Page 11 of Night Magic

“I hope you like Italian food.” Jon snuck a look at her.

“It used to be my favorite.” She tried not to laugh, since she was in a giddy mood. “It sounds good, but I’m allergic to all sauces.”

“Maybe I should have asked first.”

“I’m kidding. I’m not really allergic.”

“I knew you were joking,” he said.

“Sure you did.”

He laughed. “All kidding aside, they also have a few basic items on the menu.”

“Who doesn’t like Italian food?” she said.

“Now that I have my stress under control, I’m back to treating myself once in a while.” He stopped at a light and smiled.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of his large hands as he gripped the steering wheel, and she recalled how she’d trembled with delight when he’d touched her. A comforting, warm sensation came over her, and in her heart, she knew something out of her control was happening. She traced the outline of his strong jaw with her gaze as he focused on the road. Nothing mattered except the present.

****

At the restaurant, Jon sat across from her at a corner table with a small white candle in the center. From the perfectly cooked veal and the romantic music in the background to the flirtatious way he ran his finger across the top of her hand while he stared into her eyes, she thought she’d burst with desire. He’d captured her heart in one evening. In the back of her mind, her painful past lingered. If only she could start this relationship with a clean slate.

During dinner, Jon caressed her thigh with gentle, easy strokes. Her arousal heightened and her body tingled, causing waves of heat to travel to her inner thighs. Each movement made her want him more. She knew she was in trouble and sank deeper into her seat.

“I’m happy you joined me tonight. I haven’t been to this place in a while, and it feels great,” he admitted, never taking his eyes off her. “Have you heard from Andy?”

“You were right. He’s back home. I suspect he found another way to get his hands on some money.”

“Just as I thought. He’ll bother some other innocent person.”

“I’m not so innocent.” She laughed.

“You know what I mean, but I’m crazy about you just the way you are.”

“You make up your mind quickly.” Krista felt herself blush, and she hoped he didn’t notice how anxious she was. Steadying her hands in her lap, she quietly sighed. It had been a long time since a man had given her so much attention.

“It isn’t hard when a woman as beautiful as you appears at my doorstep.”

“Is that what I did?”

“You called first, but fate took over soon after.” He offered a wide smile, his tone convincing.

“I’m glad your housekeeper didn’t walk in on us.” She shifted in her chair.

“My cleaning lady wasn’t in the house when you were there.” He tilted his head.

“I saw an elderly woman in a white dress, pushing a tea cart down the hallway. She smiled at me and we chatted.”

“Maybe you saw my secretary.” Jon raised a brow and squirmed in his chair as if he was on trial. “My cleaning woman has a key. She may have dropped something off.”

“I’m sure there’s an explanation. I saw your secretary at the desk. The woman in the hallway was an older woman. I have an excellent memory.” She knew she wasn’t seeing things and stood her ground. Something in her core told her that he was trying to hide something.

An instrumental version of the theme fromThe Godfatherplayed in the background. With the candlelight adding peaceful ambience to the mix, she was able to relax. She was ready for the next step. She’d fallen for Jon. If only he wasn’t so complicated. Something deep in his eyes told her he’d been hurt in some way, yet he wasn’t giving in to discussion on his past. She’d be there when he was ready.

“Where’s your hometown?” he asked.

He would have to break the magic spell by asking questions. “I’m from New Jersey.” All of a sudden, the room became as hot as a pizza oven.

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