Chapter 10 #2
She examined herself in the mirror, turning every which way, and liked what she saw. Then she added some lip gloss and lots of mascara. That was enough, the black made her green eyes pop and look like the darkest emerald.
When she was finished, she picked up her clutch with her PPK inside and walked out to the living room.
Cole was already there, looking out the window with a short bourbon in his hand. He turned toward her and his eyes widened. Setting the drink on the coffee table, he walked to her. He took her hands in his and pulled her forward. He kissed her cheek. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
Why was her heart pounding so hard she felt like her head would explode with the pressure?
Why was his touch so gentle, and yet, it heated her right to her core?
She should never have taken this job when they first met, but she couldn’t leave it now if she wanted to and she didn’t.
She wanted—no, needed—to be with Cole. Something about him called to her, and she was determined to see if he felt the same way.
“Thank you. You look pretty great, too. But where are we going that we won’t be overdressed…you in your tux and me in this?” She ran a hand up and down in front of her body.
He grinned. “I have just the place.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Shall we go, my lady?”
“Yes, we shall, kind sir.”
He headed toward the door but didn’t release her hand.
Regan was confused, to say the least. Did he feel about her the way she felt about him? She honestly didn’t know. He’d been a complete gentleman. Would she have to take matters into her own hands?
The limo was waiting in the garage. The driver took off as soon as they were in the car, and Cole didn’t have to tell him where to go. They ended up at the Denver Country Club. She wondered how he became a member here, because it was known for being just old money.
When they walked into the ballroom, she saw all kinds of people milling around, mingling with each other.
She also saw small groups that seemed to be set off from the other attendees by design.
They were all older people, and she guessed they were long-time members of the country club.
From the looks on their faces, they weren’t happy with the influx of fresh blood .
Couples swayed to the slow-tempo music provided by the string quartet.
Cole made a beeline for the dance floor and pulled her into his arms.
She wound her arms around his neck.
He placed his arms around her waist and pulled her flush with his body. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to feel you in my arms and close enough to kiss.”
Even with her three-inch heels, she had to tilt her head back. He towered over her by four inches, anyway. She gazed up. “I can’t date my boss. It’s not ethical.”
“Then you’re fired. How about now?”
Wasn’t that what she wanted? No, not until she was sure he was safe. Not until Jerry Sykes was in custody and no longer a threat. “You don’t want to fire me. I’m a great bodyguard.”
They continued to sway to the music.
She felt every touch as he held her close, caressing her back, moving one hand up and down, slowly.
“Cole.” Her voice was soft, his name said in a whisper.
“Regan. I’ve never wanted anyone like I do you. Give me something. Give me a night together.”
“We’ve already had several nights together, and you were a perfect gentleman. Why the change now?”
“Because I can’t stand it anymore. I’ve wanted you, wanted to kiss you, from the first moment I saw you in my office.
And then, when I saw how remarkable you are, how strong.
You’re a heady combination, a beautiful woman who is independent and fierce.
I’ve watched you kick the you-know-what out of someone trying to kill me.
I’ve watched you contemplate the reason for an act of sabotage that could have been so much worse.
I’ve seen you giddy over getting some dresses, which, by the way, look fantastic on you.
I want you, Regan, more than I’ve ever wanted anyone before. ”
She was quiet as she laid her cheek against his chest. “I want you, too, Cole.” Then she looked up to meet his gaze. “But it’s not enough. Not for either of us. I’m not a part-time girl or a simple hookup.”
“I don’t want a hookup. I?—”
“Do you want a wife? Children? Because I won’t settle for less.
I did that once, and it nearly killed me when Danny married that woman.
He sent me pictures, paper ones, of them together.
As soon as I realized what they were, I burned them.
I saw the first one and then burned them without looking at the rest. I burned his letters, too.
We wrote actual letters, not emails, though we did do some of those, too.
I deleted everything that had to do with him.
I erased him from my life, but I couldn’t erase the memories or how I felt.
” She laid her forehead against his chest and closed her eyes, willing the tears not to fall.
“Then I married Kip. I know it was on the rebound, but I did love him and when he was killed, a little of me died again because I didn’t have his child to care for.
I won’t do that again.” She stepped away. “I want to go home.”
Cole looked down at her. His eyebrows were furrowed and he didn’t appear to want to make the call to his driver. “Okay. Let’s get out of here.” His words were clipped, like he was doing his best to control his anger.
But she heard the anger in his voice, though he never raised it.
He didn’t have to make the call. His limo had not left the entrance yet. Too many other cars needed to be parked first.
His driver jumped from the car when Cole pulled the back door open.
“Mr. Kincaid, I?—”
“Don’t worry about it, Raoul. We just want to go home.”
Did Cole notice she’d referred to his apartment as home? Would he care if he had?