have a talk later about keeping something this momentous a secret.”
Beau walked quickly to her side and kissed her cheek.
“Nothing to tell until recently. Now you know. You’ll tire yourself out getting upset about it. Kori’s here now and you two will have plenty of time to get to know each other once you’re feeling better.”
She patted the edge of the bed. “Come sit beside me, Kori and tell me all about yourself.”
Kori sat gingerly on the edge, half turned toward Ellen Williams.
“There’s not much to tell, I live here in the city, work at Reemer Solutions in the art department. Born and raised in California.”
“As was Beau. I’m from Boston, originally. Never thought I’d want to leave when I was a girl, but Thomas Williams swept me off my feet. Tell me how you met Beau.”
Kori stared at her, while her mind spun a thousand miles an hour. Would she want to hear that they’d met at a bar? In fact, one could say Kori picked him up. The idea struck her as funny. Beau Williams didn’t seem the type to be picked up by anyone.
“I met her at a function her company held at the hotel,” Beau interposed smoothly. “Was captivated from the first.”
“So that’s why you announced your engagement at last night’s Reemer Solutions function. Full circle.”
Ellen nodded as if it made sense.
Kori gave a weak smile and looked at Beau. Let him field all questions, it would save wear and tear on her nerves!
“Sit down, Beau. You’ll give me a crick in my neck towering over us that way,” Ellen said with a frown.
Pulling a chair close, Beau sat down, close enough to Kori his leg bumped hers. She was suddenly shockingly aware of his presence and had to concentrate hard to hear what his mother was saying. If she moved her foot just a bit, she could touch him again she thought wildly. It caused her insides to quiver and she lost her train of thought. She’d been touched by men before, why did Beau’s presence wreak such havoc to her nervous system?
“This is the first time you’ve had company in a couple of months, I don’t want you to overdo,” he cautioned.
“Don’t ever get sick, Kori, he’ll worry you to death with trying to get you well instantly. I’m not going to have a setback. On the contrary, I’m feeling stronger right now than I have in a long time.”
She patted Kori’s hand.
“All because I got to meet the woman Beau’s planning to marry. I must confess I never thought I’d see the day. His dad and I had been married more than five years when we were his age. And Beau was already toddling around.”
Beau’s narrowed gaze warned Kori to be careful, as if she needed any warning. She felt she was walking through a field of land mines.
“I bet he was a handful.” She slanted him a glance. “He still is.”
Ellen laughed. “You’ll be good for him. Tell me about your wedding plans. You aren’t going to let me read about that in the newspaper, now are you?”
Kori shook her head, her mind going blank. She was hardly used to being a fake fiancée, she had never thought about a wedding.
“Will you be married here in San Francisco or at your home church? Where are you from originally?” Ellen asked.
Kori felt Beau’s foot brush against hers in warning. Honestly, if he couldn’t trust her to perpetuate the charade, why bother?
“We haven’t discussed any details yet,” she said. “I’m from Fremont originally, so probably would want to go home to get married. Since it’s only about 40 minutes away, it wouldn’t be too far for friends to drive.”
“And have you set a date?”
“Not for a while,” Beau said. “We want to explore being engaged first.”
“We should get started on preliminary plans at least,” Ellen said. “Churches and reception halls are booked months or even years in advance. In addition, Kori will need time to acquire a trousseau. And you will wish to plan a fantastic honeymoon. Will you be living in Beau’s apartment or getting something larger?”
A tiny Chinese woman appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray. “Dinner ready, Mrs. Williams,” she said as she entered.
She greeted Beau, was introduced to Kori as Shu-Wen Li, the housekeeper. Mrs. Braum followed her into the bedroom.
“Need any help, Mrs. Williams?” the nurse asked.
“In a minute. I’m still visiting,” Ellen said fretfully.
“We’ll let you eat, now, mother. I’m sure Shu-Wen has dinner ready for us downstairs. I’ll bring Kori back to say goodnight before we leave,” Beau said as he rose and held his hand out for Kori’s.
She slipped it in and smiled up at him in what she hoped was an adoring pose. She was shocked by the thrill of sensation that shot through her. His hand was warm and firm. When his fingers laced through hers, her heart stuttered.
This had to stop. She could scarcely think or breathe or do anything but feel the sweeping delight that pulsed through from his touch. The man was practically a stranger. Get a grip, she admonished.
Hands linked, Beau led the way downstairs. From the satisfied glimpse on his mother’s face before they left, Kori knew the woman was reassured by his actions. From a distance it probably looked full of love. Ha! If she only knew.
