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?“So when you took my keys…”
?“Yes?”
?“Was all that just an act?”
?I flushed so red, I was surprised I didn’t light up like an LED. I couldn’t meet his eyes, so I just stared at the floor of the cab, trying to control myself.
?I cleared my throat. “Maybe not all of it…”
?Mark smiled, and it was glorious to behold. “Good!”?He glanced at the cab driver and spoke quietly. “Because that kiss was something.”
?I kept my eyes on the floor, flushing even more if it was possible. “I agree.”
?We rode on in silence. I felt that we both wanted to say more, but we were just too tongue-tied. I spoke first. “You’re very quiet.”
?Mark jumped. I decided he had been thinking about this admission as well. “Sorry, lost in thought. I guess I seriously need a cup of coffee.”
?We got out of the cab near Broadway and West 4th Street, and Mark followed me to the six-story brownstone my apartment is in. I like the building because it’s old, but recently renovated, with large cement steps and a wooden arched front door. I pulled out my keys, and we went up one flight of stairs inside the building.
?My apartment is the entire second floor and similar to Randall’s open floor plan, though much more modest. Mark was impressed as we walked into the kitchen, which opened to the dining and living area. The kitchen did have new fixtures and the living room contained good, solid furniture.
?Mark gave a whistle. “I think your books are doing better than mine.”
?“I got money in the divorce.”
?“Apparently more than I imagined.”
?Mark took off his jacket as I led him to the master bathroom, which contained a large bathtub, as well as a shower, and a dual sink counter.
?“Your tub is larger than my entire bathroom,” he chuckled.
?“I put out a robe,” I told him, “and I picked up underwear, socks, and a fresh shirt while I was at your apartment last night.”
?“Is that why you stole my keys?”
?“No, picking up your stuff was just a side benefit. At least, for you. I stole your keys to catch the killer.”
?“So who is it?”
?I couldn’t fight the smile on my face. “Get cleaned up and I might just tell you.”
?“Tease,” he accused with a smile.
?“Nothing but,” I told him as I exited the bathroom and shut the door. I stayed on the other side of the door as I listened for the shower to turn on. When it started, I leaned against the door and shut my eyes, as the image of Mark naked ran through my head.
?I shook myself and walked past my full-length mirror and caught my reflection. Yes, I was red with embarrassment once again. I needed to get a handle on that. But I also saw something else in my own eyes.
?I had spent the time since the divorce avoiding the idea of dating, and I had simply shut down sexually. But I saw myself and I looked vibrant, alive. Wanting Mark and reacting to his desire for me had made my eyes brighter, and I was surprised by the change.
?I heard the shower finish, and I went to my desktop computer and tried to focus.
?Mark came out in nothing but a bathrobe. He was clean, his full head of hair wet, and I had to admit, even the stubble on his chin looked damn sexy. I focused on my screen, not daring to look at him.
?“My clothes?” he asked and gave me a smile. “Unless you prefer me like this.”
?He had given me an opening. I wanted to go all sultry and say, “That’s perfect. Why don’t we both get comfortable,” or at least knock out a double entendre or even stand up and yank open his robe. Instead, I squeaked, “In the bedroom, you’ll find the clothes I brought.”
/> ?He gave a nod and walked where I pointed. When he closed the door, I fell into my chair and slapped my forehead with the palm of my hand. What the hell happened to me? I used to know how to entice a man! Now, I possessed all the seductive charm of a vacuum cleaner.
