Wilde Thing. Jannine Gallant

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СКАЧАТЬ “Be right back.”

      Hannah sipped the last of her coffee and seemed to shake off her glum mood. “I enjoyed the evening. You’re an entertaining companion.”

      “That doesn’t sound very sexy—more like an eccentric uncle, the kind with too many stories to tell and a comfortable paunch hanging over his belt.”

      She laughed out loud, turning the heads of the other diners. “See, funny. Definitely no paunch.”

      When their server returned, Tripp signed the slip then stood to pull back her chair. “Let’s get out of here.”

      She nodded and walked beside him to the entrance, then slipped on her coat while they waited for the valet to bring the truck around.

      “Chilly evening but beautifully clear.”

      He wrapped an arm around her and squeezed. “Are you cold?”

      “Just a little.” For a moment, she leaned against him then pulled away when headlights flashed as the valet returned.

      After they were settled inside, Tripp turned to face her. “It’s still early. Want to take a drive?”

      “What did you have in mind?”

      “I thought we’d cruise down to Emerald Bay. The moon is full tonight.”

      “Sounds lovely. Tripp?”

      He turned out of the parking lot then leaned back against the seat to enjoy the drive. “Yes?”

      “Why did you want to spend your birthday with me? I’m sure you have plenty of friends to hang out with who would have made your evening far more exciting.”

      “I wasn’t looking for excitement.”

      “What are you looking for?”

      He glanced her way, taking a moment to study her profile in the light from a passing car before returning his attention to the road. “I’m not sure. Maybe someone familiar and comfortable. With you, I can completely relax. I don’t feel like I have to be the Wilde Thing the ski crowd expects when I’m out on the town.”

      “So, I’m like the old pair of slippers under your bed?”

      He grinned. “I don’t think I own any slippers. How about the ski boots I’ve broken in until they’re molded to a perfect fit.”

      “Why in the world would you think we fit well together? We’re opposites in almost every way imaginable. You have celebrity status on and off the mountain, and I’m most at home…well, at home, curled up on the couch with a book and my dog.”

      “Hey, you’re pretty damn well-known in your own line of work. If Parnell Jones looks you up when he needs PT—”

      “Exactly. I might work with sports celebrities, but I’m not one. I’m about as normal and ho-hum as they come.”

      “You used to be quiet and unassuming, but that was years ago. Now, I find you intriguing and stimulating…not to mention hot.”

      “I’m still not sleeping with you.” Her tone was laced with humor. “If that’s what this is about.”

      “Sex hasn’t crossed my mind once in the last, uh, minute or two. Honest.”

      A giggle escaped before she slapped a hand over her mouth. “You crack me up. Points for that.”

      “Maybe after enough points, you’ll cave in and change your mind about dating a client. At least this particular client.”

      “Stranger things have happened, I suppose, since this evening has felt awfully date-like.”

      They rode in silence for the next few miles.

      “Not to change the subject, but are you still upset by what we saw on the mountain Friday?”

      “I try not to think about it. Hard not to, though, when people like Luther bring up the subject.”

      “Sorry. I should have let the matter drop, but I could see you were bothered when he mentioned the rumors.”

      “Maybe I’ll actually start believing we saw a bag fall if I think it enough times. I guess we’ll never know what really happened, so I shouldn’t stress over it.”

      “Probably best, at least for tonight. I call this perfect timing.” He turned into the parking lot above Emerald Bay and turned off the engine. “Check out the moon rising up over the mountains on the other side of the lake. Want to walk out to the viewpoint?”

      “Sure. At least I have on boots, even if they aren’t designed for trekking through snow.”

      He got out of the cab and met her at the front bumper. “I could always use this opportunity to prove I’m capable of carrying you.”

      “Let’s wait until your shoulder is fully healed for you to show off your strength. I wouldn’t turn down an arm, however. The snow is iced over on the path.”

      Tucking her hand through the crook of his elbow, he headed down to the viewpoint then drew in a breath. “Lord, we live in a beautiful place.”

      The rising moon shed a silver light across the lake, illuminating the dark waters of Emerald Bay with its tiny island in the center. Even the stone walls of the ruined Tea House were visible against the night sky. Glimmering snow frosted the thick forest surrounding the bay.

      She sighed. “I love this place. Thanks for suggesting we come.”

      “Seemed like a perfect way to end the evening…if you’re still determined it has to end.”

      “Tripp.” Her quiet voice held a warning note.

      He ignored it and turned her to face him. In the moonlight, her beautiful eyes shone with a hint of uncertainty.

      “Surely a birthday kiss in such a beautiful setting isn’t too much to ask?”

      He cupped her cheek, stroking his thumb along her jaw. The skin was as soft as he’d known it would be.

      A breath escaped, and her golden eyes gleamed in the moonlight. “Why not? Live dangerously, right? Isn’t that your motto?”

      “You bet.” His heartbeat quickened as he pulled her close. His lips closed over hers in a kiss that stretched as the seconds ticked by. Warm and tantalizing, she trailed her fingers up the back of his neck to burrow into the hair brushing his collar. Tripp savored a kiss that left him wanting so much more. But, he wouldn’t push her. Still…

      She was breathless when he finally pulled back, any emotion in her eyes hidden by the darkness.

      The kiss had definitely been worth the wait. “That was the best present I had all day.”

      She smiled up at him, and her voice was unsteady. “Happy birthday, Tripp.”

      Chapter 6

      Hannah СКАЧАТЬ