From the Heart

straight, I’m sure.”
    Liv let the smile form. It rather pleased her to recall how she had dispatched the enterprising Thompson. “As a matter of fact, I did. I told him to do his own legwork or they’d find him hung by his tie in the basement of the Rayburn Building.” She paused consideringly. “I think he believed me.”
    Thorpe looked into the cool blue eyes. “I think I do too. Why didn’t you just sic your cameraman on him?”
    Liv grinned and scooped up the last of her spaghetti. “I didn’t want a vulgar scene in front of the mayor.”
    “Want some more?” He gestured toward her empty plate. Liv sat back with a sigh. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
    “Dessert?”
    Her eyes widened. “You didn’t really make dessert?”
    Leaning forward, Thorpe tipped more Burgundy into her glass. “Drink your wine,” he suggested. “I’ll be right back.”
    He took the plates away with him. Liv gave a moment’s thought to giving him a hand, then sat back. She was too content to move. It was foolish to deny she enjoyed his company. Liked talking to him. Arguing with him. She had nearly forgotten how stimulating an argument could be. He made her feel alive, vital. She didn’t quite feel safe with him, and even that was exciting.
    Liv glanced up as she heard him come back. At the sight ofthe dish of strawberries and cream he carried, she gave a low sound of pleasure.
    “They look marvelous! How did you get your hands on strawberries that size this early in the season?”
    “A reporter never reveals his sources.”
    She sighed as he set the dish on the table. “They look wonderful, Thorpe, but I don’t think I can manage it.”
    “Try one,” he insisted, dipping a berry into the fresh whipped cream.
    “Just one,” she agreed, and obligingly opened her mouth as he started to feed it to her. He smeared the cream along her cheek. “Thorpe!” Liv said on a laugh, and reached for her napkin.
    “Sorry.” He laid his hand on top of hers, preventing her from lifting the napkin. “I’ll get it.” Cupping her neck with his other hand, he slowly, lightly began to nibble the cream from her cheek.
    Liv’s laughter stilled. She didn’t move, couldn’t protest. Her mind and body were locked in the shock of sensation. Her skin seemed alive only where his tongue glided over it.
    “Good?” he murmured, passing his lips over hers.
    Liv said nothing. Her eyes were locked on his. Thorpe watched her steadily as he read the stunned passion in her eyes.
    Slowly, he dipped a second berry and offered it. “Another?”
    Liv shook her head, swallowing as she watched his teeth slice through the berry. Rising, she stepped down into the living room. She had to be on her feet to think, she told herself. In a moment, she would feel perfectly normal again. The trembling would stop—the heat would cool. A startled gasp escaped her when Thorpe turned her into his arms.
    “I thought you’d like to dance,” he murmured.
    “Dance.” She melted into his arms. “There isn’t any music.” But she was moving with him, and her head was already resting on his shoulder.
    “Can’t you hear it?” Her scent was teasing his senses. Her breasts yielded softly as he drew her closer.
    She sighed and closed her eyes. The candlelight flickered against her lids. Her limbs felt heavy, much too comfortablyso. She leaned on Thorpe. She tried to tell herself she had had too much to drink. That was what she was feeling. But she knew it was a lie. When his lips passed over her ear, she sighed again and shuddered.
    I should go, she told herself. I should leave now, right now. Her fingers wandered into his hair. It’s madness to stay. A slow, kindling longing was building as his body moved against hers. His hand slid up her spine and down again to settle at her waist. When she felt his lips on her neck, she gave a low sound, drugged in pleasure.
    “I can’t stay,” she murmured, but made no effort to move from his arms.
    “No,” he agreed, as his mouth made a leisurely journey to hers.
    “I should go.” Her lips sought his.
    “Yes.” He slipped his tongue between her parted lips to touch hers. Liv felt her bones dissolve and her head spin.
    “I have to leave.”
    “Mmm-hmm.” Gently, he lowered the zipper at the back of her dress. She made a muffled sound as his hands ran over the thin chemise.
    “I’m not going to get involved with you, Thorpe.” Her mouth was moist and heated as he explored it.
    “I know; you’ve