His back was now against the opposite wall and he put his hands up in a mock show of self-defense.
“I would never, not in a million years, have gone to your place last week if I had known it was you who bought that painting. Got it? And I would’ve figured out a way for you to take an art class from someone else had I known you were coming. And that Hello Kitty tape measure? You can buy them at practically every drugstore. What are you laughing at?”
The corners of her mouth strained, betraying her efforts not to smile. She was upset, yes, but not angry. Just because he’d surprised her? He sensed there was something more. Did hedare dip into her thoughts again while they were this close? The bond was strong for him.
Not a moment had gone by since he’d taken her blood that he hadn’t thought of her. Wondered what she was doing. Where she was. What she was thinking, feeling. It was no use. He was achingly attracted to her and knew she wanted him too.
He reached out with his mind, stroking hers ever so gently, then released her. She scowled and rubbed her neck. He had to be careful, he couldn’t bear to wipe her memory again. He didn’t want to remove himself from her even if he was leaving soon.
What he learned surprised him. She wasn’t upset about what happened at the auction or that she couldn’t get him off her mind. She was upset by how he regarded her as a result, that he may have a low opinion of her.
If she only knew.
She didn’t want him to think her behavior that night was indicative of her as a person even though all she was looking for was a short-term relationship.
He wanted to drag her into his arms, cover her with kisses, and convince her otherwise. That he didn’t think any less of her. Quite the opposite. Their attraction for each other was powerful, almost palpable. Being aware of the blood bond had helped him to control it, but she had no idea. She really couldn’t help herself that night.
One thing was clear. She wanted him now. He didn’t have to probe her mind to know that. He could taste it in the air between them, smell it on her breath. Whether or not she’d admit it just depended on how hard he tried.
Everything about her compelled him, and he physically ached to know her better. Short-term? Yes, he was fine with that. Wouldn’t want anything more.
“What if I told you that I find you attractive on every level? That I want to know what makes youyou?” Her facesoftened somewhat. She was listening. “What kind of music you like. Your favorite artist. The last book you read. Your favorite dessert. I know you’re much more than those fifteen minutes on the terrace. You fascinate me on every level, Mackenzie Foster-Shaw, and I simply want to know you better. That’s all.”
She said nothing, but the color of her eyes deepened, saying what words could not.
He ran the tip of his nose along the smooth column of her throat and felt her shiver. Instead of backing away, she tilted her chin up to give him more access, and he knew he had her. He pushed her hair aside, still careful not to touch her skin with his fingers. She moaned softly and the scent of her arousal filled his nostrils. He knew she wanted to feel his hands on her, but he was going to make her wait.
“Of course, I’d be lying if I said I was upset it happened. I’m not. Ever since that night on the terrace, I’ve dreamed what it would be like to have you in my bed.” He felt heat radiate from her cheeks and she exhaled slowly. “But I also respect your feelings and simply want to cook for you. That’s it. There will be no christening.” The tip of her tongue darted out for a moment.Not unless you want it,he wanted to say but didn’t.
He was completely mesmerized by this woman. Her large hoop earring had captured a strand of her hair. Reaching up a finger, taking care not to touch the silver, he ran it down the side of her face, releasing the curl. Her body trembled, and he had to suppress a growl. His gums ached, but his fangs stayed hidden.
He wanted her unlike anyone else before. It took every ounce of willpower he possessed not to lift up her flirty skirt, slip her tights off her hips, and push himself inside her in the art school hallway. But no. He was going to get her to make the first move, and it would be so much sweeter that way.
“I’ll be the perfect gentleman.” He put his palms up. “Promise.”
Her lips curved into a smile as she backed away and sauntered to the stairs again, her skirt swinging against her thighs in a sweet goodbye. Long, loose curls bounced on her back as she trotted down the steps.
“Tomorrow night? What time?” she called from the landing.
“How about seven?”
“I’ll be there.” As she got to the bottom, he heard her voice again, but it was so low he wasn’t sure whether she spoke it aloud or it came from her thoughts. “And my favorite dessert is coconut cream pie.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Afew minutes before seven, Mackenzie stood in front of the heavy steel entry door of Dom’s loft. She took a deep breath to quiet her pounding heart, but it ignored her and raged on.
After yesterday’s impetuous decision to have dinner with Dom, she wasn’t sure whether to kick herself for being swept away by his charm or congratulate herself for following Martin’s advice to live in the moment. Either way, she was nervous standing here, wondering what was in store for her on the other side of the door.
Could she do it? Have sex with someone she hardly knew? Of course, she could be wrong. It was entirely possible that he intended only to cook dinner for her. But she wasn’t a total fool. As she’d lain in bed last night, trying without much success to fall asleep, she’d decided she had to expect itcouldcome to that. Dinner at a restaurant would be one thing, but dinner at his place was a whole different scenario.
Shifting the bottle of wine to her other hand, she checked her bag, making sure her overnight items were tucked safely at the bottom. Not sure if it was customary to spend the night after aone-night stand, she’d brought a few things just in case. And if nothing happened, well, at least she’d come prepared.
She straightened her spine and rang the bell.
Mackenzie thought she was prepared to see Dom this time. She willed herself to be strong, calm and focused. They were just two people who were going to have dinner together. But she forgot all that when the door swung open.
Barefoot, with an untucked shirt and jeans, Dom stood casually enough in the doorway, a dish towel tossed carelessly over a shoulder and his hair pulled loosely into a ponytail, but his unpolished attire only heightened his unorchestrated sexuality.
