Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)(34)

“It’s what I live for.”

She smiled. “You’re in a happy mood. Is it the shopping? I thought guys hated shopping.”

“I don’t like stores, but I enjoy the internet. I get to conquer from a distance. It’s satisfying.” He stood and crossed to the menus she’d posted on the walls.

She joined him. “Okay, Friday night dinner.” She pointed out the drawing that was to represent the table in the private room. “I added your parents to the guest list,” she began.

Sam sighed. “Did you have to?”

“I thought I should. Would you rather they weren’t there?”

“Yes, but you’re right. They’ll show up whether we invite them or not.”

While she understood he didn’t want to think about either of his parents attending the weekend, she couldn’t wait to meet them. Taryn and Larissa had tried to scare her, but she knew better. Still, it would be interesting to meet some of Sam’s family.

She pointed out the names on the paper. “Kenny and Jack aren’t bringing dates. Larissa doesn’t want to come to the dinner. Taryn’s bringing Angel. So this should be the final count.”

“You’re missing one.”

She frowned. “I am? No, I’m not. I’ve been over this like fifteen times.”

He shook his head. “You’re not on the list.”

“But I’m not attending the party.”

“You’re going to be there all weekend, aren’t you?”

“Sure, but coordinating things. I’m working behind the scenes.”

“You should be at the dinner.”

“It’s for your company and your clients. I’m not part of either. It would be like me planning a wedding and then sitting at one of the tables.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

She laughed. “It’s not how it works. I’ll be there making sure your weekend runs smoothly. But that’s all.”

He looked back at the list. “It’s a stupid rule.”

“Many of them are.”

“I wouldn’t bring a date.” He was still staring at the names and the tiny drawing of the table, then he turned his attention back to her. “We kissed.”

“You and me?”

“Is there anyone else in the room?”

She met his dark gaze and couldn’t decide if she wanted to move closer or step away. Which wasn’t exactly true. She knew exactly what she wanted to do. The question was more about which action was smart.

“I wouldn’t have kissed you if I was seeing someone else.”

“Good to know,” she whispered. “I feel the same way.”

“So there’s no mystery guy?”

She smiled. “I told you that before. Not only because that’s not my style but because this is Fool’s Gold and we don’t have secrets here.”

“I didn’t know about the rabbits.”

“That doesn’t make them a secret.”

She didn’t feel as if she was moving, but it seemed that she and Sam were standing a little closer than they had been. And he wasn’t bothering to look at her lists anymore. All of his considerable attention was focused on her.

The intensity of his gaze made her shiver—but not because she was cold. Just the opposite. The room had gotten warm and she was having a little trouble catching her breath. He didn’t help the situation when he reached out his hand and cupped her cheek. Her eyes fluttered closed, which was why she had no warning when he leaned in and kissed her.

The feel of his mouth on hers stole away the last of her breath and made her knees go weak. Generally Dellina fought being a cliché, but this time she didn’t mind very much. Not when Sam’s warm mouth claimed her with a combination of need and passion that had her sliding her hands up his chest and surrendering to the inevitable.

Good thing because he hauled her against him, wrapped both arms around her, tilted his head and thrust his tongue into her mouth.

She met him stroke for stroke, losing herself in the wanting that flooded her. Her body burned with both arousal and hunger. She wanted to touch him everywhere, but more important, she wanted him touching her. She wanted skin on skin. Only his fingers or mouth could make her stop aching so much. Except in that one place. There she needed more than his mouth or his hands.

He kissed her deeply, claiming as he offered. She let her fingers roam across his shoulders and down his arms. He stroked the length of her back. For a second, she thought...hoped...he would slide around and cup her br**sts. Or more. Instead he kept kissing her, brushing his tongue against hers until it was all she could do not to beg.

Before she could, he drew back slightly and rained soft kisses on her cheeks, her chin and then on her lips. He tucked her hair behind her ears, then kissed the tip of her nose.

“You’ll be at the dinner,” he told her. “Do I make myself clear?”

She nodded because speaking was impossible.

“This can’t happen again,” he said. “We’re working together. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you.”

And with that declaration, he left. She stared after him, then sank into her chair and tried to catch her breath. Sam Ridge was not an easy man to know. But he sure knew how to make an exit. She might not date very much but she’d been around enough to know that was not a quality an intelligent woman sought in a man.