She made a sexy purring sound as she drew an 's' through the olive oil with a small chunk of bread, unperturbed at the change of subject. "Nature mostly." She popped it in her mouth and chewed slowly. "Sometimes I'll see something in a tree or flower, a shape that speaks to me. Then I try to make it functional."
"I love that." It was an understatement if he'd ever said one. What she'd just described was amazing and sexy as hell. "When you're not creating dozens, if not hundreds of pieces, for an order…" He almost laughed when her electric blue eyes narrowed. "What is your favorite thing to make?"
She stared down at her plate for a moment, absently twirling her wine glass. He noticed she liked to keep her hands busy.
"Hmmmmm. Probably a Bombay chest. It's highly practical with the storage capacity, but it flows and arches so beautifully. It works with the wood, you know?"
"I do. There was a Bombay chest among the furniture I bought at the art gallery."
Anna nodded. "I've delivered several chests to the gallery. I really love building furniture with a lot of drawers, especially if I can plant them in odd places like corners or within other drawers."
He held her gaze for a prolonged moment, noting the animation of her expression as she described her art. It was thoroughly satisfying to learn that there was so much more to Anna than just what he experienced in his dreams. The woman was beyond fascinating.
"Before I bought The Majestic, I had an abstract idea of what I wanted the hotel to look like. Something different and unique, more Avant Garde that would stand apart from the rest. When Jack told me that he'd hired a local artist to make the furniture, I was eager to see the finished product."
James planted his elbows on the table. "I was thrilled with what you produced, Anna. I'd love for you to create several cabinets and chests just like you described for The Majestic. Unique pieces for the hallways and lobby. They'll be functional yet catch the eye."
Anna held his gaze, a lovely rosy blush climbing up her cheeks. She obviously wasn't used to compliments. He'd fix that when she was ready for more of his attention.
"I can do that," she finally replied.
James released an internal sigh, relieved that she'd given in on that request. "One of the reasons I've bought your collection at the gallery, other than finding it absolutely magnificent, is that I'm also furnishing the house I bought. I didn't bring anything with me when I left New York because I wasn't certain I would stay. But now…"
He paused for a moment, wondering if he should keep this to himself. "I've decided to make Key West my permanent home. I’d been scouring the island for furniture when Gusrecommended I visit the art gallery. And he was right. It’s exactly what I was looking for."
Anna flinched as she awkwardly swallowed her bite of bread and said nothing.
"I was hoping," James continued, "you could stop by my house to help me decide—" He stopped when she began shaking her head. "You're already saying no when I haven't finished explaining yet," he protested.
"I can't be at your house." Her tone was decisive and firm. "Don't ask me to do that."
He frowned. "Why not?" His eyes dropped to her neck, noting her rapid pulse. Something had spooked her. Him, probably.
"It's just not a good idea." There was finality in her voice, but James excelled in business negotiations. He wasn’t about to let that deter him.
He opened his mouth to argue his case when the waiter arrived at their table with the caprese salad and asked for their dinner order. James put a relaxed smile on his face and sat back, biding his time as Anna slowly reviewed the menu and asked questions.
He took the opportunity to really study Anna with fresh eyes. She was obviously skittish. It would take patience, a much softer approach, and some serious persuading if he wanted her to open up. He had to be patient with this and everything inside of him screamed she was worth the effort.
Finally, they were alone again and James stretched the quiet by refilling their wine glasses.
"How do you know Annette?" Anna asked.
James smiled. "Annette was the paralegal of one of my corporate attorneys. Do you know Charli Harris?"
At Anna's nod, he continued. "Charli represented my Boston companies. In fact, she was one of the best corporate attorneysI've ever worked with. Annette handled most of the work until a ball-busting attorney would need to step in. Not that Annette couldn't manage to bust balls, but every once in a while, Charli's expertise was necessary."
Anna bobbed her head, and James watched as she took a bite of the caprese salad. He stared, mesmerized, as a drop of olive oil landed on her lower lip. It would be so easy to stretch over and lick it away. His stomach clenched when her tongue darted out, swiping at the oil. This woman had absolutely no idea how naturally sexy and seductive she was.
"How did you meet Annette?" he finally asked. "I mean, she hasn't lived here long. But she seemed to know you fairly well."
Anna shrugged. "I wouldn't say fairly well. We met about six months ago when I helped her with the ghost of Paradise West."
"The ghost of Paradise West?" He’d never witnessed the ghost in person, who was a legend in Key West. But he’d heard quite a bit about it from Gus over the last few months.
A teasing grin quirked at the edge of her sexy mouth and he wanted to kiss it off. "Are you afraid of ghosts, James?"
She was teasing him, the imp, and he loved it. But it was the playful way she said his name that sent a bolt of longing through his body and straight into his soul.
