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A wicked thrill shot through Maxi.
“Better?” he asked.
“Almost. Maybe slip a few of those buttons through their holes at your neck and roll up your sleeves. Leave the glasses on. They’re kind of sexy.”
She spun around on her tall heels and sauntered off, purposely putting a bit more sway into her hips.
She heard him snatch the wine from the table, and then he was just a step behind her as she crossed to the living room. The drapes on the floor-to-ceiling windows of one wall were pulled back to showcase the gorgeous Baltimore skyline as twilight faded into dusk. Large snowflakes began to fall from the pink-tinged cloud cover. Maxi loved it, December being her favorite time of the year.
“Fantastic ambience,” Ryan said, as he passed by her and sauntered toward the wet bar, where he uncorked the wine.
“I haven’t checked the forecast all week, so the snow is an unexpected treat.” She’d been happy to flip the switch on the gas fireplace when she’d arrived home, and had turned on the sound system, which was set to a classic jazz station.
“Have you lived anywhere other than Maryland?” he asked, as he splashed the cabernet sauvignon into two glasses.
“No. And I probably would have stayed in Columbia and commuted to the office, but our winters can get pretty brutal, and I didn’t want to take any chances. My Jeep Cherokee’s great in the snow, but I’m not a fan of being on the road at night or early morning when it’s icy.”
“Very smart.” He joined her and handed over a glass. “My consulting jobs in DC typically come with a chauffeur service, but I do like to get out on my own over the weekends when possible. Though I try to avoid any exploring when it looks as though we’re going to get hit hard.”
Maxi clinked her rim to his. “Cheers.”
He grinned sexily and sipped. Her heart fluttered.
Distracting herself from that unexpected sensation, she asked, “Does it snow in Australia?”
“Sure, in the high regions and the Snowy Mountains, the Australian Alps. There’s ample opportunity for skiing and snowboarding. It’s also an amazing time to view the wildlife—the kangaroos, wild horses, possums, wombats, plenty of birds.”
“Wow, kangaroos in the snow. That’d be cool to see.”
“Yes. But our snowfall comes during your summertime. Typically around June through September.”
She took a deep sip of wine, liking Ryan’s presence in her cozy home. The aroma from the kitchen permeated the condo as the pork loin and potatoes baked in the oven. Yet she could still smell his cologne and heat.
Maxi sank onto the plush, royal-blue sofa in front of the fire, and Ryan joined her. She said, “It must get a little complicated when you fly back and forth from here to there—trying to remember what season it is and what clothes to pack.”
“I pretty much always wear the same thing,” he told her. “Although, this time of year, it’s rather warm in Australia, so I do tend to bring along polo shirts.”
“Finally show off those rock-hard biceps of yours?” She wagged her brows at him.
“I don’t know about that—”
“Oh, please,” she scoffed, her tone full of appreciation for his considerable assets. “I might not have seen them yet myself, but I’ve definitely felt them.” A slow burn started in her belly, filling her with warmth. “You are one seriously hunky man, Dr. Ryan Donovan.”
“Well.” He hitched his glasses up his nose with his free hand. “That’s subjective. But at least you’ve stopped calling me ‘Einstein.’”
“That nickname is a compliment.”
His dark brow jerked up. “Oh, really?”
“Sure. Super-smart men with bulging biceps are about the sexiest damn thing on the planet. Haven’t you heard?”
The brow dipped. “As a matter of fact, it’s escaped mention.”
Maxi was taken aback. “Come on, now. You said you had a former fiancée.”
“Trust me when I tell you that she didn’t notice the biceps.”
“Unbelievable.” Maxi drew in a long sip, then whispered into her glass, “That’s a fucking shame.”
