He pressed in close until she was against the jamb. “You are pure temptation. And knowing that you’re here in my bedroom wearing my robe is sexier than I imagined it would be.”
Part of her wanted to argue that there was nothing sexy about her, but the look on his face made her believe him.
They stayed locked like that and Sophie silently willed him to take the decision away from her—to tug on the robe and peel it from her body. But he didn’t. He didn’t kiss her, his touch stayed chaste. Finally, he let out a long breath and leaned his forehead against hers.
“Go get dressed,” he said after a moment. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”
And when he turned and walked out of the room, Sophie wanted to kick herself for not being bolder.
I worry about you,” Nana said meekly. Any minute now she’d start to cough and talk about how poorly she’d been feeling.
“I know you do. And I know you only want what’s best for me. But you have to accept that what’s best for me right now is living and working in California and dating a nice man who wants to take me out on a fancy date,” she said happily. Even thinking about dressing up and going out with Christian tonight had her feeling giddy.
When he had suggested going out to one of the fanciest restaurants in town, she had balked at the idea. But she was finding that Christian could be very persuasive when he wanted to be.
Cough, cough, cough.
Here we go, Sophie thought.
“Did I tell you that I had an appointment with Doc Kelly on Friday?” Nana said, suddenly sounding breathless. “He said—he said that my blood pressure was low and that I was looking a little jaundiced. Recommended that I should start thinking about an assisted living facility.”
“Really? Did he tell you which one you should consider? You know, Jeanie at the front desk would be the one to help you with your applications. She’s great at that.”
“Oh!” Nana cried with annoyance. “You know darn well that I don’t want to go into an assisted living facility! And I certainly wouldn’t ask Jeanie to help me.” She snorted with disgust. “Do you know that woman actually takes Zumba classes?”
“And what’s wrong with Zumba?”
“She’s almost fifty years old, Sophie! It’s ridiculous!”
Laughing out loud, Sophie sat forward and took a minute to catch her breath. “I have to go and get ready. Christian’s picking me up in an hour and I need to finish up.”
A small huff was Nana’s only response.
“I’ll call you on Sunday like always. And don’t eat too much peanut brittle at mahjong tonight.”
Another small huff.
“Nana?”
“Hmm?”
“I love you,” Sophie said with a small smile, even though her grandmother couldn’t see it. “And I miss you.”
“I love you too,” she said quietly. “And I hope you have a good time tonight.”
Her smile brightened. “Thank you!”
“Hope you don’t get food poisoning. You know how these restaurants are who don’t cook their fish all the way—”
“Okay, that’s it. I’m hanging up,” Sophie said, partly amused, partly annoyed. “I’ll talk to you on Sunday.” As she hung up the phone, she felt mildly exhausted. Leaning against the sofa cushions, she considered what to do first.
Her nails looked great, she’d showered earlier and had put on enough lotion so that—theoretically—she should slide off any surface she sat on, and her dress was hanging on the bathroom door just waiting to be slipped on. Fixing her hair and makeup was the first order of business, but first she stared at the new dress she’d purchased especially for tonight—a strapless jade-green silk sheath. It was plain, yet elegant. She felt a little like a cliché wearing a green dress with her red hair, but once she’d stepped into the boutique and spotted it, the salesgirl had all but gushed about how it was perfect for her.
And it was.
Never in her life had she owned something that made her feel so sexy.
So did the fact that she couldn’t wear a bra with it.
A slow smile played at her lips as she wondered if Christian would find that out for himself tonight. She hoped so. Like, seriously hoped so. While she loved that they were taking things slow, part of her wished he wasn’t such a gentleman. Ever since her little foray at throwing herself at him three weeks ago, she hadn’t been quite as bold.
“Maybe I’ll have to be tonight,” she murmured happily as the thought stuck.
Yes. Tonight would totally be the night her boldness returned. Jumping to her feet, she walked right over to the dress and touched the soft fabric. The salesgirl had also encouraged her to buy some new lingerie—and that included the lacy thong in the same color as the dress.
Feeling a little empowered now that she had a mission, Sophie immediately began getting ready. She envisioned the look on Christian’s face when he saw her and if it was even half as hot as the way it looked in her mind, she just might ask him to skip their reservation and stay in.
When he’d suggested going out to dinner—someplace special, he’d said—she got the impression he thought she wasn’t enjoying their meals at his house. Was he kidding? The view of the beach was amazing! And it was so convenient, since most of the activities they’d been doing were beach-related: the jogging, surfing, and lately, just walking and talking as they made their way up and down the beach.
How she had managed to live her entire life without being near the ocean was a mystery to her, because she couldn’t imagine ever living anyplace else.
And there was no way she was ever going to admit that to her grandmother.
Her phone beeped with an incoming text. As she walked across the room to grab it, she knew it was going to be Christian.
Can’t wait to see you. Any chance I can pick you up earlier?
