Page 59 of Sin City Lights

It was his turn to touch her wrist. One fingertip was all it took. He heard and saw her sharp intake of breath.

He couldn’t hold back a satisfied smile.“Because I want to find out why I can’t stop thinking about you.”

And because the thought of you with other men makes me want topunch my fist through a wall.

“So, what do you say? Do I call Eleet?”

Chapter 9

Eve

The temperature was a perfect seventy, the sky crystal blue, and she would soon see Adam again. All week, Eve had anticipated being with him, and it had been great to be able to study, clean, and even shop at her leisure. The contract called for weekends only, with exclusivity.

She didn’t remember the last time she’d had so much time to herself.

Eve smiled. Smoothing her hands over her upper thighs, she checked her white jeans for flaws, then fixed her gaze in the direction of arriving cars at the front of her building.

She’d chosen a red and white polka dot top with cap sleeves and red ankle strap wedges. Small, cute bows adorned the straps, and she carried a little white baguette-shaped bag.

All she had received as guidance regarding what to wear was a brief note attached to a single short-stemmed orange rose.

Lunch, Saturday. Be out front at 11:00 a.m.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Don’t wear a dress.

—Adam

No one had ever sent her an orange rose. They’d all gone straight for red long-stems, usually by the dozen. Despite feeling foolish, Eve had gone to look up rose color meanings, though she doubted he’d given it that much thought. Men didn’t think like that, yet it pleased her to learn that orange meant desire and enthusiasm.

The bloom was also not the typical florist type to which she hadbecome accustomed. This one was cup-shaped, with many smaller petals, and had such a strong scent that it perfumed her entire apartment. All week, she’d walked through her door and instantly thought of Adam.

She heard the growl of the car engine even before it rounded the corner. Of all the things Eve had expected him to drive, she never would have guessed it would be a black Mercedes sedan, let alone an older one.

But, no, no Porsche or McLaren for Adam, and, she had to admit, that was a shocker. After all, the man flew jets.

The Benz braked smoothly in front of her. Before her doorman even took a step, out strode Adam, coming around to open the door for her.

“Good morning.” His eyes raked her from head to toe.“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. You look good too.”

Always an understatement, that. Today, he again wore a LarsAir polo, this time in sapphire blue, with fitted navy trousers and penny loafers on his feet.

Inside the car, she smelled the strong scent of fine leather, his fresh cologne, and him. She drank it in, breathing deeply as she sank into the ergonomic black leather seat. How could the mere scent of him soothe and excite her simultaneously?

Eve didn’t understand it, but it did.

They drove without speaking for a while, but it was a comfortable silence. She was learning that being with Adam didn’t necessarily mean obligatory conversation.

She slanted a glance at him and noticed an uncharacteristic smile.

Enthusiasm seemed to simmer just below his relaxed demeanor, piquing her curiosity.

“Nice car,” she said.

His grin was immediate, and so was the resulting spike in her heart rate.

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