Page 6 of Callum

“I just want to get this out of the way.”

“Callum- “

“I love the way you say my name. You asked me what this is; I will just show you.” His lips cruised over hers; it was the only word she could find to identify what he was doing. The kiss was light, his lips brushing over hers, his breath lingering.

Her hands grabbed the lapel of his navy blue sports jacket, and she felt her nipples harden painfully. She had not come here for this, or had she? She wondered dazedly.

He was barely touching her, and yet here she was, dissolving. It occurred to her that a man like Callum Hammond was experienced and knew how to push a woman’s buttons. And she wanted more. She was about to offer him her tongue when he stepped back, eyes glowing greener than gold.

“I want to show you around.” His hand gripped her upper arm and steered her from the table to where a double dark brown door was swept open to reveal stairs leading down.

“Watch your step.”

He guided her down the steps into a sweeping foyer with an arched ceiling and a dazzling chandelier. He had taken the elevator straight up to the rooftop when they came. So, it was the first time she saw the inside of his home.

“It’s lovely.”

“I would like to think so.” He led the way into a vast space, the fire blazing in a hearth the entire width of the wall in frontof them. Leather sofas were placed strategically on the shiny board floor, giving the room an elegant and coziness that was immediately welcoming.

“To our left is the library, my home office, and the gym.” He led the way up the stairs and branched off to the left. “The living area as well as this-“ Sweeping the door open, he ushered her into a room with a high arched ceiling with recessed lights, the floor scattered with plush chairs and a wide screen.

“Movie theater.”

“Yes.” He led her to the front. “I thought we could watch a movie if you like. What would you like to see?”

“Action.” She told him immediately, dazzled by the sumptuous wealth.

“A woman after my own heart.” His smile came as he reached for a button to activate the screen. “Popcorn?” He cocked a brow at her.

“Why the hell not?” She said with a laugh, and to his approval, she kicked off her shoes and tucked her legs beneath her.

Going over to the machine that had been set up before, he filled a bucket and brought several glasses of wine. Setting the bucket between them, he removed his jacket and draped it over one of the chairs before sitting down and stretching his legs out.

“I love Clint Eastwood.”

“So do I.” The surround sound filled the room as the credits rolled. Callum watched as she sat there glued to the screen, hand dipping into the bucket to scoop up popcorn. He was acutely aware of her; his senses heightened as her intoxicating perfume enveloped him. His hands were itching to touch her, to explore her voluptuous curves.

He had gone to the theater on a whim, something he did not have the luxury of indulging, but he had given into a friend’s persuasion and had found the performance fascinating. The main character is exceptionally talented and soulful.

He had gone back another night and sought out the playwright/producer. The man had been impressed and had launched into the potential of the play and the need for investors.

Callum had not minded the pitch as he had needed something himself. He had not been looking for a relationship but had been drawn to the actress and was intrigued. And he had every intention of taking her into his bed tonight.

Chapter 2

She enjoyed the date so much that she forgot about the kiss. The movie was a classic, and she relaxed in his presence. But as soon as the credits started rolling, she was brought back to the present.

Rising with cat-like grace, Callum switched off the set and turned to take the almost empty bucket and wine glass from her before pulling her to her feet.

“Where are we going?”

He kept her hand in his, loving her skin against his, and realized he could not wait to feel more of her.

“You will see.” He led the way out of the room and turned left along the wide passageway where several distinctive and well-known paintings hung.

“Oh, I love this!” She exclaimed, stopping before a violently colorful splash of red, green, blue, and a touch of primrose yellow painted on canvas. “It’s a Jackson Colby, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Curbing his impatience to get her into his bedroom and out of her clothes, he stood next to her and studied the painting. “A new acquisition.”

---