Taking three deep breaths, and hoping that her hair wouldn’t riot out of control too soon, she went to let him in. The look on his face when she opened the door should have dispelled her qualms. His jaw dropped open and his eyes traveled her length several times before coming to rest on her face. He didn’t speak until each feature had been properly admired.
“You look ravishing. Come to think of it, that’s a terrific idea. Let’s skip dinner and I’ll ravish you right now.”
She laughed nervously and placed a hand at the base of her throat to still the palpitation there. “You’re dripping something.”
He looked down at the pan he was carrying in one hand. “Oops, sorry.” He pushed past her and went through the louvered doors into the kitchen. “I’ve had the chef at the hotel marinating these steaks for me all day.” He set the aluminum pan with its foil covering on the counter top and turned to her.
“Faith?” she asked softly.
“Isn’t coming. Tonight is strictly rated ‘adults only.’”
“Oh.” She was ashamed of feeling so glad that they would be alone.
His brows lowered over his sultry eyes. “Come here.” His voice was gentle—soft, but commanding.
As one hypnotized, Hailey walked to him. His hands stroked up the bare expanse of her arms, slipped under the sleeves of her top, and massaged her shoulders. “I like your hair that way,” he said.
“Give it about an hour. It’ll start going nineteen different directions. It’s wild.”
“I like savagery,” he teased. “I’m feeling dangerously primitive myself right now.” His voice was husky as he drew her closer. His hands moved to her back. Gifted fingers kneaded her spine. With the slightest pressure to the small of her back, he pulled her to him by slow degrees until their bodies met. She gasped as his virility seared like a brand through their clothes.
“See what you do to me?” He tilted his head downward and took her mouth under his.
Her mouth was a warm dark cave that his tongue explored with sensual leisure. It stroked the roof of her mouth, her teeth, the inside of her lips, until her breath was coming in short, light gasps. He was merciless, relentless. His hands slid under her hips, cradling them in his palms and bringing her against him.
A throbbing ache began to build deep inside her and she moved with him, knowing instinctively that he could relieve this wonderful ailment. Fitting herself more surely against him, she was awed at how perfectly the softness of her body cushioned the hardness of his.
He emitted a harsh cry as he tore his
mouth from hers and buried his face in the hollow of her neck. His breathing was sporadic. “Hailey,” he said in a low groan. “If you keep that up we might just as well forget the steaks and the wine and whatever you’ve prepared.” His tongue flirted with the gold loop in her ear before his teeth captured her earlobe. His hands moved up from her waist and around her ribs to coast lightly over the sides of her breasts. “What do you say?”
It was hard to say anything. His mouth was working its magic on her ear. Her body was hot where it touched his. “I think,” she started in a gruff voice, then cleared her throat, and continued. “I think that we should behave in a civilized manner and have our dinner as planned.”
He sighed. Pulling away from her, he kissed her quickly on the mouth. “You’re right. Can you cook as well as you can kiss?”
She laughed and looked at him coyly. “I’ve never had anyone compare the skills.”
He swatted her bottom and said, “Well if your culinary talents come anywhere close to your … ah … other accomplishments, I’m in for a feast. I hope you didn’t bother preparing a dessert. I already know what I’m having.” His eyes toured her rapaciously.
“I left the wine in the car in an ice bucket. I’ll go get it while you turn on the broiler.”
He left her and for a moment she stood disoriented and trembling. When she tried to move, her legs felt wobbly—a side effect of the weakness his hands and mouth induced each time he touched her. She could feel the silly grin on her face, feel the joy bubbling inside her chest, feel the happiness welling up in her until it came out as a tuneless humming song while she lifted the juicy, dripping steaks onto the grill.
Tyler was feeling just as happy, she noted when she heard him laughing as he came through the front door. So hearty was his laugh that her curiosity was piqued, and she peered over the barroom door.
Her grin disappeared. Her bubble of happiness burst painfully. The song died on her lips.
The red-haired woman clinging to Tyler’s arm let her eyes dance around the room until she sighted Hailey. “Hello, big sister,” she called gaily.
“Hello, Ellen.”
CHAPTER 7
Why in the world would you let a gorgeous hunk like this out of your sight for one second, Hailey? Even if he was fetching a bottle of very expensive and very good wine.” Ellen snuggled closer to Tyler and looked up at him beguilingly from under a veil of long, luxurious lashes.
“Maybe she doesn’t think I’m a gorgeous hunk,” Tyler said dryly. Hailey noted that he wasn’t averse to the way Ellen was clinging to him or to the generous breast that rubbed against his arm.
Ellen’s laugh was as light and musical as a tinkling bell. “Then I’d consider her demented.” Ellen detached herself, trailing her well-manicured nails down Tyler’s arm, and came toward Hailey. “Why are you hiding behind that door, Hailey? Haven’t you got a hug for your baby sister?”