One Sweet Ride

Which made him wonder how he could maneuver it—adjust his life—so the two of them could stay together.

The lights went down and the music started. Evelyn grabbed his hand tight and didn’t let go through the entire production, which was cute and funny. He loved hearing her laugh and he enjoyed the musical because Evelyn enjoyed it so much. She talked about it nonstop on the ride back to the hotel.

“I know I’ve been going on and on since we left the theater, but did you like it?”

she asked as they rode up the elevator.

“I did. It was fun. I laughed a lot.”

She grinned. “I did, too. And the music—oh, the music was amazing. Every song was catchy and fun and the voices of the actors were tremendous. I’m so envious of their talent.”

He slid his key in and unlocked the door to their suite, then turned on the lights. He tossed his wallet on the table near the door, then turned to her. “You have many talents, Evelyn.”

“Yes, but singing isn’t one of them. I was always jealous of the choir and drama students in college. It’s something I wanted to do, but I don’t have the voice.”

He came up to her and put his arms around her. “Maybe you can sing for me sometime—in the shower—and I’ll judge you.”

She laughed. “Not a chance in hell that’s ever going to happen.”

“You don’t trust me to be unbiased?”

She laid her palms on his chest. “I wouldn’t abuse your ears that way.”

“Now I think you’re too hard on yourself.”

“And you obviously haven’t heard me sing, in the shower or elsewhere.”

He smiled at her and pulled away, then poured a liqueur for both of them from the well-stocked bar. He turned on music, a sultry R&B station that settled smoothly into her bones.

“I thought we’d have a drink on the terrace,” he said.

“That sounds nice.” She took her drink from him and followed him outside.

The night was perfect, the heat of the day eased by the cloud cover and the light breeze. Evelyn walked to the edge of the terrace and looked out over the city. “It’s even more beautiful at night.” She turned to him as he came up beside her. “Have I thanked you for bringing me here?”

“Numerous times. And I’m enjoying it as much as you are.”

She took a sip of the liqueur. “Oh, this is good. You’re spoiling me.”

He slid his hand up her back, enjoying the feel of her skin against his hand. “I like spoiling you. Usually it’s work all the time, people surrounding us, and then at the end of the day the two of us holing up in the trailer. Now what kind of treat is that for my woman? I have to get you out of there on occasion and show you a good time.”

Evelyn took a deep breath. His woman? God, he melted her panties with that statement. As if the whole day hadn’t completely taken her breath away, he had to make a comment like that and make her second-guess everything about their relationship.

She took a deep breath, then turned and leaned against the railing. “You’ve shown me beyond a good time. This has been such a surprise today, Gray. I’ve enjoyed everything about seeing New York. But the best part has been sharing it all with you.”

“I’m glad.”

She took his glass from him and laid both their drinks down on the table. Then she moved into him, sliding her palms up the lapels of his jacket, relishing the firm chest underneath her hands. He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her closer, then cupped her neck, his breath warm against her lips as he surprised her by taking her hand in his and moving around the terrace.

“Are we dancing?”

“We are. You look so gorgeous, you should be dancing.”

She tilted her head back, filled with awe and desire for this man who was making all her dreams come true. “You do realize I’m standing on the terrace of a magnificent hotel, dancing with one very hot, handsome man. I don’t think my life could get much better.”

His lips curved as he twirled her expertly around. “Well, you could be a senator right now. Or maybe the president. Then your life would be perfect.”

She laughed. “I’m living a pretty good life right now. I have no complaints.”

“Neither do I. Besides, I don’t think I’d appreciate the secret service interrupting our private time. I do like having you all to myself.” He dipped her, then kissed her, turning her world upside down.

When he righted her again, she smiled at him.

“I like that myself, and I don’t think I’m ready just yet to be president. If I were, I’d have to behave myself and I wouldn’t be able to take advantage of you.” When the song ended, she backed him in to the darkened corner of the terrace.

He cocked a brow. “Take advantage of me in what way?”

With a sly smile she slid her hands down his shirt, over his magnificent abs.

“Touching you. Outside, where someone might see us. A president would never be able to get away with doing that.”

She cupped him, measured his length with her hand as she pressed her body against his.

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