Heath (Wild Boys After Dark, #2)(17)

Amanda sighed. “Right. Otherwise you’ll go into your I-don’t-fit-into-his-world crap. Ally, you work in the hospital. Do I have to remind you again about how pretty and smart you are?”

“It’s not that. It’s just, you know I work with a lot of not-so-nice docs, and even though Marty rated him a one—”

“He did? Good. I trust Marty. I liked him from the first time you introduced us. He’s a straight shooter.”

“You met him once,” Ally reminded her.

“Yes, but I really liked him. If he says he’s a one, he probably is. So what’s the issue?”

“No issue. I just don’t want to fish for information. Let this progress naturally, so I can see if it should or not.”

“Okay. You’ll text me if you need me? I still can’t believe your mystery man asked you out. You have all the luck.” Amanda blew a kiss through the phone. “Have fun, and I’ll keep my phone on in case you want me to come kick his ass.”

Ally laughed. “He’s about six three. I don’t think you and I together would be able to do much in that regard, but honestly, as animalistic as he is in the bedroom, he seems really kind otherwise. I think.”

“You think.” Amanda giggled. “That’s really good, sis. Maybe you shouldn’t end up in bed with him tonight.”

“I’m already planning on keeping our convos outside the bedroom.”

“Really? Wow. Good for you.”

A knock at the door made her heart leap. “I think he’s here.”

“Have fun, and remember, no bedroom.”

She ended the call, wondering if she was strong enough to stick to the no-bedroom idea. She carried Fifi while she answered the door. Her resolve melted at the sight of Heath’s broad shoulders filling the doorway, with a bouquet of orange roses in his hands and an easy smile that warmed her all over. The black cotton shirt he wore was stretched tight across his shoulders, and his low-slung jeans fit him perfectly in all the right places. He wore a pair of leather loafers that probably cost more than her monthly rent, and when he leaned in close to kiss her cheek, he smelled different, woodsier than he had earlier.

“Hey there, beautiful.” He handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”

Oh, that voice. It made her insides flutter every time she heard him speak.

“Hi. Come in.” She stepped aside so he could come into her apartment. Her nerves flared for a brief moment over what he’d think of her cozy home.

“Thank you.” She looked down at Fifi.

“May I?” He reached for the kitty and nuzzled her against his chin, then kissed the top of her head. “She’s adorable. You must hate to leave her every day.”

Ally filled a vase with water and tried to ignore the way he was making her heart go pitter-patter. She eyed him skeptically. “You’re either really good at knowing what to say to seduce a woman, or you’re a very special man.” Or both.

He joined her in the kitchen with Fifi cuddled along one thick arm, purring loudly.

“I think we already know that I can sweet-talk you into bed, and no one else matters.” He tucked Ally’s long hair behind her ear and leaned his shoulder against the fridge, then kissed Fifi’s head again. “I don’t need to use animals for props. I really do love them.”

Ally pressed her hand to his chest and breathed deeply. She liked the way his muscles jumped beneath her palms and his eyes narrowed slightly when she touched him.

“What are tonight’s rules?”

He wrinkled his brow. “Rules?”

“Well, when we met it was no last names, no particulars. Now you know where I work and where I live. What’s next?” She took Fifi and laid her in her bed by the couch.

Heath wrapped his arms around Ally from behind and kissed her neck. “I don’t need any more rules, Allyson. Dating is sort of new territory for me.” He turned her in his arms and ran his knuckle down her cheek. “Do you want rules?”

She thought about that for a moment before answering. Did she want to put restraints on their relationship, or would rules make sex even more appealing for both of them?

“Allyson, what is going on in that brilliant mind of yours?” He kissed her forehead, and she smiled up at him.

“I have no idea. Part of me thinks we should try to go on a date without ending up in bed, but the other part of me thinks that will make me want you even more.” Where was this honesty coming from?

He tightened his hold on her waist. “All I can say is that this scares the shit out of me, too.”

“Is that what I was saying?” She wrinkled her brow, knowing he’d hit the nail on the head.

***

THE FIRST THING that struck Ally was the way their hands fit together as they walked toward the restaurant. She’d felt Heath’s hands in and on her body, but holding his hand was an experience all its own. His hands were thick and strong, yet soft and warm. Just as he carried himself with confidence, his grip was sure and safe. It was a nice feeling. She’d never paid much attention to things like how hands fit together before, but with Heath, she felt acutely aware of every little thing about him. When they stopped to let someone pass in front of them, he tightened his grip on her hand, and when he held the restaurant door open for her, his hand slid to her lower back in a possessive touch she thoroughly enjoyed.