Return to You

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 unobtrusively 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?"
    Passionate. "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 glass 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 cocked 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 refreshing, 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?"
    "The hors d'oeuvres table would be the best spot."
Lainie