He kept his hand there even in the busy lift, nodding in greeting at people from other offices in the big building. Jilly felt a blush creep over her face. Feeling the chemistry between them prickling her skin was fine when they were in private, but in a busy lift, where she couldn’t hide, it was another matter entirely. She was embarrassed, reacting to his touch like a silly teenager.
Finally, after what she was sure was the longest five seconds of her entire life, the elevator doors opened and they stepped out into the foyer. She could breathe again now, even though his hand hadn’t shifted on her back. It fitted there perfectly, his warm fingers sending sparks travelling up and down her spine, rushing to her pussy. Heat pooled in her core. His thigh brushed against her hip. The layers of clothing between them were way too thin and her pelvis burned in response.
“What do you like to eat?” He spoke softly, his voice a deep rumble that stoked the fire burning inside her.
“Anything.” She shrugged, wanting to sound casual, like walking down the street with him was no big deal; like his hand on her back didn’t matter, and there really weren’t fireworks exploding within her.
“I haven’t made reservations anywhere. The mall food hall okay with you?”
“Perfect.” She did her best to hide her relief. Anywhere other than the food hall in the nearby mall was way out of her budget. Even the food hall was pushing it. She was doing better financially now than she’d done in years, but there still wasn’t much wiggle room, and it definitely didn’t extend to luxuries like restaurant meals.
Matthew was the perfect gentleman. She noticed how he shortened his strides to match hers and how he opened the door for her, ushering her through first. His strong, guiding hand stayed on her back the whole time, gently leading her to a spare table near the wall, pulling her chair out for her.
“What would you like?” he asked. “My shout.”
“Sushi. But I can get it,” she protested, making a move to stand up, but Matthew’s hand on her shoulder pressed her back down into the chair.
“I will get it,” he told her firmly. “Don’t argue.” The stern look he gave her backed up his words, fanning the flames of lust inside her.
She bit her lip. “Yes, sir,” she murmured. “Thank you.”
The food hall was busy, but she didn’t notice the noise or the crowd. She didn’t notice anything but him, sitting opposite her, sharing a table. The setting was far from private or intimate, but it didn’t matter. All she could focus on was him.
Close up, his eyes were much darker than she’d realised. They weren’t blue, but a mottled shade of dark brown, turning almost black in the bright fluorescent light. Laughter lines creased the corners, giving his face character, life. The smallest hint of dark stubble shadowed his jaw, dark hair curled around his ears. Although he was far from the only one in the busy downtown food hall wearing a suit and tie and looking dapper and respectable, nobody else wore it as well as he did. It may not be tailored, or custom-made, but it fitted him perfectly, the jacket not too snug across his broad shoulders, the pants hanging off his hips just so, emphasising his long, lean legs.
He reached one large hand across the table. How had she not noticed the size of them before? Even his fingers were big. Long, strong. Nails evenly trimmed. Almost elegant. Perfect piano playing fingers. Did he play?
Her heart thudded as he picked up her hand, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. His gentle touch sent sparks flying through her again, awakening all her nerves. She caught her breath as he reached up and swept a stray lock of hair back off her face, his fingers leaving a hot line across her forehead, his innocent touch so unbelievably erotic.
With a grin, he picked up a single hot chip and brought it to her mouth, feeding her. She bit down, tasting the salt on her lips, trying to eat delicately, like a lady, as he stuffed the rest of the chip into her mouth.
“You don’t need to feed me, I’m perfectly capable,” she told him, laughing. “Besides, I have my sushi.”
He winked and licked his lips. “I like a woman who isn’t afraid of eating chips.”
“I’m definitely not afraid of eating chips,” she confirmed. “They’re made of potato, so they’re a vegetable, right?”
Matthew laughed. “You’re definitely my type of girl.”
Jilly felt her face flame. “Am I? That’s good.” She felt shy all of a sudden and looked away, unsure of what to say.
He picked up her hand again, squeezed it softly. “Hey,” he said gently. “It is a good thing. A very good thing. Look at me.” He spoke softly, but firmly, making it clear he wouldn’t be disobeyed, and when she didn’t immediately comply with his request he took her chin in his other hand and tilted her face up to him, forcing her to meet his steady gaze. The authority in his manner nearly made her melt.
Don’t go there, she told herself firmly. You have a daughter to consider, a job to keep. Remember why you swore off men in the first place. Because his hand on her chin meant she couldn’t avoid it, she stared up into his eyes, getting lost in the dark chocolate depths that shone with passion. She knew her