She laughed. And then something hit her—maybe tonight wasn’t about her being bold. Maybe tonight was about her coming to his rescue.
Christian had been hurt on many levels—and not just by his father, but by his ex. The one time they’d talked about his situation, it was obvious that even though the whole thing had happened years ago, it still affected him today. He’d been living his life based on that one event—cutting himself off from friends, family, and relationships. Wasn’t it time for that to stop?
Feeling like a woman on a mission, Sophie agreed to a new time and went to get herself ready with nothing but seduction in mind.
By the end of the night, she was going to do everything possible to put all of Christian’s ghosts to rest.
Her sexy dress and matching thong were her own Wonder Woman costume.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she gave herself a satisfied smile. “Let’s do this.”
* * *
It took a lot to surprise Christian these days.
And tonight, he was most definitely surprised.
Sophie had transformed from tempting girl-next-door to a goddess. The green silk she was wearing left little to the imagination even though it flowed past her knees. It delicately hugged her curves, and ever since she’d opened the door to him, he’d been tempted to do the same.
And if he didn’t know any better, he’d swear the little minx was trying to make him crazy.
Her lips were painted a deep crimson, her eyes looked almost exotic with the way she’d applied her makeup, and her hair was…well, let’s just say all he’d been imagining all night was fisting his hand into it and holding her to him while he kissed her until she was breathless.
Shifting in his seat to ease the tightness in his trousers, Christian forced himself to think of something other than getting Sophie alone and out of her dress.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he said and then wanted to smack himself, because that was not helping him get the image of her out of his mind.
<
br /> Blushing, she reached over and gently caressed the back of his hand. “Thank you.”
Yeah, she was definitely trying to make him crazy, because her newly painted nails were lightly scratching his skin and that brought images of them doing that down his back.
Another slight shift to alleviate some pressure…
Time for another tactic.
“How did your day go with the agency?” he asked.
Her smile was one of pure delight—her entire face lit up as she told him about how she had taken on a rotation with other companies like his. There was so much excitement in her voice and it was easy to see how much she loved what she did and how much starting this new career meant to her.
It left him thinking about his conversation with his brother the previous weekend. Christian knew he didn’t have the kind of passion for his job anymore that Sophie did, but was there something else out there that he could be passionate about? Was it possible?
Her hand stopped and gently squeezed his. “Hey,” she said softly, “you okay?”
Clearing his mind, he said, “Uh-huh. Why do you ask?”
“You sort of got this far away look in your eyes while I was talking.” She laughed softly. “Or maybe I was boring you with tales of short commutes to work and my love of colorful scrubs to wear.”
Turning his hand to clasp hers, he smiled. “You weren’t boring me at all. If anything, you amaze me with your enthusiasm for your job.”
With wide eyes, she squeaked, “Really?”
“You do. I don’t think I ever had that. I was passionate about my job—but in a way that was more about drive than joy. When I listen to you speak about your work, it’s clear that it makes you happy.” He paused. “And that got me wondering if there was anything out there that I would feel that way about.”
“Are you thinking about changing careers?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s crossed my mind more times than not, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
Sophie studied him for a moment. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“Is this about wanting to change jobs because you want to, or because you want to escape dealing with your father?”
Ouch.
Okay, this so was not the conversation he wanted to have.
“The way you’re frowning tells me I’ve touched a nerve,” she said carefully, but she wasn’t deterred. “All I’m saying is—don’t let anyone take away your joy. Whether it’s joy you find in a career, a hobby or…a person. I’m struggling with that right now with my grandmother. She’s trying to convince me to give up living here and come home. I’m not giving in, but it’s a constant struggle with her. Any time I share any news with her, she comes back with a negative comment and tells me I should just quit and move home.” She shook her head. “Not happening.”
The thought of Sophie leaving San Diego—and him—hit Christian harder than he was prepared for. Squeezing her hand, he pushed his own anxiety aside and said, “You know it’s just because she misses you, right?”
They fell into a companionable silence and when their dinner was served, they switched to talking about their meal rather than their lives. Christian was happy for the reprieve. He had wanted tonight to be a time for them to enjoy each other’s company; he hadn’t expected things to go to such a depressing topic.
There was no way he was telling Carter about this. No doubt his brother would totally get on him for blowing it.
Again.
Once their plates were cleared away, their waiter asked if they wanted to order dessert. Sophie placed an order with a sweet smile, but before the waiter could walk away she asked, “Would it be possible to get those to go?” Then she shot Christian a sexy look that had him envisioning all kinds of scenarios, like feeding her dessert out on his deck.
In his bathtub.
In his bed.
The waiter looked at him and Christian nodded. “Whatever the lady would like, box it.”
Sophie let out a happy little sound and damn if he didn’t want to hear it again all night long.
