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She points her fork at me. “You’d check your email before the plane left the runway.”
I don’t bother denying it.
By the time dessert arrives, I no longer have to wonder whether Rachel is enjoying herself. She’s relaxed in her chair, laughing as she finishes her chocolate tart before I’m halfway through mine.
Then her gaze drops to my plate. I slide it toward her before she can ask.
“I couldn’t,” she says, even as her fork cuts into it.
“Your restraint is impressive.”
“It’s really delicious.”
I move the plate fully in front of her. “Then finish it.”
Her smile widens as she takes another bite. For that smile, she can have every dessert on the train.
Arthur is waiting beside the Bentley when we land back in Alton Hills. By the time he stops outside Rachel’s building, it’s almost eleven. I walk her to the entrance.
“Thank you,” she says. “I had a lovely time.”
Lovely is careful. It tells me she enjoyed herself without admitting how much. I step closer. Her gaze drops to my mouth, and when I touch her jaw, she lifts her face to mine.
I kiss her softly, planning one slow kiss goodnight. But as I begin to pull away, her fingers curl around my tie and bring me back. So much for keeping it brief.
She tastes faintly of chocolate. I kiss her deeper, one hand settling at her waist as her arms slide around my neck. She rises onto her toes, pressing closer while my thumb moves beneath her ear. When I finally lift my head, her lips follow mine before she catches herself. That small movement nearly ruins every sensible thought I have left.
“Do you want to come upstairs?” she asks.
“Yes.” The answer comes at once. I want her badly enough that walking away will hurt, but we’ve crossed this line twice, and both times she shut me out afterward. I don’t want another night she can call a mistake as soon as it’s over. “But not tonight,” I add.
Her arms loosen around my neck. “Oh.”
“I don’t want you waking up tomorrow and deciding this meant nothing. Give me one more evening. After that, I’m yours.”
“So you’re turning me down to get another date?”
“No. I’m asking for another date because I want more than one night with you.”
She searches my face for a moment. Then her arms tighten around my neck again. I slide one hand into her hair and kiss her. Her lips part beneath mine, and within seconds, she’s pressing closer.
“One more date,” I murmur against her mouth. “Then I’ll spend the whole night reminding you what my mouth can do.”
Her teeth catch her lower lip, and every good intention I have nearly dies on the spot. “That’s playing dirty.”
“Is it working?”
“Yes,” she admits.
I can’t stop my grin. “Then you’d better go inside before I ruin my own plan.”
The corner of her mouth lifts. “You’re welcome to come up and ruin it.”
My arm tightens around her waist before I can stop it. For one dangerous second, I’m ready to forget the whole idea and follow her upstairs. Instead, I force myself to step back. “Walk fast.”
She knows exactly why, so she does the opposite. She takes her time crossing to the entrance, adding just enough sway to her hips to make it clear she knows I’m watching. At the door, she looks back. I’m still standing where she left me, and the pleased curve of her mouth says she expected nothing less. She slips inside, and I wait until the door closes before returning to the car.
Arthur opens the rear door, and I slide onto the seat.
