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“That’s because you’re usually running the show.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you profiling me?”

Mac grinned. “Occupational hazard.”

Jodie tried to reach for his shirt again but Mac kept hold of her hand.

“Slow, baby.” Two words that held no swagger, just Mac’s quiet command.

Her knees went weak.

Jodie spent all day anticipating what everyone needed. Fixing problems before they became problems. Tracking appointments, schedules, supplies, crises, people. Even when she wasn’t at work, part of her brain was usually three steps ahead of the rest of the world. Mac was asking her not to be.

For once.

Jodie swallowed. “Okay.”

He kissed her again, slower this time, and that made it so much hotter. Mac took his time with her mouth until Jodie stopped thinking about where her hands should go and simply let them rest against his chest. His thumb traced the curve of her hip through the dress, then moved up her side.

When his hand reached her ribs, she sucked in a breath.

Mac paused.

“Is this okay?”

“Yes.”

His eyes stayed on hers.

“Very yes,” she added.

That made him grin. He kissed her before she could say anything else. Then he backed Jodie into the wall beside the door and stood close without pinning her there. He slid his thigh between hers, and the contact sent a shockwave of heat through her.

“Oh.”

Mac’s mouth moved along her jaw. “That okay, too?”

“Yes.”

His lips found the sensitive place below her ear and licked.

“Still yes,” she breathed.

His hand slid down over her hip, then back up, following the curve of the dress. Jodie had been very pleased with the dress in the mirror earlier. Now, with Mac touching her, she became abruptly aware of every inch of fabric between his hand and her skin and wanted it gone.

His fingers brushed the exposed edge above her neckline. Jodie’s breath hitched. She tried for his buttons again.

Mac pulled back.

“Jodie. Eventually.”

“Eventually?” The man was going to kill her.

“After I get your dress off and have worshipped your body like the goddess you are.”

Jodie stared at him. “I can’t believe you’re the same guy who accidentally put himself in the friend zone over pizza.”

Mac groaned. “I was hoping we could forget that.”