Page 15 of The Collector's Temptation

“It’s a good thing all of the art in this show has been thoroughly authenticated,” Everard piped up. “Did you see the collection over here?”

He led her toward another stall, where the display immediately captivated her.

Thankfully, she didn’t bring up the Caravaggio again.

At the end of the tour, Kerrigan put her hands on her hips and did a slow turn in the middle of the room before facing me with a bright smile. “I’m impressed, Mr. Couillens,” she quipped, then went on her tiptoes to place a far too fleeting kiss on my lips.

Slipping an arm around her waist, I dragged her body against mine. “If that is what I get for impressing you, I’ll have to find more ways to dazzle you.” I paused and pretended to think really hard before asking, “Is your demonstration of appreciation relative to how awed you are?”

Kerrigan’s smile was slow and seductive, sending all the blood in my body rushing to my cock. “I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

6

KERRIGAN

It had only been two days since our last date, but Aston had haunted my thoughts around the clock. I’d spent the time trying to focus on work, but it was impossible to concentrate on anything but him. My mind was focused on my growing fascination with the man who had swept me off my feet with his romantic gestures.

Nothing could erase the memory of his kisses, or the way his voice wrapped around me like silk.

It was hard to comprehend how completely he’d captured my attention when I’d never had a problem with ignoring the outside world while concentrating on work. But there was no denying I was falling hard and fast for Aston. Not with how my heart raced at each ding of my phone’s notifications, hoping it was a message from him.

Luckily, this time it was.

Aston: Come away with me again tonight.

I loved how his tone was more demanding than questioning, as though he had no doubt that I wanted to go out with him. Which was fair because I didn’t need to stop to think about my reply.

Me: What time are you picking me up? And what should I wear?

Aston: 7. Something slinky that shows off your curves.

It was a good thing that Melanie and I wore the same size because her closet had better options than mine. I had plenty of clothes appropriate for the museum, a few conservative, little black dresses, and lots of comfy stuff to wear around the apartment. But nothing sexy like the gown I borrowed for the gala.

Me: Where are you taking me?

Aston: You’ll see.

Me: Another surprise date?

Aston:Bien sûr.

I could hear his deep voice in my head, that sexy French accent sending a delicious shiver down my spine. Confessing how much I loved surprises was an excellent decision since he’d used that knowledge to his full advantage over the past week. I’d received a perfectly wrapped gift each day—anything from an orchid the exact color of the gown I’d been wearing when we met to a sketch he’d drawn of me that was more thoughtful than any present I’d ever received. And he’d refused to tell me where we were going on any of our dates, dazzling me with access to the Atlanta art scene that I’d never have been able to gain on my own, even if I’d been living here for a decade.

Me: See you in a few hours.

I rushed through the rest of my work and raced out the door only minutes after the museum closed. Melanie was getting ready to serve at some high-society event when I barged into her bathroom and asked, “Can I borrow a dress?”

She met my gaze in the mirror and wagged her brows. “Another hot date with Mr. TDH?”

“Yeah.”

She jerked her chin toward her bedroom. “My closet is your closet. Grab anything you’d like.”

“Thanks.” I gave her a quick hug before whirling around to dash into her room.

I had an hour and forty-five minutes to get ready, and I used a good chunk of it rifling through her hangers, trying to find the perfect dress. I was so absorbed in my search that I barely noticed when she left.

I finally landed on a green slip dress that was bias-cut satin, which gave the material a clingy, fluid fit that hugged my body without being too tight. With spaghetti straps, an open back, and a slit on my right thigh, it made me feel incredibly sexy.

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