He stepped back, turned, and went about the business of finding something to eat, trying to give the impression nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Damn hard to do when his heart raced.
* * * *
Katie stood very still. The blood pounded through her body. Good Lord, didn’t he feel any of the fireworks that rocketed through her body? How could he so calmly go back to looking in the fridge? Her knees wobbled on her way to the couch, and she gratefully sank down onto the cushions. It was a relief to have something to rest on. Putting a hand to her heart, she could feel it hammering against her ribs. She cast a look over her shoulder. Lost in his own little world, Adam busily made some kind of sandwiches. Studying him for a few minutes, she noticed the stretch of fabric across his firm back, then she dropped her eyes to his tight jeans and how they fit over his firm butt.
Flutters began in her tummy. She averted her gaze and tried to focus on something else. Gulping air into her lungs, she frantically struggled to find her composure. Katie couldn’t reveal to Adam what his kiss had done to her.
* * * *
By the time Adam took Katie her lunch, his heart had slowed to a regular rhythm. Note to self. When kissing Katie, use caution. The next few days he had to be on his guard or his good intentions would fly out the window. In order to know Katie returned his feelings, he wanted her to come to him. If he seduced her, how would he be sure?
Jamie’s voice filtered from the intercom, announcing they would be approaching Geneva airport in approximately an hour. The six hours they’d been in the air had flown, so to speak. Stretching, he tore his mind away from Katie and turned to the work he needed to complete. He planned to start his campaign for Katie as soon as his feet touched ground. And the crusade would need all of his focus. His future happiness depended on it.
* * * *
Adam held Katie’s arm to help her into the limo. Talk about curbside service. It was waiting at the bottom of the stairs of the plane. There were no ramps leading inside the airport. When Katie was comfortable, he went back to help the driver stow the bags in the trunk. The action must have surprised the man, if the raised eyebrows were an indication. Clearly the guy wasn’t used to his customers helping with the load. Adam had two good hands, and as long as he was capable, there was no reason to have others wait on him.
Once the car was on the road leading to Megève, Adam held up a bottle with exaggerated care to show the expensive label. “Ms. Sinclair, would you like some bubbly?”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Russo. Why don’t you call me Katie? All my friends do.” Katie fluttered her lashes at him. He swallowed down the urge to throw the bottle out the window and have his way with her instead.
Using all his control, Adam poured the bubbly amber liquid, never spilling a drop or taking his eyes off Katie. When both glasses were filled, he set the bottle down and raised his glass to give a toast. When Katie raised hers, he clicked the rim of his glass on hers and gave her a wicked little smile.
“Here’s to a lovely weekend. I hope it is filled with surprises for both of us.” Adam took a sip, watching Katie do the same. “Katie, what should I call you? I intend to be much more than a friend.”
Katie coughed a little on her champagne. She hurried to put it in the holder—anything to try to give herself a little time. What was he up too? It wasn’t like they needed to pretend anymore. The driver certainly wasn’t the murderer and the limo wouldn’t have listening devices, or bugs, as the detectives had called them. Adam cleared his throat, bringing her attention back to him, making her realize he was waiting for an answer.
“I don’t know. I guess ‘Katie.’ That’s pretty much what everyone calls me.”
“Then I think I’ll just keep calling you my little Katie Did.” The deep timber of his voice made it sound like the sexiest name in the world.
“Okay.” Katie swallowed. Time to change the subject or her heart would never return to its normal rhythm. “Tell me a little about this ski village you are taking me to.”
“Nope, it’s a surprise, but you’ll love it. It takes about an hour, so sit back and relax. I’ve finished all of my work, so I’m on vacation.” Adam took her hand, gave it a little squeeze and didn’t let go.
* * * *
“So, big sis, he’s taking his latest to France. I don’t know where yet, the paper only announced the trip to France. I’ll have to wait to decide how I’ll kill her. But don’t you worry. Adam’s still yours. No one will ever take him from you.” The girl in the picture seemed to look down and smile. Anyway, that’s what it looked like to her younger sibling.
* * * *
“Oh, Adam, it looks like a little fairy village,” Katie exclaimed, trying to look everywhere at once as he helped her from the car. The shadows of dusk were creeping over the mountains and the streetlights were glowing on the snow.
“Yes it does. It’s freezing out here—let’s check in. Come on.” Adam held her elbow as he led the way through the doors to the check-in desk. Katie stood by Adam, looking around the lobby while he tried to check in.
“Je m’appelle Adam Russo.” Katie heard him tell the clerk his name, then frowned at his next sentence. “Nous avons une rhume des foins.”
What? We have hay fever? Katie gently nudged Adam and took over the conversation. Winking at the clerk at Adam’s faux pas, she explained they had a reservation under Adam’s name. A few minutes later, they followed the busboy to their room.
It was a beautiful suite. Katie walked through, running her hand over the plush couch in the living room. The bedrooms were on each side. Candlelight glimmered around the room, with a fire roaring in the fireplace. She sighed. How romantic. Adam must have arranged this to be waiting for them. Katie turned to Adam with a smile, but he was still helping with the bags.
