Page 45 of Runaway Pride

He shifted in his spot, hands inside his pockets. She stepped closer, enough to smell his aftershave, and he did the same. The pull was too magnetic, so she walked into his arms, unafraid of the public display of affections.

She felt him breathing in her hair and melted against his chest.

“What time are you off?” he asked huskily, his hand warm and comfortable on her waist.

“Not until eight, probably,” she said remorsefully. “It’ll be a busy day.”

“That’s fine. Do you want to meet me for dinner, or a late snack?” He finished with, “I want to see you tonight.”

She hitched a breath, his last sentence wrecking her. Too stirred to speak, she worked out an eager nod.

Good, lord. She could really fall for this man.

Fifteen

When the lastof her staff was gone, Charlie ran for the door. It was fifteen past eight, a little later than when she wanted to finish. Rick already knew she was running late, but said he would wait. Charlie had never dashed out of her office so fast.

Before leaving, she only had a few minutes to freshen up in the spa’s private bathroom. She redid her makeup, brushed her hair, and traded her white pencil skirt for a muted lavender flared mini. Her legs were one of her best features, and she enjoyed showing them off.

Turning into the corner entering the park where she was to meet him, Charlie mulled over his place of choice. She thought they were going to be at either of their places, relaxing and maybe enjoying a glass of wine. It was late, so being out was a peculiar choice.

Which meant he wanted to take things slowly.

Rick’s decision to be in a public space said a lot. There was resistance on his part. It was admirable, and on the other hand, frustrating. She didn’t have trouble satisfying her sexual needs. There was always someone willing. She knew Rick was willing, but there was another layer she had to peel out of him.

Entering the parking lot, she found a spot and cut the engine. Rick stood by the concrete pathway opening toward the park. She felt a whirl of excitement when she spotted him and practically dashed out of her car.

She waved to him before lightly jogging in his direction. In one arm he held a brown paper bag, and the other clutched a rolled up… scroll?

As she drew closer, she saw the fabric, then smiled at him. “Don’t tell me you brought a picnic blanket.”

“I did.” He smiled. “I know a spot with a view of the hilltops, and secluded enough where we won’t be interrupted.”

Oh, she liked the sound of that. Although the park was mostly empty, the added seclusion made it more assuring.

She followed behind him as they went off the concrete path and onto grass, then toward a line of bushes where it grew increasingly dark. If it was anyone else, she’d run for her life.

They weaved through the bushes, which cut to a thicket of tall foliage narrow enough for her to push to the side.

“Watch out for sharp edges,” he warned.

Soon they were free of plants and stopped at a flat grassland. The cliff was maybe ten feet away, offering a view of the sharp tips of the mountain tops. It was still a little dark to really see anything, but scenic enough.

Rick set the blanket down and rolled it out, then placed the brown bag on top. “I’m not sure if you’ve eaten already, but I thought I’d feed you, anyway.”

“Always a smart decision. I don’t like being hangry,” she said. “We were too busy for me to sit down for ten minutes, so I was only able to snack. What did you bring me?”

He patted the deep blue of the blanket and she sat next to him, smoothing her skirt as she went down.

“You have a choice of a steak sandwich or tuna kimbap,” he said. “Or both.”

“Mmmm,” she murmured, putting her purse aside. “They sound great. How about we share?”

“Both it is.” Rick took the containers out of the bag and spread them on the blanket. She smelled strong roasted garlic and mustard, her stomach excited to dig in.

He unwrapped the box with the kimbap and revealed professionally rolled and sliced to bite-size portions. Charlie picked one from the batch and popped it into her mouth.

“This is amazing,” she moaned. “I only eat the best with you.” She unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite of one half.

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