“Shu-Wen popped in a minute ago and said dinner was ready, she just had to take your mother’s tray up first,” Donny said when they entered the living room. “How did things go?” He was sitting on the sofa, a drink in hand.
“Fine.” Beau dropped her hand and headed for the small bar in the far corner. “Want anything?”
“Don’t ask that,” Donny said. “Look where that question got us yesterday.”
“I’m fine,” Kori said, feeling oddly bereft with the loss of Beau’s touch. “Your mother's very ill, isn’t she?” Beau had told her, but seeing her had reinforced his words.
“She’s been sick for months. She’s one of those the Corona virus doesn’t let go,” Donny said.
“She’s looking better today,” Beau said, turning with a small drink in hand.
He sipped the amber liquid and looked at Kori.
“She has some color in her cheeks and her eyes were as lively as ever. I wouldn’t have thought my getting engaged would be a miracle cure for anything. But if it is, so be it.” He raised his glass. “To Kori.”
“Fiancée extraordinaire,” Donny said, raising his glass, as well.
Kori understood Beau’s worry. If his mother’s thinking they were engaged would aid her recovery, Kori knew she had to keep the charade going. She wanted the woman to recover as quickly as possible.
They could pull it off. If she deferred to him when his mother asked personal questions, it would work. All she had to do was speak as little as possible and gaze adoringly at Beau. Maybe she should try out for little theater productions when all this was over, she thought. She was getting a lot of practice in acting.
She was still bothered by the nature of their deception. Ellen Williams seemed genuinely happy to think her son was getting married. She would feel disappointed when she discovered the truth. Kori hoped she wouldn’t have a relapse.
When they moved to the dining room for dinner, Kori was pleased when the two cousins began to discuss business as they ate. She didn’t mind. She could tune them out and take time to think. She glanced around the formal room. The antique furniture and heavy brocade draperies made it more elegant than anything in her parents’ house. Which emphasized once again the differences in their backgrounds. She was surprised Ellen didn’t think she was after Beau for his money.
“You’re quiet, Kori,” Beau said at one point.
She looked at him. “Nothing to say.”
“A woman who doesn’t speak if she has nothing to say? Snap her up, Beau!” Donny teased.
“She’s already snapped up,” Beau said shortly.
Donny looked at him with an odd expression.
“So she is. Tell me, Kori, how did the deception go with your Reemer Solutions friends last night?”
“They seemed to believe it.”
“Amazing, maybe you have a talent for acting, cuz,” Donny said to Beau.
“Did you suspect I wouldn’t be able to pull it off?”
Donny shrugged, his eyes alight with amusement.
“And Carmen, what are you going to do with her?”
“Not a thing. She also got the message.”
“Maybe.” Donny winked at Kori. “Time will tell.”
When dessert had been served and coffee poured, conversation waned. A little later Beau glanced at Kori’s empty cup.
“Are you finished? We can say goodbye to mother and I’ll take you home.”
“I could call a cab.”
“I’ll take you,” Beau said impatiently. “What kind of man would send his fiancée home when he could take her home himself—if only for the walk to the door?”
Kori nodded, feeling silly. Of course they had to play out the charade. Truly engaged people would love arriving at the door at the end of a date—and the kisses that would follow.
She hoped he was teasing. She didn’t think they needed to share any more of his amazing kisses!
Ellen was dozing when they peeped in. The nurse motioned them closer.
“She made me promise to wake her. But she’ll be groggy. She ate most of her dinner. It’s the first time she almost completed a meal since I arrived.”
Gently she patted Ellen’s shoulder. Her eyes flew open. Spying Beau and Kori, she smiled broadly.
“Did you two enjoy dinner?” she asked struggling to sit up.
Kori could see the fatigue smudging the woman’s face.
“It was delicious. I hope you feel better soon.”
“I will. I was thinking we should have an engagement party—to introduce you to all the family and friends. What do you think, Beau?”
The nurse placed several plump pillows behind her.
“It’s a great idea, Mom, but we'll wait until you’re completely well before embarking on a party.”
“Very well. But you two be thinking about it. In the meantime, I’ll do my part by getting better faster than you’d ever suspect. Then we’ll see about asking a few friends in so they can meet Kori!”
“Good night, Ellen,” Kori said, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
“Good night, my dear. Next time you and I will spend more time together.”
Once in Beau’s car, Kori turned to him.
“We need some guidelines for this.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
Donny had elected to call a cab, so Beau and Kori were alone in the car.
“You know, what we tell people, what we do as a couple. I don’t think I should get to know your mom too well, she could be upset when we part ways.”
“We can hammer out the deal tomorrow evening. You’ll have to stop by from time to time to see her or she’ll suspect something’s wrong and that would cause her undue worry which I do not want to see.”
