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“I said, we will have dinner tonight to discuss our relationship.”
“First off, we don’t have a relationship, and second, dinner isn’t a good idea.” In fact, it was a very bad idea.
“Either dinner or we have this out right now while everyone waits outside. I’ve been patient. No more.”
Her stomach clenched. He wasn’t going to budge, was he? He wouldn’t be Gavin if he gave in easily. “Fine. Dinner only. Nothing else.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“I can get my own transportation. Where do you want to meet?” At least she’d have her car to make a quick getaway.
“So you can stand me up? I don’t think so.” His hands framed her waist. When had he moved so close? Amber couldn’t concentrate. The whiff of his woodsy cologne stirred up her hormones like nothing else.
“I wouldn’t do that.” She had only thought about meeting him and leaving before they ordered.
“Liar,” he whispered.
His gaze dropped to her lips. His eyes burned with desire. He groaned as he lowered his head.
Amber didn’t even think about avoiding the kiss. Nope. The second his lips touched hers, she softened in his embrace. Her lips parted. Their tongues tangled. The faint hint of wild, earthy coffee, the flavor he loved, touched her taste buds.
Oh God, she was kissing him—again. She placed her hands on his shoulders, but instead of trying to push him away, her arms encircled his neck as her body melted against his.
Hot, wet, and frantic, the kiss went on and on. Her fingers traced up and down his back, loving the way his muscles played against his skin as he shifted his hold on her. Their tongues played their unique game of hide and seek.
She shifted to get closer to him as his tongue retreated. Her fingers slipped beneath his slacks and found the hem of his shirt. She wanted them skin to skin.
“Amber,” he whispered against her lips as her fingers touched his rock-hard abdomen. His palms were hot against her lower back, searing through her shirt. “Sweetheart, we can’t.”
His words froze her. She blinked at him. What the hell was she doing? Reality slapped her in the face. Oh dear God. “We need to stop.” She removed her hands and wiggled in his embrace.
“For now.” His palms framed her face. “I want you.”
Sweet desire flashed through her veins. She wanted him too. No! She couldn’t think that way. Dang it, one kiss and she was lost. This couldn’t keep happening. She pushed against his chest. If she didn’t get some space between them, she’d beg him to take her right there on the conference room table. Why couldn’t she resist this man?
“You know you want to.”
The smugness in his words set her ire free. “Beside the point.” She took deep, calming breaths. How could he arouse her so easily? “You need to let me go.”
He puffed out a breath and removed his hands from her waist. She checked her clothes to make sure everything was in place. She peeked at Gavin from beneath her lashes to see him tucking his shirt back in.
Why couldn’t he accept it was time to move on? It’s what he always did, wasn’t it? She couldn’t get involved any further. Her heart couldn’t take the hit. Turning, she faced the windows.
Her reflection stared back at her, her flushed face and well-kissed lips reflected in the glass. Thank goodness the window faced the Puget Sound and not downtown Seattle. No witnesses to her downfall. A quiet knock on the door caused her to jump.
Gavin swore, marched over to the door, unlocked it, and threw it open. Stephanie, his personal assistant, stared at him. “Why was the door locked? The Sinclair group has arrived.” She peered around Gavin and grinned. “Hi, Amber. Did you get set up okay?”
“All is good, Stephanie, thank you.” Amber was glad her voice was steady.
Gavin glanced over his shoulder and mouthed, “Seven.” He walked out with Stephanie following behind him.
Amber grabbed the back of the chair to steady herself. She’d gone toe to toe with him and survived. A small smile crept over her lips. She had all afternoon to shore up her defenses before dinner. She would do it, too, or she’d end up in bed with him again. She couldn’t afford to fall in his bed again.
She would stay strong. Gavin was not the right man for her. Amber double-checked everything before she left the room and found her right-hand man flirting with one of the workers. “Martin.”
“Later.” He winked at the blushing woman as he jogged over to her.
“I thought I told you no flirting with the employees?” She put her hands on her hips and gave him what she hoped was a stern glare.
