“I’m hoping to catch the last plane back tonight.” He turned and placed one hand on the doorknob.
She didn’t know why this felt like such a final goodbye but the possibility freed her to act on impulse. Mallory reached out and touched his shoulder. “Jack, wait.”
He paused.
“I’ll be here when you get back.” She didn’t feel the need to elaborate.
They’d been too close for him to misunderstand her meaning.
He turned. His hand covered hers, easing her clenched fist loose until her arm dropped to her side. “It’s been my experience that women always want something.”
She stiffened at his words, but forced herself to see his side. Watching constant infidelity had jaded him, she thought sadly, as she realized exactly why he held himself back from relationships and trust.
“I wonder what’s on your agenda?” he asked.
Though she’d steeled herself for the verbal barb it stung anyway. Since she’d approached him with the first invitation, and since she had an overt agenda where work was concerned, she could see why he’d be searching for an ulterior motive now.
Yet the heart she’d lost to this man wished he could see inside her and not have to ask. She’d shared enough to give him twenty-twenty vision—if he cared to see.
She held herself upright and looked him straight in the eye. “Not a thing. Especially not partnership if that’s what you’re thinking. I could have gotten your support with less risk if I hadn’t issued that first invitation.”
She forced a smile to curve her lips, wanting to soften his mood and convince him that she cared only for his feelings, no other agenda in mind.
It worked. The painful distance in his gaze lessened, replaced by a surprising warmth instead. A fluttering heat rose in her belly, accompanied by a deeper more intense wash of feeling.
“True.” His thumb brushed over her bottom lip.
Despite the earlier tension, a moist dewiness settled between her legs, a testament to the yearning he made her feel.
His gaze never left hers. “So what do you want, Mallory?” Curiosity melded with desire in his smoky depths.
“You,” she said truthfully. Honestly. With more candor than she’d ever intended to provide. “I want you and I want your trust.”
His hand cupped her chin, tipping her head upward. “I can promise you the first.” Desire remained potent and strong, hovering between them. “No one gets my trust.”
And from the determined look in his eyes, Mallory knew he wanted to believe his words. But she also knew how fast and hot the emotions poured between them.
If he needed her on his return, he knew where to find her. But if he showed up on her doorstep, he best be prepared. She thrived on a challenge and Jack had just thrown down a gauntlet she couldn’t resist.
Not with the man she loved.
MALLORY MADE her way to the dining room, a paperback in her shoulder bag. She planned to eat a light dinner but she had an ulterior motive as well. With Jack gone, she had a prime opportunity to listen carefully for information on Lederman and poke around if she got the chance.
She’d finished her turkey wrap and soda and was about to call it a night when she caught sight of Alicia Lederman walking into the restaurant. Though Mallory kept her book open, she made eye contact and hoped Alicia approached her first.
There was no way Mallory could instigate a sit-down meeting with Lederman’s wife for a chat, but she certainly wouldn’t be rude enough to walk away if the other woman sought her out first.
As the older woman made her way into the room, she glanced around, taking in her surroundings, and Mallory guessed, assessing the restaurant’s customers and the staff’s preparations for the evening. She had a hunch her client’s wife had a hand in running things and the settlement wouldn’t be as simple as Mr. Lederman hoped.
Alicia’s gaze lit on Mallory. Instead of breaking eye contact, Mallory held Alicia’s stare until the other woman had no choice but to look away…or walk over to the table.
She chose the latter. “I trust you enjoyed your meal?” Alicia asked.
Mallory nodded. “Excellent. You have a very diverse menu.”
“I worked with the chef myself.” The other woman paused a beat. “Would you mind if I joined you?”
Without showing her pleasure, Mallory shook her head. “Not at all. But you were advised to deal with your own attorneys.” She’d begun to care for the older woman and so she felt an obligation to see that Alicia looked out for her own interests.