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He didn t force her. His mouth slanted over hers tenderly, questioningly. If he had been demanding she could have fought him. But this quiet promise touched her ragged emotions as nothing else could. Her hands clutched at his arms as she arched closer to him. He smelled clean and fresh, his cologne enticing but not overwhelming. She could live two life times and never get enough of this man. He was the one to call a halt. His ragged breathing was the only sound in the room as he stared down at her bewildered expression. Oh, Dani. You do pick the damnedest time to respond to me. If you keep looking at me like that, I ll say to hell with this dinner and take you to bed now. His words were like a splash of cold water. What had she been thinking? Oh, she knew exacting what she d been thinking. And wanting. She had never wanted to rip off a man s clothes before, but that was exactly what had been going through her mind. Dani, girl, you are in big trouble, she thought in disgust. You had better get yourself under control fast or you ll end up doing something you might not be able to face in the morning. Her smile as she pulled out of his arms was as sheepish. Hopefully what she d been thinking wasn t plastered all over her face like a neon sign. I think we had better go, don't you? After all, this is our first dinner since our...reunion. 181 Can t talk you into staying home then? he asked softly. No. I don t think that would be a good idea. The way she was feeling right now, there was no way she could fight the attraction she was feeling for her husband. And fight she would have to do to not succumb to her desire for him. It seemed that the more time she spent in his company, the more she wanted to be with him. The more she wanted to be closer to him. She wasn t ready for that yet. But Dani had accepted that eventually she and Rafe might...No. She wouldn t think about that now. Rafe noticed her hesitation but said nothing. He smiled to himself as he led her from the bedroom. The two other couples were waiting for them as they entered the restaurant, having just arrived minutes ahead of Dani and Rafe. The older couple, Steven and Sara Montoya, Rafe s family had known for years. They were proud parents of four grown children and seven glorious grandchildren. One had arrived during Dani s absence from New Mexico. The younger couple was from Los Angeles, Rob and Maggie Fleming. They had no family as yet, but were so in love it was obvious to all around them. They didn t merely look at each other; they seemed to merge as one, their happiness emanating from the glow surrounding them. The way they touched each other as they talked, the way the leaned into each other spoke volumes. Dani couldn t help but feel a twinge of envy. If only she could feel at ease with Rafe this way. Feel free to touch his arm or his hand from time to time. But now was not the time to dwell on that. She made a vow to have a wonderful night out and wouldn t let thoughts of what might have been get in her way. Conversation during the long meal centered on business, but as the evening progressed and the subjects of the men s concerns were put to rest, the women were able to infuse a more personal note to the talk. 182 Autumn McCullah Sara Montoya treated Rafe as one of her own children. Apparently she was one woman who was not in the least intimidated by him. She spoke her mind and he had to listen respectfully like the rest of the world. You know, my dear, speaking to the group but looking directly at Dani. Rafe was an absolute bear to be around during your separation. He would have worked twenty four hours a day if possible. And when he wasn t driving himself to exhaustion, he sulked around, hiding himself away in that big house of yours like an outcast mushroom. Rafe choked on his coffee. The scandalized expression on his face was priceless. Dani looked at Rafe and grinned. Rafe a mushroom? A big sturdy oak maybe, but surely not a mushroom? Sara continued before Rafe could manage a word in his behalf. Dani, you don t know how good it is to see him alive again. And almost bearable to be around. Why, I ve even seen him smile from time to time. She cocked her head, tapping her perfectly manicured fingers on the table, daring him to voice a rebuttal. Sara, you have an weird way of flattering a man. A warm smile took any sting out of his words. Flattery has nothing to do with it. I m just stating the facts. And, she said wagging a finger in his direction, if you know what s good for you and your whole family, you ll see to it that this young woman doesn t have any reason to run off and leave you again. Dani felt her face flush with embarrassment. What must Rafe be thinking? These were his friends. These people should be angry with her for deserting her husband instead of branding him the villain. Not only that, but for keeping the knowledge of their son from him. But instead, they were defending her. Rafe looked deep into her eyes, his hand covering hers as it rested on the table. There will be no chance of 183 her ever leaving me again, I assure you. I have learned my lesson well. Dani smiled. Now was not the time to speak of private matters. But just wait. Just wait until they were alone. The conversation became general after that. But Dani saw the searing promise of sexual hunger in Rafe s eyes every time he looked at her. He really intended to keep her with him, no matter what her wishes, regardless of her feelings on the matter. What would he say if she asked to move to another house? Would he accept her decision not to share his home? No. After tonight, she knew that answer to that. But what did she want? Damned if she knew. Each day she looked forward to their time together with dread and a burning excitement, her body trembling whenever he was near. He made the blood sing in her veins, flames of delight surged through every pore, every atom of her being just by watching his tall, muscled body walk across the room. She wasn t aware of the love pouring out of her lovely eyes as she watched him playing with Dom. Others saw, but Dani remained ignorant of the fact that she had become a walking billboard of her deep love for her husband. This uncertainty, her tormenting indecision influenced her dreams that night. Rafe was going away in her dream. He was leaving her and taking Dom. She pleaded with him to stay. Everything was in slow motion. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |