Page 85 of Dangerous Temptation
She was sure that he was the guest of honour, but he had her intrigued. He attended events strategically, but since he’d returned to the New York scene he’d stayed away from the limelight. This was a change-up for him, and it intrigued her.
Especially since it was honouring him.
‘Just a minute.’ She turned off her computer and put the laptop and power cords into the carrying case. She kicked her shoes out from under the desk and reached down to put them on.
Her breath caught when he knelt to do the task for her. A warm hand circled her ankle, protecting her Achilles heel as he slid the slingback over her toes. He hooked the strap around her heel and butterflies swirled in her stomach.
Looking over his shoulder, she found Josie watching wide-eyed. Her friend patted her heart as if she was having palpitations and then dramatically swooned.
Elena smiled self-consciously. He made her swoon, too, only for real.
‘There.’ He caught her hand and pulled her to her feet. ‘James is waiting outside.’
When they started on their trek, Elena became even more confused. The driver was heading north. That ruled out the symphony, ballet and opera. She frowned as they continued north and east. A Yankees game, maybe?
She scooted closer on the limo seat. ‘The Bronx?’
Alex toyed with her hair. ‘Maybe.’
‘We’re awfully dressy for a ball game.’
‘We’re not going to a ball game.’
‘A friend’s house?’ she guessed.
‘You’re not very patient,’ he said, tickling her ear. He leaned closer to give her earlobe a soft nip. ‘Then again, I knew that.’
‘Alex!’ She glanced towards the driver, but the divider was up. She pushed the button that would lower it. ‘Where are we going, James?’
He grinned and shook his head. ‘I’m not allowed to tell you, Miss Elena.’
She peered through the front window as they travelled along, trying to find landmarks or clues. They were a few blocks away when she had an idea. She tilted her head. ‘The zoo?’
Alex smiled. ‘They’re dedicating the Grey Wolf exhibit today.’
Her mouth dropped open in surprise. ‘You funded it?’
He tugged her hair again. ‘I wasn’t going to support a cat exhibit.’
She grinned so wide, her cheeks ached. They’d been to plays and shows, dinners and art exhibits. She’d enjoyed them, but this sounded special. Impulsively, she leaned over and kissed him. ‘I love it already.’
She loved it even more when they got inside. An employee in a golf cart picked them up at the gate and drove them directly to the new exhibit. Alex sat next to her, his legs spread out casually and his arm looped around her back. The terrain turned from savannah grassland to rougher, wooded hills. The paths might be made of asphalt, but Elena was immediately taken back to Wolfe Manor and the lake.
‘It reminds me of the trail where we met,’ she whispered.
His grey gaze lingered and his thumb moved over her hair.
A yearning began inside her chest. She really did miss that place and the time they’d shared alone, away from the world.
The tour guide drove them around the exterior of the large enclosure, stopping when they saw the pack. Elena got out of the cart to watch them. She moved cautiously, not wanting to spook the wild animals. ‘How many are there?’
‘Eight,’ Alex replied. ‘With three new cubs.’
‘Aw.’ The wolves looked back at her with just as much curiosity. Their eyes were bright and intelligent. Their coats were growing thicker for the impending cold weather, but they played as if the chill didn’t bother them. They nipped each other and played tag.
‘There’s the alpha,’ he said, pointing at a wolf with a coat entirely of silver.
Once she began watching the larger canine, his status was clear. The other wolves deferred to him, playing along but always submitting. When they were caught, they’d roll onto their backs and the alpha wolf would stand over them.
