He stopped and stared hard at her. His heart beat so loud in his ears. Her skin would be soft and touchable. To pretend what she said didn't dig under the skin, he leaned closer and lickedhislips.
"Perhaps it's what makes you fascinating. You are not like theothers."
"You used that word again." She shookherhead.
"I guess I have." He swallowed. Shepressed her lips together, and he lowered his gaze to her lips. "We can make this about business?" If he kept this light, then she'drelax.
"How?"
He kept his hands at his sides and pretended he was his usual confident self. "Perhaps I'll have you speak to my security and recommend any upgrades theymightneed."
Her gaze shot up. "I broker deals for the military, not civilians,and your company came across my desk as a cooperative effort for a militarycontract."
"You know what the best is then." Her lips would taste sweet, perhaps like red delicious apples. "Can you relax andaccept?"
She massaged her neck. "I'm allmixedup."
This was it. She'd stay if she opened up a little. The flutters in hischestgrew.
"What would help you straighteneverything out without kicking me tothecurb?"
With a half smile, she gazed into his eyes. "I'd have to be comfortable near you, and I don't see thathappening."
"Denial can be a problem." Every muscle in his body tightened, and he exhaled through his mouth. "Comfortable comes from time and experience, which comes after you ask forthatkiss."
"You don't give up." She avertedher gaze and wrung her hands. "And it would probably make this even worseforme."
That might have pushed her too far, but he kept his chin up. "I won't mention itagain."
"You mention it all the time." She crossed her arms. "And who knows, maybe you'reright."
His mouth moistened, and his fingers ached to touch her. He brushed his handsagainsthers.
"What?"
She swallowed and then closed her eyes. "Peter Morgan, pleasekissme."
A camera crew calling out, ‘this was a set up' wouldn't have stopped him, not that anything happened. People in business suits in the lobby walked past them. He wrapped his hands in hers and led her to the empty first flooroffice.
"Belle, comethisway."
She stumbled at first, but he had a grip on her.She didn't fall. He flipped on the lights and lockedthedoor.
She spun on her heels in the empty office. "Wherearewe?"
He wrapped his arms around her waist, and she stopped moving as heat coursed through her. "Alone."
He was lightheaded from the apple scent as he leaned down. Her lips parted and warmness filled him. She tasted exactly as she should. He loved apples. Bellefit perfect in his arms, and he tightened his hold on her, deepening the kiss. The rest of the world faded toblack.
