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Celene tossed her toothbrush onto the counter, rinsed her mouth, and finger-combed her blonde bobbed hair, tucking both sides behind her ears to show off the diamonds outlining her lobes. She turned from side to side, checking herself in the mirror. The cut was chic, shiny, au courant. Like her. Leaning over the sink, she pinched her cheeks to make them pink. She glanced down at her shorty pajamas. At least they covered everything. Plus they weren’t thin. After the book club, she had eaten a late dinner in the stronghold dining room before returning to her room. Now bedtime could wait for the handsome Nace.
Racing to the door, she swung it open, donning what she hoped was a sexy lean against the jamb, her arms crossed. On her face was a warm smile. “Commander.”
“Celene.”
His voice was thick honey, his huge golden cat eyes mesmerizing. They prowled over her. He might as well have purred, “Jump in bed and spread your thighs.” She was willing.
Nace arched straw-colored brows, an exact match for his long hair, highlighted with dark gold and black streaks. A close-trimmed beard along with the hint of a mustache, a similar tint, surrounded full, sensual lips. His upper arms were thicker than her thigh, his snug tee showing off every ridge, every ripple of supple, feline muscle. Her gaze drifted to his narrow hips. Not being a shy woman, she feasted on his stare-worthy groin.
He cleared his throat. “Females usually buy me dinner before I submit to a strip search. Are you going to invite me inside?”
Her cheeks heated. “Of course. I was rude.”
“Not at all. I appreciate a female who knows what she likes.”
“I see you’re not modest.” She pushed off from the doorjamb, leading Nace into her living room where she parked on the couch, one leg curled beneath her.
“No reason to be.” He grinned.
Instead of taking the chair, the hunk sat beside her, hip-to-hip. She scooted an inch away. Otherwise, she wouldn’t form a single clear thought. “You could take the other end of the couch or a chair over there.”
“Nice setup, but I prefer here.” He leaned against the cushions, throwing an arm across the top behind her.
While he sucked the oxygen out of her apartment, she swallowed, rubbing a hand along her neck. “Can I get you something to drink or eat?”
Calm down. You’re acting like a prepubescent teen on a first date.
“Nope. I’m good. Do I make you nervous?” His smile was totally male, totally arrogant, sure of his effect on women.
“No. Why?”
“Your hands are a little shaky. You’re sweating. Your heart’s beating faster.”
“Nope. Everything’s fine. What can I do for you?”
“Right now? Relax.” His hand drifted onto her shoulder, caressing her. It felt good.
Celene nestled into the couch and Nace’s touch. “Hmm.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before he cleared his throat. “I’m old-fashioned, Celene.”
“I’m not.”
His lips curled again into his cat-like smile. “I could tell the first time I saw you.” He continued to pet her shoulder. “I intend to court you.”
With her mouth agape, she rotated toward him.
“I’ve surprised you.” He dropped his hand, crossing an ankle over his knee.
He seemed relaxed, in control, sexy as hell.
“Is courtship like dating?” she asked.
“Very much so.”
“Don’t you think I should know more about you?”
He shrugged. “That’s what courtship is about, but ask whatever you want.”
