The Kincaids: New Money. Jennifer Lewis

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СКАЧАТЬ arousal that weighted the air between them. Did he expect her to go home with him tonight? Just what had she gotten herself into here? Him calling her a “distraction” did not entirely bode well for a lifelong commitment.

      Then again, she was getting way ahead of herself. And already her lips tingled in anticipation of the second kiss he’d promised. She tried to distract them with a piece of shrimp, but the sauce proved surprisingly spicy and only made things worse. “I suppose some fresh air won’t do either of us any harm.” That sounded lame. She should probably be making suggestive and witty comments. Soon enough RJ would realize he’d made a terrible mistake thinking she was an attractive and desirable woman.

      If he even did think that. Maybe it was more of an “any port in the storm” thing. Even your assistant started to look good when your entire world was falling apart.

      “What are you thinking about?” RJ peered into her eyes, mischief sparkling in his own blue depths.

      “Just wondering where this evening is heading.” The truth seemed as good a response as any other.

      RJ’s mouth broadened into a sensual smile. “Somewhere beautiful.”

      It was dark when they parked near Waterfront Park and strolled along the promenade looking out at the lights reflected on the dark water. They were dangerously close to RJ’s apartment, or at least she suspected so, but he’d shown no signs of trying to take her home. He hadn’t even tried to kiss her.

      Her skin craved his touch and each time she hoped for it and didn’t get it, the longing only grew more bone-deep. Five years of suppressed yearning were unleashed by one kiss, and if she didn’t get another kiss soon she might just burst into flame.

      Moonlight mingled with the streetlights to illuminate RJ’s dramatic features. “So your mom is your only real family?”

      “Since my Gran died five years ago, yes.” RJ had been plumbing her for information all evening. Not in an unkind way. He seemed genuinely curious.

      “Did you ever want siblings?”

      “All the time,” she admitted. “When I was little I wished for a sister to share my dolls with. Then when I was a teenager I wished I had a brother to bring home handsome friends.”

      He chuckled. “My sisters weren’t shy about asking me to do just that. But I bet you managed fine, anyway.”

      He caressed her with another one of those lingering glances that made her feel like a supermodel. No need for him to know her last date had been nearly a year ago. Since her best friend got married she hadn’t been out much at night and she knew better than to have an affair with someone at the office.

      Until now …

      He stepped toward her and slid his arms around her hips. Her breasts stirred inside her dress as he pulled her close. Her lips parted and her hands rose to the soft wool of his jacket. She ached for his kiss, a long, deep ache that rose inside her and pulled her closer into his embrace. When his lips finally met hers sensation sparkled through her. All day she’d dreamed of this moment, craved and hoped for it, despite all her misgivings. RJ’s arms around her made her feel safe, protected and adored. He kissed with exquisite gentleness, touching her lips gently then pulling back, letting the very tip of his tongue touch hers, teasing and tasting her until she was in a frenzy of arousal. It took all her strength not to writhe against him in full view of the other people enjoying the breezy moonlit night.

      “Yes, it’s a good idea.” RJ’s words surprised her. “Us kissing.” They’d barely pulled apart and she hadn’t even had time for doubts to creep back into her consciousness. No doubt he was trying to preempt them.

      “Certainly feels like one.” A silly smile plastered itself across her face. A sense of euphoria suffused her entire body, and she’d only had two glasses of wine so she couldn’t even blame the alcohol.

      She was high on RJ.

      His lips touched hers again, and again her synapses lit up like a Christmas tree. She’d never experienced such a sharp physical reaction to a simple kiss. It was a full-body experience. By the time he pulled gently back she was sure she’d broken out in a sweat.

      Already her lips itched to meet his again. But if she gave him all five kisses, was she agreeing to the weekend away? “I really should get home now.”

      “No way.” His hands held her steady. “Five years, five kisses.”

      “There’s nothing about kisses in my employment contract.” She attempted to look fierce.

      “There wouldn’t be, since we don’t use an employment contract.” That naughty dimple appeared again as he lowered his lips to hers. Brooke’s lips parted instinctively, and a tantalizing tip of his tongue probed her mouth, sending a shiver of suggestion down her spine. Her knees wobbled and she was forced to hold him tighter. With her pressed against his hard chest, kiss number three was broken only by a quiet whisper. “Brooke, why did we wait so long?”

      She didn’t answer. Boring explanations about her long-term career prospects had no place in this electric moment. Kiss number four crept up on them and her eyes shut tight as sensation swept through her. RJ’s hard chest felt like a safe foundation to lean on, so she let the world drift away and lost herself in his kiss. An hour could have passed before their lips finally pulled apart, she had no idea.

      The streetlights, even the reflected glow from the water, seemed painfully bright when she opened her eyes.

      “I expect you’re wondering if I’m going to ask you back to my apartment.” RJ looked down at her, arms still wrapped around her, holding her close.

      The thought did cross my mind. She kept her mouth closed, though. She still had no idea what she’d reply if he did ask.

      “I’m not.”

      A tiny frisson of disappointment cascaded through her. Had this evening led him to decide he was no longer interested in her? Maybe he just liked talking to her and didn’t want to take it further. Perhaps those kisses that lit her whole body on fire had simply been a series of tests that she’d failed.

      “I have the utmost respect for you, Brooke.” His expression was serious.

      Her heart sank further. Was this the “you’re too valuable an employee for me to fool around with” speech?

      “I know you’re a lady and would be offended if I asked you in on our first date.” He moved his hands until they were over hers. “And I’m still enough of a gentleman to resist the temptation.”

      His fingers wove into hers and the full force of that temptation rushed through her. He was taking it slow because he respected her. Somehow that truly touched her.

      He leaned in until she could inhale his enticing male scent. “But I’m not letting you go without one last kiss.”

      Relief swept through her as their lips pressed together. He wasn’t rejecting her. She held him tight and kissed him back with passion.

      “And I’m already anticipating the pleasure of an entire weekend with you, so asking for tonight as well would be greedy.”

      Misgivings still crept in her veins. An entire weekend was a long time. If things got out of hand СКАЧАТЬ