Page 66 of The Agent
Before she could say anything more, Natalie’s cell phone vibrated in her jacket pocket. Her next client was still being shampooed, so she slid the phone out to check the caller ID.Tully.She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to quell the happy dance her heart insisted on doing. When she answered, she kept her voice even. “Tully, I was thinking that it would be nice to sleep at my own house tonight since the stalker isn’t bothering me now.”
There was a brief pause before he said, “I was thinking that I’d like to take you out to dinner in the city tonight. Maybe at Cruz.”
He had named one of the best restaurants in New York, where it was nearly impossible for a normal human being to get a reservation. “Is that a bribe to keep me from staying here in New Jersey? Because it’s a very effective one.”
“Not an intentional one, but if it works, I’m good with it.” She could hear the smile in his voice before it turned serious. “The stalker has only missed one full day so far. That doesn’t mean he’s done.”
A shiver of nerves ran through her, wiping out her false sense of security. But nothing could stop the hum of pleasure she felt at the prospect of sitting across an elegant table from Tully for an entire evening. And then going back to the big bed in his house. One more night couldn’t hurt.
“Dinner sounds terrific,” she said. “I’ll be done here at six.” She would get Gino to supervise readying the salon for the next day’s business. “Then I’ll need Pam to take me home to grab some clothes.” She wasn’t going to Cruz in her work outfit.
“Don’t rush. I’ll tell them to expect us when we get there,” he said.
“Isn’t the reservation for a specific time?”
“They know me.” His tone of unconcern changed to warmth. “I’m glad you’re coming.”
When he disconnected, she stared at her phone for a second. Getting a table at Cruz was a miracle, but not having to choose a time was inconceivable. It was strange that a mere restaurant table brought home how different Tully’s life was from hers. A mansion in Manhattan you could buy, if you had the money. A table at the city’s hottest restaurant showed a level of influence that she couldn’t imagine.
Yet another reason that Tully was the wrong man for her.
When Pam pulled into the courtyard behind Tully’s house, his Maserati was already crouched low and sleek on the pavers. Once again the back door opened to show his silhouette against the interior light. When he stepped onto the porch, she saw that he wore a gray suit perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders and trim waist. She let her gaze travel down the knife-edge front pleat of his trousers to the polished black cowboy boots. She used to think those boots were strange footwear for a businessman, but now they seemed exactly right for Tully. He might be from Pennsylvania but he was a cowboy in spirit. Strong, honorable, protective, with an independent streak a mile wide.
He ran lightly down the steps and helped her out of the SUV, his grip radiating support and warmth.
When she stood firmly on the ground, he stepped back and gave an appreciative whistle as he scanned her outfit.
After Tully’s call, she’d spent the rest of her workday mentally debating what to wear for such a special occasion. Since the restaurant was in Manhattan, where black was practically required attire, she had chosen a “little black dress.” Originally purchased for a fancy business party with Matt, the dress had never been worn because they’d had a fight and he told her to stay home. It gave her a wicked pleasure to wear it for Tully now.
It was a simple silk faille sheath that outlined her curves in a tasteful but sexy way. The bodice of the dress was strapless, cut straight across, while her shoulders and arms were covered with a fine, sheer black netting embellished with small touches of lace at the shoulder and sleeves. The skirt had a subtle slit on one side, mostly so she could walk more easily. She’d paired it with high-heeled black satin pumps, cut low over her toes, and a small beaded evening bag. Sparkling rhinestone chandelier earrings swung beside her neck, while she’d slicked her short hair back in the illusion of a french twist.
“You look beyond beautiful,” Tully said, his voice a low, husky rumble.
He bracketed his hands around her waist and pulled her in against him. Then he kissed her like he wanted to have sex with her right then and there.
Desire zinged through her to pulse between her legs, but two could play the game. She slipped her arms under his jacket to rake her manicured nails over the fine cotton of his shirt where it pulled taut over his back. Then she skimmed her hands down to cup his firm butt.
She caught his quiet groan in her mouth.
When he released her, she looked around to find that Pam’s SUV was already gone. Had they been kissing that long, or had Pam preferred to give her boss some privacy?
He smiled down at her, a slanting, sexy smile. “The only thing better than looking at you in that dress across the dinner table will be slowly peeling it off you later tonight.”
“But first you’re going to peel off this very handsome suit.” She pretended to straighten his patterned silk tie. “While I watch.”
She heard his sharp inhale. “You play dirty, sweetheart.”
“Never doubt it.” She patted his tie. “Are those horseshoes?”
He glanced down at his chest. “Yeah. It was stupid expensive but I like the design. And Derek told me I needed to upgrade my ties.”
“It’s Hermès,” she said, recognizing the distinctive look and feel of the fabric. “They started out making saddles, so it seems appropriate.”
Tully grinned. “Not the kind of saddles I use.” He offered her his arm. “May I escort you to my gasoline-powered steed?”
She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow, letting her palm rest on the soft wool that covered the solid steel of his arm. “Lead the way.”
When they arrived in front of the skyscraper that housed Cruz, a valet helped her out of the car and onto the dark-blue carpet that covered the sidewalk. Tully passed over the key to the Maserati and joined her, interlacing his fingers with hers as a doorman sprang to swing open the huge glass-and-stainless door. They walked into a lobby that soared up several floors.