It looked like a twinkling fairyland, and the scene was set for seduction. She cast another look at Adam and butterflies awakened in her stomach and started to flutter. What did he have in mind?
Adam turned and caught her staring. She watched in fascination as a slow sensual smile crossed his lips. He walked to her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Well, what do you think?”
“It’s wonderful.” With her palm up, she gestured around the room. “How on earth did you arrange all of this with your deplorable French?”
“My mom came to the rescue.”
“Where did you learn the language anyway?” Katie walked over and sat on the plush couch facing the fire. Adam followed and sat next to her.
“High school. I’m usually adept at anything I set my mind to. But for some reason I just couldn’t get the hang of French.”
“Did you try in college or anything?”
“No, I didn’t want to beat a dead horse.”
“I’ll give you a few lessons while we’re here.”
“That sounds interesting. I hope you have a lot of patience.” Adam laughed as he stood to go poke some life into the fire. “Dinner will be here in about thirty minutes. Do you want to freshen up or anything? Both bedrooms have their own baths.”
“I think I will. I’ll see you in a little bit.” Katie opened the door and gaped. “Beautiful” was an understatement. It was white plush everywhere. There were a few powder blue pillows thrown on the bed, but the rest was pure as snow. It blended perfectly with the scene outside the window of the ski slope. She wandered to the bathroom and looked. A huge jetted spa, big enough for two, took up a corner. Her thoughts went off on a tangent about how sensual to share the tub with Adam, a bottle of champagne, and nothing else.
She’d better get her mind off that or she’d jump Adam’s bones before dinner. She went back to the bedroom and unpacked her bags, and then decided to take a quick shower.
* * * *
“That was delicious.” Katie leaned back in her chair and sighed. Dinner had been scrumptious.
“Yes, why don’t we wait to have our dessert? Come on over by the fire.” Adam stood and held his hand out to Katie.
Ten
tatively, Katie placed her hand in his and he pulled her to her feet. Letting go of her hand, he walked to the stereo and flipped a switch.
The provocative voice of Carly Simon filled the air. He walked back to her where she still stood. He pulled her into his arms and twirled her slowly around until they were swaying in front of the fire. Delightful shivers ran down her spine as Adam slid his hand from her waist to her bottom and pulled.
She sucked in her breath—he was rock solid. Her eyes lifted to his, but he just smiled. He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm, then placed her hand on his shoulder so he could have both his hands behind her. He leaned his head to the side and nibbled on her neck. She didn’t know if she could stand much more. Her legs were wobbling, and her whole body was tingling with awareness. Where was he going with this?
* * * *
Adam breathed in the scent of Katie as he nibbled at her neck. She smelled of cinnamon and spice. He felt her shiver when he trailed kisses to her ear. He swirled her around and dipped her low. Her lips beckoned and still holding her over his arm, he brought his lips to hers. Straightening, he let the kiss deepen. His tongue sought hers and tentatively danced, then his hands found her arms and he ran his palms lightly up to her shoulders.
He pushed her away a fraction, pleased to see a dazed look on her face. What he wouldn’t give to pick her up, carry her to the fire, lay her on the white rug and make passionate love to her.
But he didn’t want any regrets in the morning. No, when he made love to her, it would be because she came to him and not because he seduced her.
“I think it’s time for dessert.” Adam indicated the tray set on the table next to the couch.
“What?” He had to strain to hear Katie’s whisper.
Adam didn’t answer. He dropped to the rug, where moments before he had other thoughts on how to use it, and pulled her down beside him. Then he reached and plucked a strawberry off the tray and dipped the fruit in the chocolate in the warming pot.
Placing it next to her lips, he watched her lips open to taste. Her eyes closed as if savoring the sweet taste. Desire ran through his body like molten lava.
“Here, you have a bit of chocolate on the side of your mouth. Let me get that for you.” Adam leaned over, letting his tongue experience the sweetness.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Adam played havoc with her senses. Her hand shook as she picked a ripe strawberry, dipped it in the rich confection, and placed it at his lips. He captured not only the fruit but the end of her fingers and sucked, causing shivers to run up her arm and through her body all the way to her toes. In about two minutes, she was going to drag him to her bed.
Adam caught her hand, bringing it to his mouth. The tip of his tongue grazed the inside of her wrist, setting a trail of blazing fire as he nibbled up her arm to her neck. His arms came around her and pulled her onto his lap.
Before she could stop for a thought, his lips captured hers again. He kissed her until they were both breathless. When he couldn’t seem to pull her close enough, he shifted, moving them to the floor. Twisting his body he gently pressed her onto the rug. He gazed into her eyes, steadily leaning in until his lips grazed her cheek. She gulped in air and closed her eyes in order to savor every sensation.
Soft lips kissed each eyelid, and then traced a path down to the top of her blouse. He slid a hand inside and pushed the fabric aside to reveal a lace-covered breast.
He pulled away to admire how her blonde hair spread across the white of the rug. Her heart beat a tattoo at the base of her throat. Her flushed skin and her rapid breathing was evidence she desired him. If he took advantage, it would still be seduction.
