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“I’m glad,” Meghan said. “For Belle’s sake.”
He cocked his head to the side, that smile still playing at his lips. “What time do you finish?”
“Four.”
“I’ll come and pick you up.”
She shook her head. “I have my car. Plus I need to get ready.” Lowering her voice, she smiled at him. “If you pick me up, we both know what will happen.”
His eyes flashed. “Is there something wrong with that?”
“No. But I don’t want to turn up at the gallery only wearing eau-de-freshly-ravaged.”
“That’s my very favorite fragrance.” He grinned.
She bit down a smile because he always made everything better. When he walked into a room it was like the temperature rose by ten degrees. He reminded her of that scene in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe where Aslan the lion bounded through
Narnia, bringing the frozen landscape back to life with his touch.
That’s what Rich had done to her. Made her feel alive. More than a mother or a daughter or a shop owner. When he looked at her with hot needy eyes, he made her feel like a woman.
And she liked it.
A group of teenagers walked through the door, giggling when they saw Rich leaning over the counter. He gave Meghan a wink and stepped back, and they thronged in front of him, pointing at the tubs full of pastel desserts, talking about their favorites.
“I guess that’s my cue to leave.” The corner of his lip lifted, but his eyes still held that hot promise. “I’ll pick you up at five-fifteen. Then we’ll swing over to get Belle if that’s okay.”
“That’s perfect.” She turned to the teenagers who were still ogling Rich. “What can I get you?”
He turned and walked out, and she tried not to stare at his strong shoulders. Shoulders that had enough power to hold her up while they made love against his bedroom wall.
“Just vanilla please.”
She saw his shoulders shake, and bit down a smile. Today was already a good day, and this evening was going to be even better.
She loved living in Angel Sands.
24
“You look beautiful.” Rich swallowed hard. “How the hell am I going to keep my hands off you for three hours?”
That was exactly the reaction she’d hoped for. Meghan had rushed home from the shop and walked straight into the shower, only stopping to close the front door and shuck off her clothes. Knowing she had hardly an hour to transform herself from ice cream server to goddess put everything into focus. Not one minute could be spar
ed – she was too busy drying and curling and make-up applying to even eat or take a drink.
Her stomach gurgled in a reminder that it was annoyed about that. She’d have to attack the hors d’oeuvres when they got to the gallery.
She’d found the gorgeous cocktail dress she was wearing in a local boutique. The moss green of the crepe fabric complemented her hair perfectly. The top was made of two bands of material, attached to a ruched waistband, rising up to cover each of her breasts before gathering at her shoulders. The Grecian style made her chest look fantastic, but she hadn’t been able to find a bra to fit under it. Instead, she’d used tape to make sure the fabric didn’t slip and reveal more than she’d intended.
But right now, she didn’t care. In the warmth of Rich’s intense stare she felt like a princess.
“You’re pretty hot yourself,” she pointed out. He was wearing a dark blue suit, his hair perfectly brushed back for once, the hint of a shadow clinging to his strong jaw. He wasn’t wearing a tie, and his pale blue shirt was unbuttoned at the neck, revealing a hint of tanned skin and dark hair that made her mouth water. “I’m not sure whether I prefer you in scrubs or a suit.”
His eyes crinkled. “Why choose? You can have me any way you want.” He held his arm out and she slid her right hand through, grabbing her purse with the other. As they passed Gloria’s apartment she waved, almost certain their friend was staring through the peep hole.
It was a five minute drive to Belle’s house. Rich’s sister grinned widely when she saw Meghan standing by his car. “Oh my god,” she breathed. “You’re so pretty. You remind me of a Greek statue.”
“How about me?” Rich teased, helping her into the back seat. He folded up her wheelchair and put it in the trunk.
