Rick offered his hand for a shake. The man took it. “I look forward to talking to you. Excuse us, I promised Cathie a dance so I’d better honor that promise.”
Seconds later he whirled her onto the dance floor. “You were great back there.”
Carrie shrugged. “All I did was say what I thought. And feed his ego. It was lucky I knew the place you were talking about.”
Rick’s gaze met hers. “You know, Cathie, I think you might be the most perfect date I’ve ever had.”
Carrie worked to ignore the name he’d called her. “Thank you. I’m glad I could help.”
“I also owe you an apology. Herbert ogling you. I’m sorry you had to endure that. I suspected it might happen. I shouldn’t have taken you over there or a least warned you.”
“Wasn’t that the point of bringing me, to catch his eye?”
Rick had the good grace to look regretful. “It was, but I didn’t like him looking at you like a piece of meat.”
“Thank you for that.” Rick’s concern touched her heart. He might have misled Cathie about the evening but at least he was coming clean. He was a good guy. She was the one treating him badly by not telling him who she was. But it didn’t really matter, they wouldn’t be seeing each other again after tonight, so was there really any harm?
“I feel like celebrating with a dance.” Whirling her once again, he pulled her into his arms once more.
“Sounds like fun.” Carrie smiled. She enjoyed dancing but didn’t often get the chance. Brian hadn’t cared for it. She had no intention of missing an occasion to have Rick’s arms around her. Every chance she was given, she would take it. Worry about later, later.
Giving her a slight tug at her waist, and he pulled her against his body. Her skin heated as his fingers skimmed her bare back before it settled low on her waist. Carrie’s hand came to rest on his firm shoulder as he skillfully moved her around the floor.
“I have the prettiest woman in the room in my arms,” he murmured close to her ear.
“Compliments will get you everywhere.” She was developing her flirting skills.
His low, deep chuckle vibrated through her. She enjoyed his attention. The attraction she felt had come fast and was more profound than she would have ever imagined possible.
His arm around her flexed, bringing her closer still. Her hips brushed his. Did he dance this intimately with every woman he dated? It didn’t matter, she’d enjoy it while it lasted. Her hand traveled over the ridge of his shoulder until her fingers teased the hair at the nape of his neck.
“You keep that up and we might be doing more than dancing.” His voice had dropped an octave.
“Promises, promises.” Mercy. Where was the subdued, non-adventurous person Brian had accused her of being? This new woman shocked her.
Rick pulled away so she could clearly see his face. There was a searching question there. His voice was raspy. “I don’t make promises that I don’t keep or can’t back up.”
Hot, thick heat flooded her. Now her suggestion was taking her off into a world she was unprepared for but drawn to enter. It would be an unsure one with possible heartache but the thrill just might be worth it. She searched those chocolate eyes, full of desire. The ride, she was confident, would be memorable.
As they continued to dance through the next song, Rick’s fingers caressed their way up her spine, leaving a molten trail of awareness before moving off to titillate another area. He leaned in close and whispered, “You’re so responsive to my touch.”
Carrie quaked. What would it be like to have Rick touch her by the light of a candle while she was spread out on his sheets? What was happening to her? Cathie was always the wild one, the one who threw caution out the window, went for what she wanted. Yet, wasn’t she Cathie tonight? Maybe she was actually channeling her. Whatever it was, if Rick offered she was going to accept. She would regret it for the rest of her life if she didn’t. On the other hand, she might regret it if she did. But she would have an escapade to remember.
Rick’s hand ran over her butt and squeezed gently before coming back to a more respectable position. Carrie was thankful for the crowded dance floor.
“I think it time for us to find a place where we can get to know each other better,” he whispered.
Here’s where she had to make the life changing choice. “I was thinking we were getting to know each other pretty well here.”
He stopped dancing, looked directly at her. “I want to kiss you, and I don’t think the kind of kiss I’m planning would be appropriate at the Governor’s Mansion.”
“Oh.” Carrie’s lips trembled at the thought.
He gave her a wolfish smile, then pressed his hips against hers leaving her no doubt of his arousal. “Don’t look so surprised. You have to know how desirable you are.”
She didn’t. No one had ever made her feel the way he did.
“Let’s get out of here. I feel like celebrating with my good luck charm.” He ushered her to the door. Before they exited, he wrote a check for a generous amount and stuffed it into the decorated donations box beside the door.
That only intensified his appeal. At this rate, she’d be in love with him before the night was over.
Chapter Three
Rick couldn’t believe his good luck in asking Cathie to the gala. By managing to get the door open to Herbert so quickly, she had achieved more than he’d dreamt possible. She’d been perfect. The cream on the top was the fact he found her so appealing. He’d had no idea he’d be so hot for her.
They were in the car on their way down the residential street away from the mansion when he made a sharp turn into a less busy one and pulled to the curb.
Cathie gave him a curious look. “Is there something wrong?”
“Nothing, except I’ve not said thank you properly.” Putting a hand behind her neck, he tugged her toward him, his mouth finding hers. Her full lips were moist and inviting. She tasted sweet. There was a moment of hesitation on her part before her hand came to his shoulder and she leaned closer. He deepened the kiss, running the tip of his tongue along the seam of her mouth. He was rewarded with her moan. His manhood stiffened. Yes, he wanted her.
The flash of headlights from a passing car drew him out of the pleasure induced bubble Cathie had built around him. Even in the dim light he could see the dreamy look in her eyes. He wasn’t going to let this evening end here. “It’s still early. How about we stop for some dessert? I know this little bakery that makes great pecan pie. We can take it to my house.”
There was a short hesitation before she said, “Okay.”
While he drove, Cathie made small talk about places they passed. He pointed
out a few buildings he’d been involved in refurbishing or constructing. She acted impressed. He couldn’t deny his ego was boosted. At the bakery, he went in to order and soon returned.
As they neared his home she said with awe in her voice, “You live in Virginia Highlands?”
“I do.”
“I love these old homes. This is my dream place to live.” Her focus remained fixed on the houses.
“I bought mine a few years back. It needed a lot of repair but I finally have it livable.” He made the turn onto his lane.
“Even a shack would be wonderful in this neighborhood. I’m so jealous.”
Rick chuckled. “When I bought mine it was little more than that. The bath was even falling in.”
“That wouldn’t have kept me away.” She sounded like she meant it.
More than one woman had said she had no intention of staying the night at his place because of the shape it was in at the time. Lauren wouldn’t have even stepped foot in it. To find someone like Cathie was rare. Pulling into his brick walled drive, he turned off the car. She was sitting on the edge of her seat staring out the windshield.
“It’s wonderful, Rick.”
Gratification filled his chest. Much of the work he’d done himself and had closely supervised what he couldn’t do. He was proud of his accomplishment. “Thank you. Would you like to see it?”
She grinned and opened the door. “I thought you’d never ask.”
He shouldn’t like her this much. He’d made a major mistake in the past, he had no intention of repeating. Slowly was what he needed to go. He didn’t really know Cathie. And he was determined, no woman would be allowed to use him again.
Rick grabbed their takeout bag. Together they went up the walk. He assisted her over the three short steps to the porch. Automatic lights flickered on.
“Do you come out here and have coffee in the morning?” she asked with a wistful note.
“No.” Her face fell as if he had disappointed her. “I have a small brick patio out back. I usually have it there when the weather’s nice.”