Sierra lifted her full glass. He did the same. They clinked them together.
“To safety,” she said, pressing her lips to the rim.
It was then she caught the hunger in his eyes. Desire glittered darkly primitive, teasing out a delicious shiver as her body softened, ready to play. Somehow, this game had turned on them both, and Sierra wasn’t sure where it would lead.
Or end.
He reached over and ran a finger over the back of her hand. She clutched at her glass, afraid to move as ripples of awareness rushed over her, through her, prickling beneath her skin. The breath got trapped in her lungs. One casual, simple touch and her entire body primed for his taking. The air charged like an exposed live electrical wire. “If you were mine, I don’t think I could have let you go.”
Sierra ignored the jump of her heart and kept her voice steady. “Yes, you could. Because you’re not done building your empire.”
Regret flashed. Slowly, he nodded. “You’re right.”
“And I need to figure out who I am separate from being a wife.”
“I didn’t expect you tonight. I didn’t expect…this.”
Her usual caution and reserve had no place here, in this moment. “Me either. But I’m glad.”
His lopsided grin was sexy as hell. “Good.”
Chapter Four
They talked. Switched cocktails to sparkling water. Ordered a plate of finger food from the kitchen. No one else ever came in. It was as if the bar at the Carlisle was caught in a time warp, keeping them separate from the world.
The bartender stopped in front of them. His smile was polite, and his brown eyes warm. “I’m sorry, but the bar is closing. Is there anything else I can get you?”
They both reached for their wallets but he stopped her with a shake of his head. “No. I’m putting it on my room tab.”
“You’re staying here?” she asked, surprised. She’d assumed he was just stopping by for a cocktail.
“Yeah, I live downtown and have an early meeting next door. Figured I’d just stay and buy time.”
He scribbled something on the check and they stood up.
“I kept you up too late,” she said, grabbing her purse.
“No. You didn’t.” He treated her to another one of his devastating smiles and lightly touched under her elbow, guiding her through the bar. They stood before the doors leading out, stopping behind a large marble pillar. The lobby was shadowed and hushed, even as the rain pelted the windows with a fierce pressure.
They stared at one another. “Do you have a car?” he asked.
“No. I walked, but I’ll call an Uber.”
“I can get a cab for you—let me go to the desk.”
She shook her head. “Uber’s faster.” She tapped the app. “One minute away once I order it.”
He seemed to struggle with his next words. Her finger lay on the button to book her ride. The silence stretched as they waited for the other to do or say something, the connection between them humming with intensity. Hunger clawed at her belly for more of him. She wanted the opportunity to kiss those full lips; smell his skin; feel the bite of his fingers as she clung to his muscled length and surrender to her body. God, it had been so long since she felt like this.
“Will you at least tell me your name?” he finally asked.
Sierra hesitated. Once she gave it, this entire evening would become real. They wouldn’t be seeing each other after tonight. Much better to keep their encounter anonymous, like a beautiful dream she could replay safely. “I’d rather not.”
“Why?”
She smiled. “Because this is too special to name.”
A soft curse broke from his lips. “You’re right.”
