her side-to-side sashay with much appreciation. A slight smile pulled at her mouth as she fought to contain the rising anxiety, wanting to pretend not to notice. Behind her, Luke was still staring, unable to take his eyes off her.
Hours later when Joanne walked back through the doors of the center, Luke and Daniel Manchuck, the center’s director, were knee deep in conversation. Joanne peeked into the office where the two men sat, curious about the hearty laughter that echoed down the corridor toward the reception area. The two men sat on opposite sides of an old metal desk, legs and arms crossed comfortably in front of them. Conversation flowed between them like they’d been friends since forever. A leather portfolio sat in Luke’s lap, his large hand wrapped easily around an ink pen as he jotted notes into the margins of a note pad. He was firing questions at the other man as fast as they could be answered, clearly interested in what they were discussing.
The man was drop-dead gorgeous, Joanne thought, admiring the casual styling of his attire. Even with him sitting, it was evident that Luke Stallion was one well-built specimen of maleness. Having been given a sneak peek at what lay beneath his wardrobe only served to fuel some wicked thoughts in the woman’s mind. She closed her eyes briefly, imagining what it might be like to draw her palms across his broad chest and caress the dark chocolate lines of his sculpted back. Joanne gasped softly, her eyes opening quickly to see if anyone had seen her. The two men were still lost in conversation as she resumed staring. Joanne stood eyeing him for some time before either realized she was there.
As he spun around in his chair, Dan’s gaze swept across the doorway. He suddenly took note of her quietly standing in the entrance. Waving his hand in her direction, he gave her a bright smile. “Hey, Joanne! We didn’t see you standing there.”
Luke looked up just as Joanne lifted her hand in greeting, calling out both their names. “Gentlemen, good afternoon. I didn’t want to interrupt. You two looked busy.” A brilliant smile flooded her face. “It’s good to see you again, Luke,” she said directing that smile in his direction.
As if startled, Luke jumped to his feet, spilling half his papers onto the floor as he knocked over the chair behind him. A wave of heat flushed his dark face as he struggled to regain his composure. “Hi,” Luke finally managed to mutter. He knelt down to scoop up the documents that had dropped out of his hands, managing only to drop the balance of them instead.
Joanne laughed out loud at the sight of him looking so bewildered and nervous. “It’s just a hello,” she said giggling softly as she moved to help him pick up his papers.
Only slightly embarrassed, Luke laughed with her. “Not too smooth, huh?” he said, chuckling deeply.
Joanne’s eyes shimmered with amusement. “No. Not smooth at all.” She handed him his documents, her hand brushing gently against his as she did.
There was no mistaking the sudden current of electricity that passed between them, both pulling back as if they’d been burned. Surprised, Joanne stood quickly, taking a step away from him. Her own cheeks were suddenly bright with color.
Heat warmed Luke’s cheeks as well as he gestured with the papers in his hand. “Thank you,” he said, moving to pick up the chair he’d been occupying. A wide grin spread from ear to ear. “Dan, do you think you can help a brother out here?” he said with a deep chuckle.
“There is no saving you from that smooth move, guy,” Dan said, humor washing over his expression. He looked from one to the other. “Since you two are already acquainted, I’ll dispense with the introductions and get right to business. Joanne, why don’t you come take a seat. We were just discussing some of the new programs you were hoping to initiate here. Luke has some great ideas, as well.”
“Really?” Joanne said, her expression curious as she moved to sit down.
Luke nodded. “I was just telling Dan about Briscoe Ranch. We’ve initiated some great community programs for students to come out and work with the horses. I think a joint program between our two organizations might be beneficial to the kids here.”
Joanne nodded her head as she moved to take the seat beside him. She didn’t miss the stare Luke gave her, his gaze sweeping from her head down to her toes and back again. She was glad for her wardrobe choice that morning, having selected one of her own designs. The dress was a form-fitting wrap in a summer floral that accentuated her full bust line and fuller rear end. The dress draped her nicely, highlighting everything that was feminine about her. She felt herself smiling foolishly as she took in the appreciation that washed over her from Luke’s deep gaze.
Luke couldn’t stop himself from staring. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Everything about her was screaming out for his attention, and she had it, full and undivided. Luke was totally enthralled, feeling as if someone or something had blindsided him with some sort of magic charm. The feelings were unsettling, like nothing he’d ever experienced before and definitely nothing his big brothers had warned him about. The sound of his name suddenly pulled him back into the moment. “Luke?”
“I’m sorry. I lost my train of thought,” Luke said, shaking his head slightly. “Where were we?”
Joanne raised a curious eyebrow. “I asked what Stallion Enterprises would be gaining from any venture between us.”
Luke nodded. “The knowledge that we are serving people in need.”
Dan interrupted. “Before I forget,” he said extending his hand and a small slip of paper toward Joanne. “Luke has made a very nice donation to the center. I’d appreciate it if you’d pass this on to accounting for me. I have a meeting downtown in ten minutes about those permits, and I know I’ll forget it,” he said, glancing down at the watch on his wrist.
Joanne reached for the personal check being passed to her. As she did she cut her eye in Luke’s direction. He was watching her intently. Daniel moved from behind his desk toward the door.
“Luke, I hate to rush off, but I leave you in very capable hands. It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to us talking more.”
Luke shook the hand that had been extended toward him. “The pleasure was all mine, Dan. How about we do lunch next week?”
Dan pointed a finger in Luke’s direction. “I’ll buy.” He turned toward Joanne, leaning as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a friendly embrace. “Thanks, Joanne. I’ll call you later and let you know how we made out.”
“Good luck,” Joanne exclaimed as Dan rushed out the door.
As quickly as he was out of sight, silence spread like wildfire in the space between Luke and Joanne. She looked down to the check in her hand, her eyes widening in surprise as she surveyed the amount. “This is quite generous of you,” she said, lifting her gaze to meet his.
Luke smiled. “It’s the least I can do. The center clearly needs all the help it can get.”
Joanne rose from her seat, moving to the other side of the desk to sit in the space Dan had just occupied. Her expression was suddenly serious as she fell into deep thought. Luke sensed that Joanne wasn’t wildly happy about his donation.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, noting the furrows that creased her forehead.
Joanne shrugged, her shoulders lifting toward the wide hoop earrings that adorned her ears. “The center can use as much money as it can get, so I don’t want to sound unappreciative, but have you ever considered giving more?”
“More
