Page 13 of Only for the Moment
Isaac’s eyes went blinding hot in a nanosecond. “I don’t think you’ll give me my favorite hobby. Not yet, anyway.”
Was he…? Wow. “Not yet? A bit arrogant, aren’t you?”
“Not without reason.”
She just bet. Taking a moment to clear her throat, she tried again. “What’s your second-favorite hobby?”
“Coward.” Isaac chuckled. When she glared, he managed to choke back his amusement—somewhat. “Okay, okay. Surfing.”
Well, that was a given considering he was a native Aussie. “Not a lot of surfing in the desert. Have you surfed much in the States?”
Talk about water sports turned to travel when Kennedy asked Isaac about Australia. They lingered over dinner, then dessert, learning what fascinatedthe other, what animated them, what drew them. It was a dangerous conversation—she didn’t need to know so much about the inner workings of Isaac Anschau, but by the time Isaac ordered the waiter to send the bill to his penthouse, she knew well enough there would be no arguing with him. Instead she rose from the table, setting a mental reminder to e-mail the manager and counteract that request.The decision brought a smile as Isaac took her hand, ostensibly to lead her to the staircase, but she didn’t need leading and he didn’t let go when they reached the bottom.
A small crowd stood outside the entrance to the Mystic. Kennedy knew immediately that they were waiting for him. Isaac didn’t hesitate. Flanked by Nick and crew, he signed autographs and took photos for fifteen minutes, untileach fan had received attention. With every pair of feminine lips that brushed his cheek, every delicate hand on his back, his arm, around his neck, Kennedy felt jealousy rise. She wanted to snatch those hands away from Isaac’s body, the bodyherhands should be on, not theirs.
She was losing her freaking mind. Over a rock star, damn it.
The problem was, it wasn’t just his looks or status thatsparked this overwhelming interest. Those she could handle; it was the rest of him that snuck under her guard. He had all the traits she admired in her brother—hardworking, compassionate, smart. His sense of humor reminded her of V too, and Cooper, both men she admired. But she didn’t feel about Isaac the way she thought about her brother or coworker. Isaac made her come dangerously alive. Thiswasn’t just a man she could imagine in her bed; she could imagine him in her life, and that was not happening. Her life was perfect the way it was—busy but fulfilling, and above all, under control. She didn’t need or want the chaos this kind of attraction could bring.
A fling? Sure. She’d had plenty of them, and when they were over, she was left with pleasant memories and a satisfied body andno need for more. But looking into those sea-glass eyes as Isaac turned her way, she had the feeling a fling would never be enough with him. And going beyond that was out of the question.
He insisted on walking her to her door, of course. He and his entourage—although he left the security detail waiting at the elevator. When they reached her apartment, he stood between her and them, his wideshoulders blocking their view. She ignored the cocky grin on those sexy lips and dug in her clutch for her key card.
“Kennedy.”
“Hmm?” Still looking down, still digging, her hands trembling.Please don’t let him see.
Strong fingers grasped her chin and lifted until she met his eyes. Hers fluttered, trying to close, but she forced them open. Forced her voice to come out firm, decisive. Calm.“No.”
Isaac hesitated inches from her mouth. “What?”
Taking a chance, she laid a finger against his lips. So smooth. So warm. “No.” A light tap and she stepped back. Waved her card over the lock. The green light flashed, and she pushed the door open. “See you later, Isaac. Let me know if you need anything.”
The way his gaze dropped to her mouth and his brow arched said he already needed somethingshe wasn’t providing, but she ignored the look for her own peace of mind and entered her apartment, saying a soft good night before the door clicked closed.