“Tomorrow evening? I won’t be here, I have plans. I’m going off for the weekend.”
“With a man?” The words were snapped out.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but no, not with a man.”
Interesting reaction, she mused as he drove down one of San Francisco’s steep hills. If she were involved enough with a man to go off for the weekend, she certainly wouldn’t have had to ask a stranger to step in at the Reemer Solutions reception.
“Where were you going?” he asked.
“I am going to a spa in Napa.”
He frowned.
“A spa? Where you wallow around in mud and drink celery juice?”
His tone was just short of horrified.
“I worked hard on the Makomoto account. This is my reward to myself.”
“Postpone it. Donny made a good point. I can’t be seen places alone now that I’m engaged or it will start rumors which could get back to my mother. I have a charity event I’m attending on Saturday, you’ll have to go with me.”
“I do not have to do anything. I’ve had this weekend planned for ages.”
“Postpone it, I’ll pay for a full week there when this is over.”
Kori fisted her hands and pounded her knee.
“Stop trying to fix everything with money. Is that the only thing you can think of? Didn’t it occur to you to ask as a favor?”
Beau shook his head slowly.
“I figured I’m asking you to postpone your weekend, the least I can do is make it up.”
“Try asking and see what happens.”
“Will you come with me to the fund-raiser Saturday night?” He said it through clenched teeth.
“Gee, you asked so nicely, how can I refuse?”
By the time noon rolled around on Friday, Kori had second thoughts. And thirds. Reluctant to give up on her special weekend away, she wondered what she was doing going to some charity event where she’d feel totally out of place. The chances were good Beau’s mother would never hear she hadn’t gone. And she didn’t figure he’d be so newsworthy there’d be more pictures in the newspaper so soon after the last spread.
Kori got a quick bite of lunch and debated taking the rest of the afternoon off. She’d asked for the time and it had been approved.
Deciding she’d rather have it later when she could go away, she set to work once she’d finished eating. Wistfully she glanced out of the windows. It was a lovely day in San Francisco. She should have gone for a walk at lunch, or eaten in the small nearby park. Maybe she’d walk home after work.
She had just sketched a preliminary mock up for a new ad program when there was a stir through the open office. She glanced up.
“Oh, oh,” Kori said softly, mesmerized by the sight of Carmen Hernandez sauntering her way through the desks and drawing tables like she was on the promenade of some fashionable resort.
Every man in the room had his eye on her. And quite a few of the women, but for different reasons.
Once again Kori wondered what was going on at the front desk. Didn’t that scatty receptionist know better than to let people wander through the offices at will?
When Carmen reached Kori’s work area, she glanced around frowning.
“This is where you work?” she asked.
The gleam in her eye did not forebode well.
“Yes.”
So much for any show of civility, Kori thought, unexpectedly amused. What had Carmen expected? And how had she found her? She’d probably seen the write-up on Reemer Solutions’ reception and the photographs. The whole city now knew where she could be found.
The woman shrugged in a very sexy manner, glancing around the room as if to gauge the reaction of every red-blooded male there.
Satisfied she had their attention, she looked back at Kori.
“Where is your ring?” she asked, pouncing on the lack.
Kori glanced at her hand. She’d removed her grandmother’s ring once the reception the other evening had ended. Scrambling for an excuse, she waved her hand around her drawing table.
“It gets messy and I have to wash my hands a dozen times a day. I’m afraid I might lose it.”
“If Beau gave me a diamond, I’d never take it off,” Carmen declared dramatically.
“But he didn’t, did he?” Kori asked cheerfully, wishing Carmen would get to the point of her visit—if there was one.
Carmen’s eyes narrowed.
“Not yet he hasn’t. But you two aren’t married, either. Where did you meet him? Does he know you work here? That you work at all? Or does he think you are as wealthy as he is? A man of his position has to worry about gold diggers.”
You ought to know, Kori thought.
“Beau knows all he needs to about me.”
Kori rose, aware of the heightened interest of everyone within hearing distance. She glanced across the bull pen, grateful to see Tiffany was not at her workstation. One blessing, but from the avid gazes of her coworkers, she knew more gossip was coming.
She’d give anything to return to her nice, quiet, placid pre-Phil life of a few months ago.
“I do not see what he finds of interest in you. We were lovers for a long time,” Carmen said insolently studying Kori.
“How nice for you both.”
“You aren’t jealous?” Carmen asked in surprise.
“Should I be? Whatever was between you and Beau ended before I met him.”
