Page 39 of One Naughty Night (Single in South Beach)

Esme took a step closer, her charm bracelet jingling in time with her step.

Yanking away the cover, he revealed the huge Colonial-style desk with its smooth, broad surface and clean lines. The sound she made was a half gasp, half chirp, a mixture of surprise and pleasure. As she knelt in front of it, her fingers automatically reaching to smooth over the dull sheen of the antiqued finish, Renzo experienced a catch in his chest.

A definite clench in his heart.

“That thick, stalwart maple was so solid and steadfast, it just said ‘Esme’ to me.” And the decision to make her the desk had been that clear-cut, that simple. “It seemed like the kind of thing a woman in business for herself ought to have. I hope it reminds you how strong you really are.”

ChapterTwelve

Even in the throes of her most glorious garage sale finds, Esme had never experienced such an urgent need to possess on an object.

The desk gleamed dully in the low light cast by the rustic sconces on the walls of the work shed. The warm red-honey tone of the maple wood was as inviting as the simple, hearty style of the Colonial piece.

And it was huge.

She felt like Alice in Wonderland next to that gargantuan piece of furniture, her hand small and insignificant against the broad surface as she reached to touch it.

“You made this for me?” She seemed to recall he’d said as much, yet she couldn’t reconcile what possessed him to create such a splendid piece more suited for a high level executive than a woman who’d been two steps away from destitution.

“I had to make it for you. I’ve been staring at this slab of maple for months and then once we met—” He snapped his fingers, the sound piercing the stillness of the small building. “I knew exactly what to do with it.”

Esme smiled at the idea of being someone’s inspiration. “I love it. It’s absolutely magnificent.” Her hands smoothed over the grain, absorbing the nuances of the wood. “But I can’t imagine how you made the connection between me and this gorgeous piece of furniture. It’s so solid. So… strong.”

Behind her, she sensed him approach. Felt his step on the hardwood floor as the movement reverberated through her feet.

“That fearless determination to take on a business of your own feels pretty solid to me.” His voice soothed and inflamed her senses at the same time, stirring something deep inside her.

“That wasn’t fearless. That was desperation.”

“Then what about all the clients you’ve signed on already? Is that desperation too? Or is it unwavering dedication to the path you’ve set for yourself?” Renzo’s hands dropped to her shoulders, his fingers flexing into the silk of her blouse.

She turned toward him, unable to swallow back a tear that threatened. His generous act packed enough punch to overwhelm her all by itself, but she was even more touched that he would see her in such a flattering light.

How could she disappoint him when he had so much faith in her?

“I don’t know that I’ve been the poster child for self-assurance in my past, but you can bet I’m going to be inspired by this beautiful desk from now on.” She gulped past the catch in her throat, drawn in by the heat in his dark brown eyes. “Thank you.”

A half-smile twitched his lips as his hands trailed lightly down her arms. “Would you think my present was totally self-serving if I angled for a thank you in the form of a kiss?”

Her throat went dry. Or maybe that was simply because her heart had suddenly lodged there. She couldn’t seem to find words just now, but she was only too happy to oblige.

Moving firmly into his personal space, Esme thrilled to the heat of his big body next to hers. His arms went around her, drawing her close.

And he was all about strength. Esme couldn’t imagine how he saw it in her when he seemed to exude it from every pore. His limbs were all about ripped muscles and raw strength, and Esme couldn’t get enough of him.

She stretched up to touch her mouth to his, to grant him that small favor he’d requested. A kiss was a simple thing, really. It shouldn’t have the power to turn her knees to liquid and her resolve to ashes, yet no sooner had she angled her head to accommodate him than his lips set her on fire.

She’d told herself she needed to break free of her past first, but all thoughts of the past grew dim and faded in light of the white hot present and Renzo’s slow possession of her mouth. The velvet stroke of his tongue made her eyelids fall closed, the deft touch of his hands around her waist reminded her why it was so very good to be a woman.

And to be wanted.

Vowing to set things right in her past soon, tomorrow even, Esme wrapped her arms around Renzo’s neck and clung. Whatever the future held, she wouldn’t find it by hanging back and waiting.

“Thank you,” she whispered the words between kisses and pulled him with her as she stepped backward to the door. “I have even more gratitude to show you if you come with me.”

“I don’t need gratitude,” Renzo growled, his footsteps shuffling along with hers as they moved outside into the warm night air. “But then again, if you’re really determined…”

“I’m unwavering on this point.” She tossed back his words from earlier as the scent of jasmine wound round them along with the sounds of nighttime in the neighborhood— a few kids still playing, other kids being called in for the night, the laughter of a late dinner party.

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