"Anna, I don't understand,” Becky interjected. “What's going on?"
Anna's chest puffed out as she opened her mouth, but James's words cut her off, his eyes still on hers.
"You're right." He nodded slowly. "I figured out it was you when I saw the logo on your business card. But I swear I didn't know before that moment. I fell in love with your furniture before I ran into you, or even knew you existed."
Anna flinched at the oblique reference to her dreams. There was absolutely no way this man could know about that, or the way he had invaded her mind every single night for the past six months. The only person she'd told was her aunt, who had known before Anna had even said a word.
"I'm sorry, Anna." His eyes were sincere as he held his hands up. "You're right. I should have said something the moment I recognized your logo. Please forgive me."
His entreaty was genuine, Anna could sense it. Her shoulders sagged as the anger drained away, leaving her slightly lightheaded. Breathing out slowly through pursed lips, she counted to five, feeling the weight of both pairs of eyes on her.
She was certain she looked insane, but she needed the calm that the breathing exercise afforded her—especially with theman who haunted her relentlessly standing so close, and looking so utterly masculine and delicious.
"Okay," she said finally, staring at the floor as she flapped a hand toward her furniture. "Choose anything you'd like."
Silence was her answer and after several awkward moments, she glanced up and flinched when she found his laser gaze pinned on her. A sweet smile stretched his face and there was a definite triumphant twinkle in his eyes— his gorgeous emerald eyes. "I'll take all of them."
Anna gaped at him. She'd known that Becky's gallery client would most likely buy several pieces. But everything she had in here? There had to be at least thirty different items scattered throughout the warehouse, all unique and eclectic in their own way, and all very expensive.
Becky stepped forward, a calm expression on her face. "Just to clarify, James, you want everything that Anna has available in this warehouse?"
He nodded slowly, his eyes still holding hers. "Yes, and I want to place an order for the remainder of furniture needed for The Majestic. The fourth floor is only half-full. Plus, there are other, more distinct one-off pieces, that I want for the lobby."
Becky turned to Anna, her expression hopeful.
This order would be in the hundreds of thousands and Becky's commission would be substantial. "Is this acceptable to you?"
Anna's mouth flattened. Another large furniture order would have her working nonstop again. But the payday would be worth it.
"Yes," she answered after a pause. "But I'll need more time to complete the order, and you'll need to outline exactly what you want, and?—"
"I'll agree to whatever you want," James cut in, ambling close enough that she could detect his unique, spicy scent. "Have dinner with me and we'll work out the details."
The breath whooshed out of her chest. Time alone with this man was such a bad idea, especially with him looking so sexually potent and gorgeous.
Her eyes followed the way his white button-down shirt parted at his chest, revealing a smattering of dark hair. She bit her lip, shocked by the sudden urge to drag the flat of her tongue across that spot. His magnetic pull was difficult to resist. If she took two steps forward, she could press into him just a little and set her mouth on his, see if he tasted as good as he did in her dreams.
It's time to live a little and stop running. Say yes.
Anna dropped her gaze, wondering if it could be that easy—to let go and enjoy herself for a change. She'd never done it before and didn't even know where to begin. Control had always been a necessity for her mental survival.
She lifted her eyes and found him a few steps closer, leaning toward her, a fierce look of lust on his face. He arched an arrogant brow, as if daring her to say yes.
Drawing in a slow breath through her nose, she finally nodded. "Sure. Let me know when and I'll put it on my calendar."
Satisfaction flashed over his face as he straightened, a corner of his mouth twisting up. "Tonight, 7PM."
Anna gulped. She hadn't planned on him moving so fast, but it was probably better to get this over with so she could move on. "Okay. Where?"
"Osteria Francesca. I'll pick you up."
"No." Anna’s voice was firm. "I'll meet you there." There was no way she would give him that much control. She needed to retain the ability to leave whenever she chose.
His mouth tightened, but he gave her an imperceptible nod. A small thrill ran through her to have denied him in some minor way, because at this point, she was completely overwhelmed by him. He lifted his phone and tapped out a message with his thumbs. Anna jumped when her pocket buzzed.
"That's my number," he said. The sexy smirk on his lips emphasized his chiseled jaw. "In case you need to call me before."
"Well, if that takes care of everything…" Becky glanced at James, who dipped his chin, "then we'll get out of your hair. Thank you, Anna. I know this wasn’t easy for you."
