“It’s not the clothes, Lissa. It’s you,” he said gruffly. “Do you know how many times I wished I could afford to buy you nice things?”
He was talking about ten years ago.
She smiled. “I never wanted them,” she murmured. She’d only wanted him. She shook her head, shaking off the memories they couldn’t change.
“Ready to go?” he asked, placing a strong hand against her bare back. “The limo is waiting.”
Surprised, she opened her mouth, then closed it again. “Limo?” The word sounded like a squeak and he grinned.
“Your article is supposed to document who I am and how I live, correct?” She nodded. “Don’t worry. It’s not a full limo. It’s a town car with a driver.” He chuckled, probably at her shocked expression.
“Lead the way,” she said, raising her chin in a futile attempt at nonchalance.
The man was riding roughshod over every one of her good intentions and damned if she wasn’t enjoying having someone else take control for a change.
Not that she’d give him the satisfaction of telling him that. All she had to do now was get through the rest of the night without succumbing to that charm he seemed so determined to lavish on her.
But that was the sensible Elisabetta talking. The old Elisabetta—the one who would follow Trevor’s lead to hell and back, the one who was enjoying the feel of his heated palm against her back—urged her to stop thinking and enjoy. Not that she’d forget why she was with Trevor or that she had an article to write when her time with him was through, but for now, the devil on her shoulder insisted she relax and see where this night and these sparks between them would lead.
And she wondered which Lissa would win.
Chapter Three
For Trevor, nothing about tonight was work-related. The fundraiser was something his firm believed in and attendance was mandatory, but nobody conducted business at these kinds of events. Most attended with their husbands, wives, or significant others and it was as much a chance for people to catch up personally as it was to raise money for the charity. Normally Trevor hated these things. He’d have to dig up a date, either a woman who bored him to tears or one who thought she could be the one to catch him when no other woman had been able to before.
At first he’d questioned why this was on the reporter’s schedule of events, but he realized Alex wanted to showcase both Trevor and the firm’s commitment to altruistic causes. He’d resigned himself to sucking it up because at least he’d be with a woman who had no expectations. Once he’d discovered the reporter was Lissa and after he’d made the deliberate decision to let go of the past for this short time they were together, he’d begun to look forward to the evening.
As for her insistence that she’d take a cab? It was easier to let her think she’d gotten her way than to argue. And it had been worth the waiting time in the lobby to get his first glimpse of her uncensored expression the moment she’d laid eyes on him as she walked out of the elevator. Pure, unadulterated pleasure lit her gaze, along with a definite dose of female appreciation, before wariness shuttered her emotions. And her skin glowed radiantly, her emerald eyes twinkling with delight she tried hard to hide.
It was enough for him to know he’d gotten to her the same way she affected him.
Only then did he allow himself the full pleasure of viewing her in all her glory. Dressed in a gold gown, Grecian in design, that draped over one shoulder and hugged her curves in all the right places, she looked like a princess. The back dipped enticingly low, giving him a glimpse of her olive skin and affording the perfect place to settle his palm possessively against her back.
They made the ride to the Waldorf in silence and Trevor let her squirm. He knew she was questioning his motives and what he wanted from her. He liked her nervous and a bit wary. That was when she’d be most unguarded, letting little things slip.
There was much to revisit, much still unsaid, and though they had a limited amount of time together, most of it would be one on one. Just not right away.
As soon as they arrived at the hotel and walked into the ballroom, all eyes turned to look at them. Trevor understood. Lissa, with her Mediterranean olive skin, jet black hair, and green eyes, made an impression. She had a regal look and he was proud to have her on his arm.
“I’m the envy of every man here,” he said, escorting her toward the bar.
“Flatterer. Have you seen the other women here? They’re at least twenty pounds lighter and have much tinier waists,” she said, laughing without seeming uncomfortable.
“I hadn’t noticed. I can’t take my eyes off you.” He drew a deep breath. ?
??Would you like a drink?”
She nodded. “A glass of white wine.”
The bartender had heard her, so Trevor merely added, “And a Scotch on the rocks for me.”
A few minutes later, they had their drinks in hand. “Let’s walk,” he said, steering her into the crowds. The sooner they did the obligatory meet and greet, the sooner Trevor could dance with this woman and take her to bed. They passed the next thirty minutes talking to the important people at Wittman Financial and other people in the industry. Trevor was careful to introduce Lissa to the movers and shakers by both name and company affiliation, knowing that despite the personal nature of their time together, when all was said and done, she had a job to do.
“Trevor, Ms. Gardelli, I’m so glad you could make it.” Trevor turned at the sound of Alexander’s voice. “I see you two have worked out your ... differences?”
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Wittman,” Lissa said, extending her free hand.
Instead of shaking it, Alex lifted her hand and placed a courtly kiss on top. “You look ravishing.”