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“I could get used to traveling like this,” she said on a sigh, her gaze meeting his once more, noting the heat in his eyes, the hungry way he studied her. Alarm swept through her as the air fairly crackled between them. “What? Is something wrong?”
“Nothing at all. You’re pretty when you first wake up. And rather agreeable.” He reached out, trailed his fingers down her cheek. “I like the idea of finding you in my bed every morning.”
Her heart threatened to lurch out of her chest at his words. But surely he didn’t mean it. He couldn’t. “Very funny,” she said weakly. “I can be a grump in the morning. Until I have that first cup of coffee.”
“You? A grump? I can’t imagine.” His smile grew as he toyed with a lock of her hair and she realized he was teasing.
“I’ve been rather grumpy to you, I can admit it.” She offered him a quick smile. “I’ll try to be on my best behavior during our trip.”
“So you’ll be a well-behaved kidnapping victim? How lucky am I?” Leaning in, he brushed her mouth with his, his lips lingering. Just long enough for her to open to him, their bodies swaying toward each other as his tongue touched hers delicately.
“Mr. Renaldi, we’re about to make our final descent into New York City. I suggest you and your guest return to your seats and buckle in.” The captain’s voice rang from invisible speakers, causing Cat to jerk away from Rafe so fast she nearly tumbled off the bed.
“Watch it.” He grabbed her arm, saving her from tumbling onto the floor, and she shot him a grateful smile. “You all right?”
“I’m fine.” She hadn’t hurt anything. Just her pride. “Shall we go back to our seats?”
“Absolutely.” He stood and drew her to her feet, keeping her hand clasped in his. “Are you ready for a brand-new adventure?” he murmured close to her ear.
She nodded, keeping her head averted. More than afraid if she looked him in the eye, she’d probably kiss him again. Meaning the captain would have to tell them again to get in their seats and embarrass her further.
“I can’t wait to spend the next few days with you, Cat,” he whispered, his firm, damp lips brushing her earlobe, making her shiver. “Maybe then I can convince you we belong together after all.”
She didn’t doubt it for a second. She’d need to utilize every bit of resistance she had within her to ward him off.
But maybe she didn’t want to.
Chapter Five
Rafe brought Cat to his apartment in Midtown, pleased when she glanced about the space in seeming awe, her hazel eyes wide as she drank in the view, and he was thankful the weather cooperated, offering a gorgeous glimpse of the city skyline. The brightly shining sun reflected off the windows of the high rises that surrounded them, casting a glow into the room.
“This is amazing.” She turned to look at him, surprise written all over her face. “How do you ever want to leave? I wouldn’t, not with this view.”
“Can’t stay cooped up in this place for the rest of my days, now could I?” He set her small travel bag on the ground, then went to the wall of windows where she stood, overlooking the city. “Do you want to rest some more? I know you couldn’t have got much sleep on the plane. Or would you want something to drink? Maybe eat? I can order something for us if you’d like.”
She glanced up, her reflection meeting his in the window’s reflective glass. “I’m fine, thank you.”
Hell. She’d thrown up a wall since they departed the jet, seeming to withdraw into herself. He tried to tell himself she was tired, overwhelmed, unsure. More than anything, he was afraid she regretted coming with him.
And he couldn’t have that. He’d set her right back on that jet and send her home to Italy if that was the case. No way would he keep a woman with him against her will. Despite his jokingly calling their situation a kidnapping, he didn’t really mean it.
He certainly didn’t think he’d be able to stand it if they planned on tiptoeing around each other for the next few days, though. He’d thoroughly enjoyed her earlier when they’d woken up together on the plane. Soft and sweet and agreeable, her obvious reaction to him had been a tremendous turn on. He’d been tempted to take it that much further right there on the bed when the plane’s captain had warned them they were ready to land.
That interruption still irritated him, though she’d seemed blissfully unaware. Of course, he was the one who still walked around with a perpetual hard-on while she acted like that moment had been completely forgettable.
Damn, he felt like such a simpering fool. For the first time in his life, had he actually encountered a woman who couldn’t give a shit about him? She’d more than proven that when she walked away from him just last night.
But he’d turned around and more than proven himself by convincing her to leave the country with him. If that didn’t earn him some points, he didn’t know what would.
This isn’t a game, asshole. There’s no need for keeping score.
He knew this. But he couldn’t help himself. It was the middle brother in him, the constant need to compete, strive toward greatness. Strive toward winning. And right now he was desperate to win back Catalina as his fiancée.
