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I considered her pretty when I first saw her at the bar, but under the setting sun’s dusty pink and blue sky, she was a fantasy come to life.
I’d purchased dresses for women before. But never had one left me wanting to buy her an entire wardrobe just so I could envision a new outfit to peel off of her every night.
But first, I had to get through tonight and impress Laura enough to make that happen. I looked forward to the challenge. She had warned me it would only be one date. But wasn’t that how all negotiations began? Laura didn’t know me yet, but I was betting she would soon enough. I always got what I wanted.
And I wanted her.
“You are breathtaking, Laura,” I said after she asked me a question about apples. I moved toward her slowly, to not startle her and give her time to move away. Then I raised her left hand and pressed my lips to her knuckles. Her eyes narrowed as though trying to figure me out.
“Ready?” I asked, holding back a grin.
“Yes.”
I started the car and turned back to her. I couldn’t help staring at her bare leg that peeked through the slit. She wasn’t an exceptionally tall woman, maybe five foot five, but those nude heels elongated her shapely legs nicely. My mind imagined them wrapped around my waist. I whipped my head around to back out of her driveway, hoping she couldn’t read on my face that I was picturing her naked in my bed.
As I reversed the car, I caught the scent of her perfume. An intoxicating fragrance of floral and spice. It was a good description of her. She looked as pretty as a rose, but her words were not exactly sweet. They had more of a kick to them. The contrast made her so damn sexy.
“What’s the purpose of the gala? I never asked earlier,” she said as she crossed her legs and adjusted the fabric over her knee.
“It’s in support of cancer research. Crawford Corporation buys two tables each year, but I’m usually the only one of my brothers who attends.”
“Why is that?” She turned and her eyes searched mine. I worried they were looking for something that wasn’t there.
“Because Colton isn’t exactly a charmer, and while Luke is, until recently he wanted nothing to do with the business. So that left me.”
“You could have sent someone else in your place.”
“No. That would be terrible, wouldn’t it? Someone from the family has to show his face.”
“So, it’s just for appearances?” she asked.
Glancing in her direction, I noticed she stared straight ahead.
“We would donate the money anyway, but being here tonight is mostly for appearance, yes.”
When I reached the entrance to the museum, I handed my keys to the valet. Laura stepped out of the car and adjusted her dress. Her silhouette under the spotlight reminded me of a Hollywood icon readying herself on the red carpet. There were plenty of photographers lining the entrance that it may as well have been a movie premiere.
I extended my arm to her. “Shall we?”
Taking my arm, she held her head high and walked down the gauntlet with me. Lights flashed and paparazzi shouted at us to turn toward them. But I steered Laura toward the doors without stopping. The pressure of her fingers squeezing my arms told me she wasn’t really a fan of the spotlight, unlike some of my past dates who enjoyed taking a moment to pose for the papers.
Inside, the museum had been transformed into a castle with white drapery along the walls, torches lining the hallways, and some people dressed in medieval costumes.
Despite being away from the camera, Laura still hadn’t released her grip on my arm. So I placed my hand on top of hers and caressed her skin with my thumb. “Are you nervous?”
“A little,” she said, her voice sounding cautious for the first time.
The vulnerability spiked my protective instincts. “We can leave if you’d like. Go someplace else.”
She hesitated, then shook her head. “No. I’m fine. Just needed a moment to adjust.”
“Take all the time you need.”
She nodded, but her grip on my arm loosened.
“Crawford, good to see you. I wanted to talk about the hearing next week. I think—”
“Good evening to you, too, Henderson,” I said. Then pointed to Laura. “This is my date for the evening, Laura Stevens. As you can see, I’m busy tonight, but you can call my office tomorrow to book a time for us to talk.”