“Such passion between two people doesn’t end. He’s upset about something, trying to show me he is no longer interested by asking some little nobody to marry him. I can give him fire and passion. What can you give him? You’re thin, small and washed out. He needs a real woman! Before long, he’ll break it off with you and come crawling back to me. You mark my words!”
Kori was growing irritated with the dramatics. And, she suspected, if she had truly cared about Beau, she might have been upset to learn of a passionate affair. She’d never been involved in one herself and often envied other women when they gossiped about making mad, passionate love to their men.
“Well, if he does, more power to you. But I hardly think it’s going to happen,” Kori said, wondering how she could get rid of her unwanted guest.
Was this part of being engaged to a hotel magnate? She wasn’t impressed. Her first instinct had been the best—avoid the man at all costs. Why hadn’t she listened?
“You will see!”
With another dismissing glance around the art department, Carmen turned and walked away, but not before getting in the last word, “You have nothing. I can give him all he wants.”
The silence was almost deafening as every eye watched her depart.
Two women near Kori laughed softly and applauded.
“If the hunk who was in yesterday is the man you two are fighting over, good going,” one said. “Who is she?”
“No one important,” Kori sat back down, and stared at the layout.
She was amazed at her calm reaction to Carmen’s blatant attempts to cause a scene. She didn’t do confrontations that well. Was this going to be something she had to expect while temporarily engaged to Beau Williams?
Slipping away a few moments later, she called him.
She was put through immediately. His secretary was obviously another who thought the engagement was for real.
“Williams.”
“Hello, darling,” she cooed. “I just couldn’t wait until I saw you next to hear your voice. Is your day going as well as mine?”
“Kori?”
“Do you have other fiancées lurking around? Someone else Carmen can go harass?”
“Carmen? What’s going on?”
“She wanted to make sure I knew what a passionate affair the two of you had. And how you’ll be resuming it in the not too distant future once you dump me. Let’s get one thing clear on this situation—when we end this farce, I get to dump you. I’m tired of being the dumpee.”
“She came to your office?”
“Yes, but don’t worry. I doubt she’ll be back. She wasn't impressed.”
“I didn’t expect her to do anything like that. I hope you played your part.”
“Hey, I live to please. I would appreciate her not coming around again, however.”
“I have no influence over her. If she’d accept our engagement is real, she’ll turn her sights elsewhere.”
“My guess is she’ll hold out—hoping once the engagement ends she can step back in,” Kori said thoughtfully.
“Carmen’s not that patient.”
“How patient does she need to be? We’re not going to be engaged that long. Your mother will be well in no time.”
“Don’t keep talking about ending the engagement, someone will overhear you.”
“No one can overhear. I wouldn’t be holding this conversation with an audience.”
“Not now, but if you stay in that mind set, you’ll let it slip when someone is around,” he warned.
“Oh, gee, that would be too bad.”
“I can make sure it is.”
That hint of steel came across loud and clear.
“Another threat. Honestly, Beau, is that how you go through life? I’m your fiancée, show some adoration.”
She almost laughed, imagining his face on the other end.
“You’re right. I’ll pick you up for dinner tonight. We’ll practice being adoring and captivated. Your performance last night left something to be desired.”
“What? I did great. Your mom's totally convinced I adore you.”
Kori was startled at the extent his comment bothered her. What kind of performance had he expected?
“You tighten up every time I touch you. People truly in love would be more comfortable around each other.”
“You’d probably know more about that than I do, having had such a passionate affair with Carmen.”
“Forget Carmen. You need practice.”
“And you don’t?”
“So we’ll both practice. Seven o’clock okay?”
Kori agreed to the time and hung up. Her heart skipped a beat in anticipation. Just what kind of practice did Beau have in mind? Something that would make them more comfortable around each other—like more kisses? Sheesh, his kisses had done everything but make her comfortable!
Beau couldn’t believe he was having dinner with Kori again. Or that he’d insisted. He’d seen her Wednesday night at the reception, last night at his mother’s place, and had plans to see her tomorrow night at the charity ball. Tonight was overkill.
But Kori Pendergast frankly intrigued him. She was unlike anyone he’d met in years. Feisty and focused, she had a balance that was missing from women like Carmen. The last trait he thought of when thinking of Kori was mercenary.
In fact, when thinking of Kori, it was hard to remember anything except her bright eyes, her irreverent attitude, her smart mouth.
A mouth he couldn’t wait to kiss again.
Rising, he paced to the window, looking out across the expanse of Union Square to the glimpse of the bay. He couldn’t see her apartment in China Basin, but he knew the general area. Not that she was home.
He shifted to look toward the financial district and the high-rises that held Reemer Solutions’ offices. Tall buildings filled his view. Which one was Kori’s?
