His spit dried up. Under the little black dress, she sported a Brazilian wax that left her completely bare, open, and accessible. Her usual fresh scent had been replaced by a musky sandalwood perfume, exotic and slutty at the same time. He fucking loved it.
He fucking hated it.
“Can you finish zipping me up?”
His ears registered the request but his feet were frozen to the floor. He probably looked like Forrest Gump, looking confused and spouting about chocolate.
“Wolfe?”
“Yeah, sure,” he muttered. He dropped the beer onto the counter and forced himself closer. She fisted her hair in one hand and lifted the strands off her neck to give him easy access. The dress gaped open and flashed the vulnerable line of her spine, the silky soft skin at her nape. His hands shook as he grasped the tab and pulled up.
The hiss cut through the sudden, explosive silence. He caught her quick, indrawn breath. Awareness crackled between them.
“Thanks.”
He kept his hands on her back for a brief moment. Fought the urge to zip it back down, strip her naked, and take her right there, no more questions or asinine excuses or polite conversation.
Instead, he stepped back.
“Sure.”
She glanced at her silver watch and clicked over to the coffee table. “What are you still doing here? I told you everything’s forgiven.” Her smile flashed in the dim light. Her breasts rose and fell with each breath. Was she wearing one of those tight corset things to make everything look smooth and even beneath the black fabric? She didn’t need it. He imagined how his hand would sweep over the familiar curves. Funny, he didn’t know what color her nipples were. Ruby red and tart like cherries? Or like her mouth, a soft blush of pink that turned dusky with arousal?
The room tipped drunkenly and flames engulfed his blood, churning thick and sluggish in his veins. Maybe he had the flu. Or he was having a heart attack. He’d never experienced arousal this intense before. He didn’t even think it was possible.
“Wolfe? Are you listening?”
He shook his head and fought for clarity. “Just wanted to see you off. Make sure you’re safe. Does Kate have this guy’s number?”
An amused smile touched her lips. “Of course. He’s a client. I have money, too, Dad.”
“Let me stay.” Her eyes widened but he rushed on. “I swear, if I hear a guy’s voice outside I’ll jump out the window. I want to be sure David doesn’t come poking around.”
She straightened her spine and grabbed her ridiculously small beaded purse. “No. You promised and I’m holding you to it. David hasn’t bothered me in weeks and I think he’s gotten the message. I need my privacy for tonight. It’s important to me.”
“Don’t sleep with him, Gen.”
The plea spit from his lips before he could wrestle the words back. She gasped and teetered on her high heels. For one minute, he swore she’d agree. She’d walk over, put her arms around his shoulders, and tell him she didn’t want to sleep with anyone but him.
“I can’t promise anything.” Her gaze challenged him to stop her or try to change her mind. “I want what you have.”
Emotion drained from him in a rush that left him empty. If it was up to him, he’d fight the demons of hell to make sure she didn’t have a life like his. Sex that ended with emptiness. A heart that was numb at the center. The last month of being around her had changed him. Brought a steady peace and vibrancy he had only experienced in spurts before. But it couldn’t last, and eventually if he took her to bed he’d lose the last great woman who made all the pain worth it.
He managed a nod. She turned her head, but not before he caught the flash of disappointment on her face. So typical. He hated himself for not being man enough to let her go with open arms for the happiness she deserved. But he’d always been a jerk.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” she said politely.
“Enjoy your date.”
He couldn’t look. He heard the door close and reached for his beer, knowing this was for the best. He’d head to his apartment and get trashed. He wouldn’t think of her, or dream of her, or pretend they had anything else to aspire to other than a perfect friendship.
Wolfe lifted the bottle and chugged it down.
COSMOS WAS A BALANCE of good food, lively conversation, and a comfortable atmosphere. The scents of garlic, tomato, and basil filled the air, and roomy tables and booths scattered throughout the dining room allowed for private conversations. The oak bar was large and busy, with groups sipping cocktails and nibbling at famous brick-oven pizzas. Kinnections held many of its mixers at the popular restaurant, so she was happy they had agreed to meet here.
Gen spoke briefly to the hostess, who led her to the table. She dragged in a breath and pushed all thoughts of Wolfe aside. Not tonight. For the first time in a while, she felt sexy, confident, and daring. The ink still stung on her lower back like a naughty reminder. Visions of falling in lust with her date, scrambling back to her place to have a satisfying bout of sex, and sharing her space with another male who was neither friend nor enemy teased her like a mirage.
No wonder women bombed so many times on dates. Talk about high expectations for a first meeting.
Gen stopped and smiled at the attractive man before her. Whoa. Very hot. He stood up quickly, smiling back, and shook her hand with a warm, firm grip she enjoyed. Light brown hair matched his eyes, which seemed open and inviting. Lean, angular features, a proud Roman nose, and actual dimples screamed out one awesome word.
Score.