Page 27 of High-Priority Asset

Dutch was turning out to be everything she wanted in a guy, her wish list made into flesh and bone. If she were looking for a perfect partner.

“And you’ve never stalked anyone, have you?” she asked.

“Never. But in freshman year of high school, I had a crush on a cheerleader and went to every football game. Fortunately, she was a senior and when she graduated, my obsession ended.”

She chuckled.

“You’re safe with me, Isabel.” He leaned in and put their joined hands over his heart. “I promise, no harm will come to you while you’re with me.” He spoke the words like a vow.

She always picked the wrong guy, but Dutch was different and had given her plenty of reasons through his actions to take a chance on him.

They walked four blocks down Santa Monica Boulevard and over to the Third Street Promenade—a posh outdoor shopping center with luxury boutiques, restaurants and lively events. Between Wilshire and Arizona Avenue was a festive public party with a diverse crowd. Salsa dancing on the promenade, from the young to the old, beginners and talented dancers displaying expert footwork and head rolls and dips she could only dream of doing.

It was unpretentious. A stark contrast to the vibe at any club. No one cared about how they were dressed or was concerned with appearances only. Everyone simply wanted to have a good time.

Isabel had no idea that this was going on a short five-minute walk from her gallery.

Dutch whisked her into his arms. “Disappointed?”

“Not at all,” she said, her feet already moving to the music.

Placing his hands in the right places, holding her in a firm yet gentle grip, he made it so damned easy with his caliente salsa moves. Their bodies pressed close, hips rolling in fluid sync.

She listened to the rhythm, surrendered to Dutch’s lead and let go. He was a human live wire made of muscle.

Dancing. Who would’ve guessed it would feel so good?

Laughter, fun and romance were in the warm air as he held her closer, spinning away her worries to the energizing Latin beats.

Her blood heated. The provocative moves reminded her how sexual and carefree she used to be. Dutch’s magnetism, the upbeat tempo, the sound of the trumpets in the music, the open-air environment, sparked life back in her veins and weaved a sort of magic around her.

She’d needed this. Needed him.

Dutch twirled her away from him. Smiling, she whirled with her arms extended. She did a two-count step, backing up to him, showing off a little.

Facing the large fountain topped with a dinosaur topiary, she spotted Chad watching her.

His jaw clenched hard. His eyes narrowed, his stare blistering. She could feel his fury like scalding lava on her skin.

If looks could kill, she would’ve been reduced to scorched earth.

Taking her wrist, Dutch spun her back into his arms. The unexpected touch made her catch her breath and sent her pulse hammering for good reasons. He smiled at her as if no one else in the world existed. Something in her chest lightened as fear evaporated.

God, she liked touching this delectable man, dancing with him, being near him. The way she felt safe with him. And nothing, absolutely nothing was going to spoil this moment.

Cupping his face in both her hands, Isabel rose on her toes and brought Dutch’s mouth to hers. She didn’t know if it was the adrenaline, her attraction to Dutch or her refusal to act as a victim that caused her to do it.

But he pulled her into the kiss, his lips hot and urgent, his tongue exploring deep.

And she didn’t hold back. Nothing denied. Everything on public display for all to see.

Her body moved against his, sinuous and desperate for sweetness, for sanctuary.

Not that long ago, someone cruel had made her doubt herself and tried to convince her that love had to hurt.

But it didn’t.

Dutch’s hands were gentle and persuasive on her body. Each long, sensual stroke of his tongue stole her breath along with the ugly memories. Transcended her to the clouds, where she was floating. She moaned in his mouth and he held her tighter with those granite arms, flattening her against his rock-hard chest. They tasted one another again and again, sharing breath, fueling the mutual fire crackling between them.