Chapter Seven

Mistake number two.

Enjoying Steven’s kisses.

One week after they met, Christina hesitated for a split second before not turning her head when Steven leaned in to kiss her goodnight.

He lifted his brows, even slightly backed away before his mouth touched hers. His hesitance didn’t last long.

She spotted a devilish grin just as he descended over her lips a second time. From that intoxicating moment, she anticipated what would eventually come next.

Their dinners became rushed, nothing more than a stepping-stone until they found a secluded place to be alone. He barely shifted the gear into Park before he’d pull her into his arms and smother her with kisses until they were both panting for air. Another week of such encounters and she couldn’t take much more. What was once fun and teasing soon filled her with passion and a throbbing need.

She could tell Steven had grown just as anxious when three weeks after their first coffee at the café, he invited her to his condo for a home-cooked dinner. She declined, concerned over what the evening might hold. His reassurance that his intentions were honorable only heightened her unease. Fearing her own intent just as much, Christina went anyway, dressing in a lace-paneled bustier and matching panties under a royal blue, sleeveless dress clinging to every curve of her body.

Butterflies danced in her stomach as she rode the elevator twenty floors to Steven’s condo. He invited her into a heaven of romance. Not even in the many dreams she had of their first night together had she ever imagined the intimate setting he created tonight. Dim lighting glowed through the room, and soft music drifted gently in the background. Flickering candles decorated every surface. A lace-covered table sat in front of an enormous dining room window, complete with crystal wine glasses and a centerpiece of red roses. Her stomach fluttered like a dance of two butterflies.

Steven served seared salmon in a silky honeyed pomegranate sauce, wilted greens, and rice that were all paradise to her taste buds. But the food wasn’t the only thing steaming at the table. Every time he leaned forward in his chair, piercing her with his warm blue eyes, her pulse soared and her stomach knotted. She bantered with him while they cleaned up in the kitchen, and joined him in the living room for an after-dinner drink.

“Do all the ladies you entertain at home get such special treatment?” Damn! The words were out before she could retract them. She didn’t want him seeing her insecurity, her jealousy of the women in his past.

He paused before handing her a glass of Merlot.

“I’m sorry.” Heat rose over her cheeks. “What I meant to say is your place looks great and dinner was amazing.”

“Thank you.” He laughed. “And no, I’ve never gone to such lengths to impress a woman.”

“I’m honored.” Nervous, she sipped her wine, glancing around the neutral-colored room. The leather sofa and matching chair were centered before a brick fireplace and a massive flat screen television.

Steven swallowed a mouthful of wine, and then placed his glass on the maple coffee table. He shifted to face her, resting his arm along the back cushions. “Christina, I know we’ve only known each other a few weeks, but in that time…” He shook his head. “I think I might be falling for you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be possible? Was this powerful, gorgeous guy falling for her? “I…”

He placed a finger over her lips. “No, please. Let me continue.” He settled against the cushions. “That night, when we first met, I acted like a jerk. You terrified me.”

Liking where this conversation was going, she raised an eyebrow.

He smiled. “You cast a spell over me. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I didn’t even realize I was walking until I stepped in front of you.”

She traced her fingertips through the light hairs on his arm, working up to the thick muscle under the hem of his black T-shirt. She longed to pull the shirt from his grey dress pants, to run her hands over the muscles in his chest. “You should have just told me, instead of accusing me of sleeping my way to the top.”

“I’ve been hurt in the past, witnessing first-hand how ruthless women can be when they want something. I guess my defenses shot into gear. I believed you were after status and money. Even though I prayed you weren’t.”

During her studies in university, Christina had observed many female students flirt with professors in hopes to propel their careers. Their lack of self-respect made her stomach heave. She moved her fingers from his muscular arm to trail to the edge of his strong cheekbone, remembering the slap that had stung his face. “I believe I repaid you nicely for thinking badly of me.”

He captured her hand and pressed her palm to his lips. “You sure did.” He placed her glass on the table and tugged her into the haven of his arms. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something”

Intrigued, she gazed in his eyes, but continued her pleasant exploration of the muscles in his chest.

“One of the lawyers in my department is transferring to another location. His position will be vacant by the end of the month.” He twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. “They’re seeking candidates to replace him.”

“Really?” Christina’s attention was swayed from her fingers’ quest. His statement captured the driven professional in her.

“I could put in a good word for you?”

“No, don’t do that. People might think…”

“What my senseless head thought?”

A sharp snap from the fire echoed in the room. She stared at the golden flames flickering in the fireplace. If or when she applied, she couldn’t have anyone assume she became a lawyer any other way than to have earned the position on her own merit, through her grades and job performance. “I’d rather you didn’t say anything. I don’t think I’m ready. I still have a few months until I finish my degree.”

He slipped his finger under her chin and lifted her face, waiting until she met his gaze. “You have a good chance. Ted said you’re the best assistant he’s ever had. With the two of us on your side…”

Christina shook her head. The conversation was cooling the warm mood. “Can we talk about something else besides work?”

“At least promise me, you’ll apply.”

She considered what this opportunity would do for her career—a definite move in the right direction, too important to pass. “I’ll think about it, as long as you promise not to say anything.”

Steven flicked his thumb and index finger over his lips, as if turning a lock.

“Now where were we?” She cuddled under his shoulder, planting kisses along his chin and neck.

“I’m good with more of that.” He smiled.

His blue-eyed gaze scorched her skin. “You should wear T-shirts more often.” She leaned closer to his lips.

“I thought my business suits attracted you.” He chuckled.

“Oh, you look devilishly handsome in those, too.” She teased.

“That dress you’re wearing is driving me crazy.”

She waved him off with a flick of her wrist. “What, this old thing?” He didn’t need to know she’d spent her lunch hour scouring boutiques for the perfect dress.

With a warm palm, he stroked her cheek and then slid a hand around her neck, tangling his fingers in her hair. Steven pulled her even closer, his lips hovering near hers.

The wine on his breath mingled with the woody scent of his skin, sending a stimulating rush of desire through her body. A tense moment hung in the air before he covered her mouth with his. He kissed her gently at first and tightened his fingers in her hair, deepening their kiss.

Her heartbeat galloped. She gasped a breath and clung to his strong arms.

Steven’s tongue danced with hers.

Christina moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She tugged his shirt from his pants and ran a hand along his bare six-pack.

A growl sounded from the back of his throat.

Heated desire swept over her and her will to resist was long forgotten. All doubts were checked at the door.

A chill brushed her skin as he slowly backed away. He stayed riveted on her gaze, his breathing labored and unsteady. “We need to stop, or I’ll lose any control I promised to keep.”

“Do you want to stop?” she whispered, lifting his shirt higher, smoothing both hands over his sculpted abs. She couldn’t resist the temptation to see more of him, and pulled the black cotton material over his head. Damn! He was beautiful. Tanned and ripped, a row of strong muscles along each side of his ribs, his stomach tight and covered in a soft layer of light hair. She spread her fingers over his chest.

“Christina,” he muttered, his lips hot on her cheek. “I think…”

“Don’t think.” She stood and reached back, tugging the zipper of her dress. It slid down her body and landed in a pool at her feet.

He sharply inhaled and met her intense gaze.

Her body trembled with anticipation. She stepped from the rumpled material.

Steven’s chest heaved up and down. He placed a hand on her shoulder and eased her back to the plush carpeting, lying beside her in front of the fireplace. He kissed her cheeks, her forehead, and her nose, using the tip of his tongue to tease a kiss from her lips.

She trembled under his touch as an intense tidal wave swelled within her, ready to burst. She wound her arms around his neck and pulled his head down. There was no turning back.