Part 22 (1/2)

Ah. So it was his daughter who was making this profound difference in Elaine. He wasn't sure yet if he should thank her or curse her. ”You and Olivia have gotten close.”

”It wasn't difficult. Olivia is wonderful. You're fortunate to have a daughter like her. She'll realize how much you love her and come around,” Elaine said sagely. ”Just give it time.”

Her gaze seemed to see right through him. It made him uncomfortable. He wanted to tell her this was a mistake. He wanted to leave, to go back to LA and establish the old boundaries.

Then her hand covered his. It was slightly chilled and he instinctively reversed their grip so he could warm it.

Elaine's eyes widened, pure beautiful gray. She smiled at him. When she smiled at him like that he could almost believe he could be a better man.

The waiter un.o.btrusively brought them menus. ”Can I bring you anything to drink?”

”We'd like a bottle of-” Parker studied Elaine. He'd thought a cool bottle of white would suit her best, but now he was tempted to order something darker and spicier. ”A bottle of Chateau Margaux. The 1969.”

”Yes, sir.”

Parker felt the waiter slip away but his attention remained focused on the woman across from him.

”Is this a special occasion?” Her thumb rubbed a soothing path on his palm.

”That remains to be seen.” The measuring look she gave him, simultaneously open and coy, caused a thrill of excitement to course through him.

The waiter returned. As he opened the bottle for inspection, he rattled off the specials for the day. To get rid of him, Parker quickly ordered for the two of them. He wanted Elaine alone so he could puzzle her out.

She pulled her hand out of his. He frowned but didn't say anything until the waiter left. ”Is something the matter?”

”Let's get one thing straight.” She lowered her voice and leaned closer to him across the table. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes glittered. ”You may be my boss in the office, but on personal time, we are equal. I'm capable of ordering for myself.”

”Elaine, I had no idea you were so-”

”What?”

Pa.s.sionate. ”Pro-feminism.”

”Being treated respectfully has nothing to do with feminism.”

He tipped his head in concession. ”Agreed. I apologize if I offended you.”

He could practically see the ire drain out of her. ”Just don't do it again.”

”A toast?” He raised his gla.s.s up. She followed suit. ”To the unexpected.”

He saw the momentary surprise on her face when the wine hit her palate. He watched the surprise turn to general enjoyment and then pleasure. ”You like it.”

”You knew I would.” She dabbed her lips with her napkin.

”Do you know me so well?”

She gazed at him thoughtfully. Finally she asked, ”Truthfully?”

He c.o.c.ked a brow. ”You don't think I want the truth?”

She laughed softly and he felt it in the pit of his stomach. ”Not if it's something you disagree with.”

Touche. ”Tell me.”

”I know you better than anyone else.”

He was saved from having to digest that tidbit by their salads arriving. He directed the rest of the conversation carefully. He didn't need any more revelations, not until he could think about what she said.

At the end of dinner, he helped her into her coat, his hands lingering on her shoulders longer than necessary. With a touch on the small of her back, he guided her through the restaurant and out the door.

The wind whipped at them and Parker instinctively pulled Elaine close to block her from it. She faced him. As she stared into his eyes, he could read her thoughts like they were broadcast. Kiss me.

”What are we doing here, Elaine?”

He wished he hadn't asked when her smile faded. She tried to pull away but he held her next to him. He needed to see those clear gray eyes.

”I just thought-” She broke off and stared at him. Finally, she whispered, ”Don't you want to be here?”

No, he didn't want to be here. He wanted to be in a big bed with her under him.

Her hair tickled his chin and he pulled her closer. She smelled like wildflowers. He didn't expect that. Wildflowers were unrestrained and hedonistic.

”How is it you've escaped my notice for so long?” He traced the edge of her hairline and caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. Soft.

Her mouth dropped open as he brushed her lower lip, but she said nothing.

He shook his head. ”This is impossible.”

”What is?”

”How can I resist you when your eyes are begging me to kiss you?”

In her guileless way, she asked, ”Why resist?”

He studied her. ”Why indeed?”

The first taste of her lips felt refres.h.i.+ng, the second was intoxicating. He watched her eyes close as she twined her arms around his neck and gave herself to him.

He stood in shock for a moment, taken away by how selflessly she gave herself. He wanted to push her away and berate her for opening herself up to such danger. At the same time, he wanted to hold her tight and keep her to himself.

He felt something he hadn't in a long time: humbled. He closed his eyes and savored the moment.

Chapter Twenty-nine.

”Ms. Adams, where should these hors d'oeuvres go?”