dryer.
Instead of panty hose, he'd chosen sheer, shimmering black stockings with an elasticized band of lace that hugged her thighs, and when she turned to look in her mirror to see the full effect of the lingerie, she almost didn't recognize herself. A smile curved her mouth, and her pulse picked up its beat.
She'd become a sex kitten. And she liked the transformation, as well as the incredibly arousing feel of the sexy lingerie against her skin.
Finally, she slipped on the knee-length dress Ryan had bought for her, concealing the provocative undergarments. But knowing what she wore beneath the sheath of black velvet made her feel utterly feminine and decidedly risque. The dress shaped to her curves, the sleeves were long and warm, and the neckline scalloped low enough to show a tasteful hint of cleavage.
As a whole package, with her freshly washed hair falling softly around her face, her diamond studs sparkling in her ears, and makeup lightly applied to enhance her blue eyes and features, she appeared sophisticated and elegant. All a temporary fantasy, she knew, because beneath the trappings she was just plain and sensible Jessica Newman. A woman with simple dreams of stability and security with a man, and emotional needs that didn't coincide with Ryan's future plans and his dedication to his career.
The doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. Quickly, she slipped her stockinged feet into the matching black velvet heels, grabbed the beaded handbag with the silk corded strap, and headed into the living room.
Giddy with the anticipation of seeing Ryan, she opened the door, saw how striking and gorgeous he looked in black-tie attire and greeted him with a breathless, 'Hi.'
He stepped inside her apartment, and the subtle scent of his cologne wrapped around her. 'Hi, yourself,' he drawled, his voice as dark and rich as the appreciation glimmering in his deep brown eyes. 'Youlook
His warm, sincere compliment caused her heart to flutter in her chest and boosted her confidence another notch. 'Thanks to you.'
'Partly.' Pushing back his well-cut jacket, he slid his hands into the front pockets of his trousers, and inclined his head. 'I have to confess thatI took Natalie with me to the boutique to help me pick out the dress, but what's beneath it was all my choice. I take it everything fit okay?'
She nodded. 'Perfectly, and very comfortably, I might add.'
'I tried to keep in mind your sensible attire, but you deserve pretty, feminine things, and I liked buying them for you.' A wolfish grin curved his lips, and he stepped closer, tracing the scalloped edges of her bodice with a long, tapered finger. Her breasts swelled at that tantalizing caress, her nipples hardened, and he watched her body's response to his touch. 'And I'd be lying if I didn't say that just imagining you in that sheer bra, those lacy panties, and those thigh-high stockings is enough to make me want to strip away your dress and look my fill.'
Desire curled in her stomach, prompting a brazenness to match his mental seduction. Dampening her bottom lip with her tongue, she smoothed her hand along his lapel. 'Yeah, well, maybe we can turn that particular fantasy into reality.'
A dark brow winged upward, accentuating the heat blazing in his eyes. 'You know, if we didn't have a very important party to attend, I'd accept that challenge.'
Wanting to tempt him as much as he did her, she leaned into him and whispered huskily in his ear. 'The challenge stands, counselor, all… night… long.'
He groaned, the sound both agonized and aroused. 'You are a
She'd never been wicked before, not until Ryan. He made her feel inflamed and restless and daring, and for now, she'd luxuriate in the sensations because, too soon, she'd be alone again.
He drew a deep, steady breath, and cast a glance at the fancy black-and-gold watch strapped to his wrist. 'As much as I'd like to stay and explore the endless possibilities of your intriguing invitation, we need to be on our way. Are you ready to go?'
Back to reality-his party, his world, which was so far removed from her own simple life. Reaching for her long, black wool coat, she flashed him a smile that belied the sudden apprehension infusing her veins. 'Ready as I'll ever be, I suppose.'
With nothing left to stall the inevitable, Jessica let Ryan escort her to his Lexus and budded in for the ride. The half-hour drive to Phillip Haywood's estate passed quickly with Ryan keeping up a steady stream of inconsequential conversation, which she suspected was designed to put her at ease. She appreciated the gesture and thought she was going to be just fine until they started wending their way up a long, winding driveway to a huge, stately mansion. She suddenly felt as though she was way out of her league and had no business being there.
Her stomach churned with uncertainties, but she had little time to dwell on them. A valet promptly appeared to park Ryan's car, and she was forced to exit the vehicle. Ryan met up with her on the sidewalk, tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and led her toward the enormous double doors inlaid with etched glass.
With every step, her legs felt weighed down by lead. Tension tightened every molecule in her body, and with every breath she gulped her chest burned and seemed to compress.
Oh, Lord, what was she doing?
Stopping at the front door, Ryan rang the doorbell. He glanced her way with a sexy smile, and must have seen the panic in her eyes, because concern instantly touched his features. 'Hey, are you okay?'
No, I don't belong here with you.As honest as that knowledge was, she couldn't bring herself to say the words, knowing that he'd take her back home rather than force her to stay. Unwilling to ruin this night for him just so she could wallow in her own insecurities, she settled for an understated version of the truth and prayed that she'd survive the evening. 'I'm just a little nervous.'
He brushed his knuckles softly over her jaw, his gaze both tender and understanding. Lowering his head, he placed a quick, but infinitely sweet kiss on her lips that lingered long after he pulled back.
'I'll be right beside you the entire time,' he murmured reassuringly. 'You're going to be just fine, Jessie.'
And then the door opened and they were greeted by a warm, friendly man that Ryan introduced to her as his boss, Phillip Haywood. As Phillip's hand engulfed hers in a warm handshake and the older man chastised Ryan for keeping such a beauty all to himself, Jessica had no choice but to trust Ryan and believe his promise that she really was going to be just fine.
Chapter 8
After four hours of exchanging pleasantries and formalities with attorneys, Jessica couldn't help but let loose a little humor now that the evening was over. 'How do you save a lawyer from drowning?'
Ryan glanced her way, seemingly trying to gauge her mood. 'I haven't a clue,' he murmured.
She allowed a tired smile to touch her lips. 'Take your foot off his head.'
His deep, rich chuckles filled the close confines of his car as he navigated his way back to the main road from Haywood's estate. 'Thank you for saving that joke for a more private moment.'
'You're welcome.' The chill cloaking the inside of the vehicle stole beneath her long, wool coat and caressed her legs, making her shiver. 'I don't think your bosses or colleagues would have appreciated my brand of humor quite the way you do.'
He flipped on the heater, then turned to meet her eyes, visible by the illumination radiating from the dash. 'Was the party that bad for you?'
With a sigh, she rested her head against the back of her seat and thought about his question. 'Actually, it wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be. Everyone was friendly and warm. Any discomfort I experienced was strictly my own.' And, surprisingly, it had been minimal.
She'd survived the evening, and had even enjoyed herself at times, regardless of knowing the occupation of half the guests at the party. She'd seen a different side to what she'd always believed was a hard-edged profession. The associates who worked at Haywood and Irwin were hardworking men and women who just happened to have chosen law as a career, as Ryan had suggested. People with humor and emotions. People with families of their own. People who represented the good and evil of the world because it was their sworn duty to help others and assure them of a fair trial.
