“Wow,” she said, her gaze flying between the chandeliers and the opulent decor. “I’ve never been in a place like this…”
Something in her tone caused a strange twinge in his chest as she preceded him into the gleaming brass and marble elevator. As Red took her on a tour of the pool room, gym, conference and meditation rooms, she sporadically commented on the choice of colors, styles, floor coverings and features of each room, nodding her approval. It was the library that rendered her speechless for a few moments. She pivoted to take in the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves already stacked with new books, the luxurious high-back armchairs and recliners, and shot Red an appreciative grin.
“Whoever designed this is my kind of designer,” she murmured, swirling around again to take it all in.
“And mine,” he said, chuckling. “Are you ready to continue skyward? You’ve been in the CN Tower. I’d like to show you another spectacular view.”
Ronnie’s eyebrows lifted. “Why not? I doubt I’ll get this chance again.”
As they returned to the elevator, Red thought about Ronnie’s words. They had been uttered without bitterness or longing. She had simply stated a fact that she believed to be true, a fact she accepted with calm practicality.
This was a side of a woman he was unfamiliar with. Sofia had grown up having and expecting luxury and extravagance in her life. It had become obvious to Red that she was never satisfied. The more she had, the more she wanted.
That was not the kind of woman he wanted in his life… and sooner or later, he would have realized that, if she had not broken up with him first.
As the doors opened to the penthouse level, Red ushered Ronnie toward his suite. While he had been settling into the estate in Parry Sound, his personal administrative assistant had arranged for the new furnishings to be delivered here and arranged where Red had specified. She had also arranged for his personal belongings to be transferred from his previous condo to this one, unpacked and put in their assigned places. He had only to walk in and enjoy life in his new penthouse.
Red was looking forward to checking it out…
He was not disappointed. As he scanned the sprawling open-concept space, Red nodded in satisfaction at the gleaming European kitchen, the sleek, Northern Italian furnishings in the living area, the heated hardwood floors, exotic area rugs and the eclectic decor. Perfect. Minimalistic but not stark. Comfortable. He turned to Ronnie. “Comments?”
“Stunning. Sleek and elegant, but not stuffy.” She walked to the nearest floor-to-ceiling window. “Breathtaking view…” She stared out at the cityscape and the impressive view of the CN Tower. “Awesome.”
Red joined her, and for a few moments they looked out together. He had chosen this suite for its spectacular positioning and iconic views.
“Come out on the terrace,” he murmured.
Ronnie followed him past a spacious bedroom and as she took a few steps forward onto the terrace and looked down at the dizzying view, she suddenly swayed. Red reached out to help her steady herself.
“It’s a different sensation, being out here, as opposed to looking out the window,” she said apologetically, inhaling deeply. “I’m feeling a little light-headed.”
Red steered her inside. He led her into the nearest room and had her sit down on an upholstered bench at the end of the king-size bed. He sat next to her and looked at her closely. “Are you feeling dizzy now? Light-headed still? Close your eyes and tilt your head forward.”
She closed her eyes and when she swayed away from him, Red’s arm shot out to stop her. He moved her gently back against him and kept his hand clasped around his arm. “Okay, take a deep breath,” he murmured close to her ear. “Nice and slow. And let it out…”
As she inhaled, her head came up and his lips brushed against her temple, igniting a thudding in his chest. Her skin was so soft and rose-scented, and Red instinctively felt the urge to kiss her.
Don’t…
Ronnie turned her head and opened her eyes at that moment. Those bright chestnut eyes with the soft fluttering of her eyelashes were his undoing…
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
RONNIE BLINKED, DISORIENTED. Red’s arm was around her, holding her as if he were afraid she would fall off the seat, and he was looking at her in a way she had not seen before. Was it concern? The intensity of the fathomless depths of his eyes sent a shiver through her. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think it was more than just concern. Tenderness, maybe…
She could still feel his breath fanning her cheek, and the sudden swell of his chest as he inhaled deeply himself. Her heart did a pirouette, followed by a tap dance across her chest. She couldn’t deny that she liked the feel of Red against her, the protective clasp of his hand on her arm, the red-gold hair and scruff she’d be tempted to reach up and touch…if they were more than just acquaintances.
“Are you okay, Ronnie?”
His voice was husky, and the way her name tumbled out of his mouth so easily made her pulse leap. “Um… I’m fine now. I’m okay with heights…but it’s a whole different feeling when you’re actually outside.”
Ronnie saw Red’s mouth quirk at her choice of words. And couldn’t stop staring at his lips. She felt her stomach muscles contracting. A sensation of desire swept through her, and as she gazed upward at him, her cheeks burning, she could tell that Red was all too aware of her state of being. His hand slipped from her arm to cup her head gently as he leaned down to grant her unspoken request.
The gentle pressure of Red’s lips on hers galvanized her. Ronnie’s arms moved of their own accord around his neck. She felt herself sinking into a wonderland, her body drifting into the depths of pleasure…a pleasure she had believed herself to be immune to.
If she had been light-headed moments earlier, now her whole being felt as if
