Chapter 6
Lia
Raph’s heated gaze warmed and captivated. He held his arm out, and I took it, heart racing. The man was giving me everything I’ve ever wanted. He was the guy I imagined, though he wasn’t privy to the confessions through the years. And there had been many. Our imaginary history made it hard to maintain an appropriate level of professionalism. Everything changed now that he was real. So, so real.
Raph was more handsome than I had pictured. He was all man. Sharp jaw, warm depth, super strong charisma. I hadn’t been with a man since college. That gap felt miles longer than it had this morning.
We reached the parking lot and Raph scrutinized me, searching my face. I didn’t know if this should be goodnight, or if I wanted more. If I brought him back to my place, temptation to do unspeakable things while we were alone would overtake me. Couldn’t do that. Not yet.
“I’d love for you to take me,” I said finally.
Throughout the whole evening, I picked up on an intimate undercurrent. It wasn’t always there, but every time our conversation lulled, it flared to life. My heart didn’t stop hammering the entire way through our meal. Especially when he fixed his eyes on me. I was too weak-willed to deny myself more time.
Mystery Guy was my once in a lifetime man. And even though nothing could happen, I couldn’t stop myself from longing.
Raph tapped the side of the town car, and the driver pulled away. We waited in silence for the valet to bring the car, and when he did, Raph tipped the young man and we climbed in.
I pulled in a sharp gasp when Raph hit the gas. The all-black two-door car was sleek and fast. Supple heated leather, fully loaded interior. It smelled like him, and I felt even more intoxicated with his scent surrounding me. How was a girl expected to make responsible choices under these circumstances?
We rolled to a stop at a light, and I entered my address into the car’s GPS. I sat back in my seat as the light turned green, and Raph took the first guided turn.
“The way you talked to Derrick this morning, and to me… You’re so straight to the point. How do you do it?”
I didn’t want to offend him or make him think I had an interest in his wealth, only in his success. That, and his past. I needed to know that he was who I thought he was. If he was the man with whom I shared thousands of imaginary conversations and hundreds of imaginary rendezvous.
“That’s it. I’m straight to the point. In business, there is no time for uncertainty or detours. If you know what you want, you go for it with everything you’re worth. No apologies. Be clear about your desires and intentions.” Raph let his fingers trail from the gear shifter to my thigh.
My breath caught in my throat. The implication was, in fact, straight to the point. I wasn’t wondering if he wanted more from me. He laid it out.
When we arrived at my building, he killed the engine and walked around to open my door. I climbed out and stumbled into him. It was the closest we’d been all night, and my tripping heart knew it.
I could feel the warmth of his body through the layers of fabric separating us. I looked into his hooded eyes.
“What are your desires and intentions right now?”
I had his full attention. My lips parted, and he bent his head and closed the distance. That answered any more questions I had about it. He was Mystery Guy.
His mouth felt better than I remembered. The kiss started soft; a gentle brush of lips. Then it turned hungry and devouring when his tongue invaded my mouth. He pulled me toward him and his hands moved from my shoulders to the back of my head, holding me there. A tortured moan escaped my throat as our tongues tangled.
Raph backed me against the car, pressing himself into me. The hard length of him strained against my belly. My body responded immediately, slick and aching to know him better. He groaned when I flung my arms around his neck.
I saw hunger and desire painted in his eyes when he finally dragged himself away. He held me still, staring like he couldn’t believe his eyes. Like he was trying his hardest not to lose control.
“Are you that girl?”
I gasped. Did he mean what I thought he meant? Did he remember?
Or was it about what was happening between us?
That made more sense.
I dragged in a shaky breath.
“Do you mean—I’m going to be committed to the project. Nothing will change that, no matter what happens here. I will maintain professionalism and commitment to Experience Shoreview.” I motioned to him, then to myself.
Raph sighed and grabbed the back of his neck as he took a distancing step away. “Good, but there’s nothing between us except a working relationship. You’re my designer. I’m sure that would be best.”
I stared dumbfounded. Sure, that made sense and all. But wasn’t he the one who initiated? He offered to drive me home. He was walking to my door. He kissed me. I didn’t start this.
But oh, what a kiss. I had forgotten what kissing felt like, and it was better than I remembered.
My whole body tingled long after the fact. Finally kissing someone after the longest hiatus, I wasn’t ready to let it go. But I didn’t have a choice. I groaned inwardly and squared my shoulders.
“I agree. It will be best if we keep this relationship completely professional. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Just beautiful design work in six weeks. You got it. See you tomorrow afternoon Mr. Teresse.”
On that note, I spun on my heel and walked into my building, swaying my hips. Tears threatened as I walked away. I should celebrate, not mourn the loss of his proximity. This was the pivotal moment for my career. A sexy fling was the last thing I needed in the mix. Especially if said sexcapade was with my new project employer.
He’s definitely off limits.
So what if I had literally dreamt of this man the better part of my life? I could totally handle it.
Totally.