Her hand was doing that scratching thing. “You didn’t have anything else planned for after dinner, did you?” she asked softly.
He had thought about going dancing, but they could do that at home too.
He replied, “I was going to see where the night took us.”
Leaning in close, she wet her bottom lip, her eyes looking intently at him. “The night is going to take us back to your house, hopefully, where we’ll eat our dessert. Later.”
Could a man really be this lucky?
He’d done nothing but fumble through this relationship and yet she was still here with him, wanting him, and Christian felt like the luckiest man alive.
“That sounds like a good plan,” he said, closing the distance between them and kissing her softly on the lips. Her name was a mere whisper when he lifted his head.
She let out a soft moan that sounded way too sexy for the middle of a restaurant. “I got a little pampered today, bought this dress—and what’s under it—with you in mind.”
Was it warm in here? Because it suddenly felt very warm. He was damn near sweating. Where the hell was their waiter with their dessert?
Her lips were nearly on his when she added, “I can’t wait for you see what I’m wearing—and what I’m not.”
He all but fell out of his chair in his hurry to flag the waiter down. “Check, please!”
After that, Christian felt like he was all thumbs. Their dessert arrived, he paid the check and felt like he was almost dragging Sophie from their table out to his car. She didn’t seem to mind. Instead, she was laughing and walking just as quickly as he was. The drive back to his house seemed to take an eternity. Why was everyone in San Diego out on the road right now? It seemed like the entire population was taking the same route as them and he had to stop from growling with frustration.
The entire time he drove, Sophie’s hand was draped on his thigh and doing that same scratchy thing she’d done to his hand over dinner.
It was amazing his trembling hands weren’t causing them to go off the road.
When they finally—finally!—pulled into his driveway, he felt more on edge than ever before. It was only a couple of short steps to get into the house, yet he’d be more than happy to take her right there in the car.
I can do this. I can control myself for a few more minutes.
That’s what he kept telling himself, but he was strung so tight right now that if her hand kept doing what it was doing a little north of its current spot, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he would pounce.
And for someone who was always so in control of his emotions, Christian realized how unlike him it was to even think of doing such a thing.
Sophie moved a little closer and made a sexy little humming sound. “Dinner was fantastic,” she said, but her voice sounded different—it was breathless and husky.
Turning, Christian looked at her face and was instantly aware of the fact that she seemed just as on edge as he was. A slow smile played at his lips. “It was,” he agreed, his own voice sounding foreign to him. “But I have a feeling that dessert is going to be even better.”
With another little hum, she delicately licked her lips. “I’m betting on it.”
Why were they prolonging the wait? Leaning in close to her—close enough to feel her breath on his lips—he said, “Hungry?”
This time when she licked her lips, her tongue touched his lips. “Starving.”
“Sophie?” His voice was a near-growl now.
“Hmm?”
“Get out of the car.”
Her smile was triumphant. “I thought you’d never ask.”
What happened next could only be described as two people giddily tripping over one another in their haste t
o get to the front door. When Christian unlocked it, they stumbled inside, quickly closing the door behind them. The bag with their dessert fell to the floor when Sophie wrapped herself around him and nearly brought him to his knees with her kiss.
Images of other places he wanted to feel her mouth instantly came to mind, and Christian knew that if he didn’t at least try to slow things down, their first time would be right here in the entryway.
The thought was a little enticing, but he instantly pushed it aside.
After seeing Sophie in his robe, in his bedroom, he’d done nothing but imagine her sprawled on his bed and dammit, he was going to get them there.
Soon.
Now.
Scooping her up into his arms, Christian quickly strode to his room as she continued to kiss him—his jaw, his neck—anyplace she could reach, her lips tasted. Placing her on the bed, he took a minute to simply marvel at her being there.
“I’ve been thinking about this,” he gruffly admitted. “Ever since you showered here.”
“Can I let you in on a little secret?”
He nodded.
“I wanted you to pull open the ties of the robe that night and look at me,” she said softly, seductively. “I almost did it myself, but…”
He nearly swallowed his tongue at her admission. “But?”
With a shrug and a shy smile, she said, “I thought I had been bold enough for one day. I thought if the time was right, we’d both know it.”
“Damn.”
Her face was the perfect combination of angel and vixen.
And he couldn’t imagine wanting her more.
Placing one knee on the bed, Christian leaned toward her. One hand skimmed up her leg—loving the softness of her calf, the back of her knee, her thigh…
“Can I tell you another secret?” she asked, squirming ever so slightly under his touch.
“You can tell me everything.”
“I thought about this all day. This. You and me. Everything I did to get ready for tonight was for this exact moment.”
Her admission touched him in a way he had never experienced before. They had talked about why she felt it was important to be honest and he believed her. There were times, however, when words were just part of the seduction—the bedroom talk. And he knew this wasn’t one of those times. Sophie was telling him exactly what she meant for no other reason than to be truthful.
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