Thoughtfully he studied the buildings. Was she playing a deep game? Or was she as open as she seemed.
He didn’t see how she could have set up their first encounter, yet stranger things had happened. Maybe she’d heard rumors and set out to see what would happen.
He shook his head. There was no way she could have known about Carmen.
Yet—he couldn’t help think how their pictures had been in the paper. How much a splash the news had made of his supposed engagement. Kori Pendergast would bear watching.
But as long as she didn’t cause a problem, he’d continue the charade. His mother’s recovery was of primary importance. If having her believe he was engaged to Kori would speed that recovery, he’d keep the engagement going indefinitely.
And, if last night was any indication, his mother would surprise them all with a miraculous recovery and be back to her normal self in a short while. Time enough then to end his involvement with Kori.
In the meantime, they'd be forced together by the nature of their deception. Donny was looking into her background. Beau wasn’t one to take things on surface value. He liked full facts and figures. Still, there was no sense wasting an opportunity. He hadn’t gotten where he was in business by ignoring opportunities when they unexpectedly appeared, but ruthlessly exploited them when they suited his ends.
Promptly at seven, Kori heard the knock on her door. She opened it, not surprised to find Beau on the other side. What did surprise her, however, was the flutter in her stomach when she saw him.
He seemed taller than she’d remembered. More formidable in the dark charcoal business suit and gray shirt. The subdued tie completed the understated but powerful look.
No smile lit his face. No sign of welcome.
“Ready?” he asked.
Kori nodded, wondering if she were a total idiot to spend the evening with him. If he was going to frown throughout dinner, she’d rather have take-out and eat alone.
“Is this okay?” she asked, motioning to the bright peacock blue dress. She had no idea where he planned to take her. Compared to his somber attire, she felt like a neon sign. But she liked bright colors.
His gaze drifted from her face down the length of her body. Kori felt the flutter kick into high gear.
“A simple yes or no would suffice,” she snapped, afraid he’d see how his look affected her.
The last thing she wanted to portray was her reluctant interest in the man. He was out of her realm, she knew that. Tonight should prove interesting.
“Yes.”
She glared at him, miffed he hadn’t said something more, like the color brought out the blue in her eyes, or he liked the way it brightened things up.
Not that this was a real date, she needed to remember that.
On the other hand, he had been the one to say they needed practice. Maybe he should start with compliments.
“You didn’t say where we were going. Am I overdressed?” she asked as she stepped aside to allow him to enter. That would give him an opening.
“Depends on what your plans are.”
He reached out to cup her chin, tilting her face slightly and brushing a light kiss on her lips.
“If you’re going to bed, you’re definitely overdressed.”
“Dinner?” she said, annoyed to find her heart racing and her breathing labored from a slight kiss—and the image his words evoked.
She had no business thinking of dark bedrooms, satin sheets. She’d never slept on satin sheets in her life! Darn, he was right, they needed practice to become comfortable together.
“But kissing isn’t the way to start.”
“Start dinner?”
She frowned, realizing she’d said that last thought aloud.
“No, start being comfortable,” she stepped back, putting several feet between them. “I thought you said we needed practice to become comfortable around each other.”
He nodded, watching her from narrowed eyes.
“Touching, kissing, affectionate gestures in public. Practice.”
“Right, but we’re not in public now.”
He shrugged, glancing around the open loft apartment. The ceiling rose twenty feet from the living area. The loft bedroom was built over the kitchen area where the ceiling was only ten feet high. The spaciousness was unexpected.
As were the colorful paintings on the wall, the eclectic mix of comfortable furniture. The floors were wooden, with rugs scattered here and there. It suited her, he thought, eying the circular stairs to the loft. What was her bedroom like?
The comment he’d made earlier had been designed to throw her. She fired up when teased. He was starting to look for the signs.
The dress she’d donned was perfect for an elegant dinner à deux. He noticed the way it fit snugly at the breasts, clung the length of her slender body. She wasn’t as endowed as Carmen, but there was something femininely sexy about Kori that was missing from Carmen’s flamboyant style. And at the moment, Beau found he preferred quiet elegance to flash.
Kori picked up a warm coat, the summer fog cooled the temperatures quickly after dark. Beau reached for it, his good manners showing.
He piqued her curiosity.
Despite being coerced into their engagement-of-convenience—and mostly Beau’s convenience—she was fascinated by the man. Once they got to know each other a bit better, maybe some of that fascination would fade. But until then, she’d enjoy the mystery.
The biggest mystery being why he needed her to pretend to be a fiancée when he could probably have any woman in San Francisco jump at the chance.