Any further and he’d be at the point of no return. Forcing himself to stop at that point was the hardest thing he’d ever done. He couldn’t resist one more foray toward temptation. Leaning over, with the tip of his tongue he traced the edge of her bra.
Adam couldn’t continue—it was now or never. Swallowing, he gulped in air and tried for composure. If he didn’t put some distance between them, he’d throw his good intentions out the window.
His knees almost buckled as he stood. Pausing to reclaim his equilibrium, he heard Katie’s disappointed mewl. He grasped her arm and gently pulled Katie to her feet.
He steadied her with his arm around her shoulder. Her body quivered and he knew she needed the support as much as he did. He led her to her room, stepping inside with her when she was out of the way of the door. He stepped back and gently shut it with her safely on the other side. He placed a hand on the doorframe and stood until he felt capable of movement. Then he went to the bar and poured himself a generous portion of scotch. The next thing on his agenda would be an ice cold shower.
* * * *
Electricity started in the pit of her stomach and throbbed through her body, centering at the moisture between her legs. Coherent thought had flown. She was withering under his soft nibbles and touches.
Cold air flowing over her hot body was like a dash of ice water. Before she had time to understand he’d even stopped their love making, Katie stood staring at the closed door. What was happening? Didn’t the man feel what she did? Her whole body pulsed with desire and he had left her standing and wanting. Was this some kind of new torture?
* * * *
Katie watched the flashing scenery go by. The closer they got to Paris, the more the snow diminished. She looked over at Adam, his eyes closed, head leaning against the seat. She thought about the previous day, when they had explored the little village. They had laughed and talked about everything. Adam seemed to be always touching her in some way—holding her hand, having his arm around her shoulders, kissing her cheek. He’d been the perfect gentleman the night before, not letting things escalate to the passions of the first night when they had arrived. He’d kissed her goodnight on the forehead as if he didn’t trust himself to kiss her on the lips.
“What are you thinking?” Katie jumped at Adam’s question.
“I thought you were asleep.”
“No, just resting my eyes. You had such a serious look on your face.” Adam sat up straighter, stretched, and looked at his watch. “Looks like we’ll be in Paris in about an hour. What would you like to do after we get settled in the suite?”
“I wish we were renting a car,” Katie said.
“Why?”
“Because I’ve always wanted to drive around the Arc de Triomphe. When we came here I was too young to drive, and I decided when my dad drove around it, that someday I would.”
“Well, then I think we will rent a car for a day while we’re here, then we can take a drive to the countryside. We can do that tomorrow. What do you want to do this afternoon?”
“Really, you’d do that for me?”
“Yes really, but if we get stuck driving around it for hours and can’t get out, just a warning that I’ll probably get sick.”
“I promise that won’t happen. After we settle into our room, let’s go for a walk. You know, just play our day by ear, okay?”
“Your wish is my command, fair damsel.” Adam settled back, reached for her hand, and lapsed into silence as they both enjoyed the ride.
It wasn’t long before the train pulled into the station. The porter grabbed their bags and helped them to the waiting car. Adam had thought of everything. Without help from Katie. Tonight she’d take things into her hands and Adam would be hers before the night was over.
Once in the suite, Katie went to change clothes. It was a little nippy outside. She wasn’t dressed warm enough if they were going to walk. Hastily unpacking and hanging up everything so they wouldn’t wrinkle, she chose her outfit with care. It was her “ambush Adam” campaign and she fully intended on winning the grand prize.
* * * *
Adam looked up from the paper he had been reading when she walked in. He smiled. He couldn’t help it, she was just so damn cute. Dressed in a crème-colored turtleneck and tight jeans, she had on a crème knee-length quilted down co
at, with wooly gloves to match. She had her jeans tucked into fur-lined laced-up wedge boots, the same color as her coat. She looked like an ad for a high-priced department store.
“Looks like you’re ready for the elements. Let me grab my jacket and we’ll be off.” Adam opened the door and let Katie precede him. “Where are we going first?”
“There are so many things to choose from. I haven’t been to Paris in years. I want to see everything.”
“So many things, so little time,” Adam teased.
Katie sighed and looked around. They were standing on the sidewalk in front of their hotel. They could see the steeples of Notre Dame, and that’s where she decided she wanted to go. Taking Adam’s hand, she pulled him in the direction of the island across the Seine River.
“Hushed” was the only way to describe the famous church as they explored. Then Katie took his hand and led him to the left bank. They had been discovering the shops, walking through the twisting lanes and narrow buildings, looking in secondhand bookstores and just enjoying each other.
“Katie, please have mercy. I need sustenance to keep up with you,” Adam pleaded.
“You are such a wuss.”
“Please, let’s go find something to hold me over until dinner,” Adam pleaded.
“Okay, look there. We can sit outside and people watch.”
Once seated, Katie ordered them two coffees and apple-filled beignets. Before they could finish, light, fluffy flakes began to fall.
“We better find our way back before we get stuck out in a snow storm.” Adam stood to pull Katie into his arms and winked at her. “Do you want to eat in tonight, or dress up and go see Paris at night?”
Katie cuddled and winked back. “I’d rather stay in and snuggle by the fire.”
Martinez, Mary - Classic Murder: Mr. Romance (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 25
