there having fun.’ Lauren laughed and pointed at the dance floor.
It was hard to tell who was partnering who as arms were waving, bodies writhing and legs kicking, stomping and twisting. Clair was easily spotted in her bright red dress, grinning and waving as she recognised friends. Duncan, now coatless, followed no rhythm but his enjoyment was clear.
‘Let’s join them.’
She demurred.
‘Look at them, Lauren. No rules. No cares.’ He seized her wrists, lifting her to her feet. ‘Come on.’
She’d shrunk. He looked down at her stockinged feet. Felt the grin spread across his face.
She grinned back. ‘My new shoes started to pinch. Besides, I can hardly dance like that in those heels.’
‘Not without spiking someone, probably me. Hang on while I ditch my coat.’
This was the best and the worst idea he’d had all night. The way Lauren’s body synchronised with the rhythm created havoc in his. Her dress outlined shimmering hips as she swayed. Her lustrous hair brushed her shoulders as she swung her head and her skin glowed under the spotlights. Even watching her delicate energetic feet with their red tips gave him a warm glow.
Completely in the moment she’d let go of whatever cares she had, given herself to the magic of the music, and was in a world of her own. A world he wanted to be part of for as long as possible. He tasted bile in his mouth at the thought of her leaving, swallowed it down. Emotion-inspired happy-ever-afters were a myth.
‘Last dance, ladies and gentlemen. Slow or fast?’
Couples were already coming together, calling out ‘slow’ and drowning the requests for fast. A few left the floor. Lauren’s eyes shone as he stepped closer. She didn’t resist at his pressing her head to his shoulder. She was smaller without her heels, making him feel more macho, more protective. He caressed her back, drawing her tightly against him, and swor0e00 he heard a contented sigh.
* * *
Lauren sighed again as the taxi eased into traffic. This was an enchanted evening. A night to cherish always, for so many reasons. The man responsible for those unforgettable memories shifted across the seat, put his arm around her, and nestled her into his side.
‘Glad you came, Lauren?’
His voice was low, gruff, his breath tickled her ear. She turned, put her hand on his chest, and wished she could snuggle into him and fall asleep. Any dreams she had tonight would surely be pleasurable.
‘Mmm, it was wonderful. I didn’t want it to end.’
‘It hasn’t yet.’
Her fingers curled, her heart chilled and she stopped breathing. He didn’t think, wouldn’t expect... No. That wasn’t the man she...could she possibly learn the true man within less than two weeks, four days of which were spent apart?
‘We have the drive home and I’ll ask the cab to wait while I escort you to your room.’
‘There’s no need.’ Her words came out in a rush of air.
‘My pleasure. Would you like to hear the compliments Duncan paid you?’
‘He and Clair are nice, so easy to talk to though she made a few enigmatic remarks during the evening, and asked twice how long I’d be here. Said she’d like to meet for lunch before I go. Oh.’
She gasped as he suddenly squeezed her as if annoyed at her remark.
‘Don’t think about leaving yet. Don’t think about anything but tonight. Did I mention you were the most beautiful woman in the room?’
She smiled up at him. He was smooth and charming, handsome as hell and his midnight-blue eyes glowed with an intensity she’d never seen. Ever. From anyone.
‘Once or a dozen times. Thank you for everything.’
He tapped the folder under her clutch bag on the seat. ‘And you have the photos.’
‘They’re mine?’
‘All yours.’
So he didn’t want any reminders. She’d behaved as he’d asked, been a helpful social partner, and he was simply grateful. But in the end she was just the skilled technician hired to fix his system. A chill settled over her. The gloss faded. The evening was tainted.
A few moments ago she’d been elated, not wanting the evening to end. With two simple words, he’d burst her blissful bubble. She felt tired, numb... She wished she were alone, yet contrarily didn’t want to leave the warm haven of his arms.
HE PUT DISTANCE between them in the lift as if sensing her withdrawal. She kept her eyes downcast, and hung onto the photos like a lifeline. They and the exotic orchid on her wrist were mementoes she’d treasure for ever.
She should be grateful. She would be, when common sense rid her of the dull ache. Not now. Maybe once they’d shared polite platitudes, and she was alone.
Her key card. She’d better have it out ready and limit any awkward time. The doors opened and he guided her towards her room, turned her to face him, gripping her elbows, his features composed, his eyes dark as ebony.
They held her captive, mesmerised her. Seconds. Minutes. She was drifting, vaguely aware of him freeing her arms.
‘Sleep peacefully, Lauren.’ Rough as if forced over jagged stones.
Then, like déjà vu, his lips were on hers, moving smoothly yet more masterful, more mature. Like ten years ago their only physical contact. And like ten years ago she instinctively responded, wanting his kiss to last for ever.
Breaking away, eyes now narrowed and puzzled, he stepped back, and gave a slow short shake of his head.
‘Goodnight, Lauren.’ He sounded bewildered before walking away.
Had he remembered? Realised who she was? Her hand shook as she blindly tried to swipe her card without taking her eyes off his rigid departing back. She froze as he turned, strode back and yanked her into his arms, taking her mouth with a fierce male grunt. Causing her to drop everything and cling to him.
This wasn’t the exploratory tenderness of the teenage boy, or the polite goodnight of a moment ago. This was raw, masculine need, a hunger that swept her up and demolished any inhibitions. He caressed her back in wide strokes, urging her closer, searing her skin wherever they touched.
A yearning to arch into his warmth overwhelmed her. She couldn’t breathe, didn’t care. Her legs shook, her body quivered, fire flared in her core. And her lips parted willingly as he deepened the kiss.
She tasted wine and rich coffee, a hint of chocolate and—
His head flung back, his chest heaved. His stunned eyes raked her face, and his lips parted without sound. He backed away, arms wide. He hit the wall opposite
