Burned Deep (Burned 1)

“Incredible.”

He joined me, setting a delicate-looking box on top of the marble surface. “I also picked this up in Paris. For you.”

My heart fluttered. “That wasn’t necessary.”

“I figured you’d say that. So consider it a gift for me, if you want.”

His intimate tone seeped through my veins, making me sigh. I pulled the white satin bow and swept the ribbon away. Then I lifted the dove-colored lid and brushed aside the sparkling silver tissue paper.

My fingertips grazed over sensuous deep-gray satin and exquisite crystals and Tahitian pearls.

“I like the Gretzky tee on you, but this reminded me of the first time we met—your blouse and necklace.” His warm breath teased the shell of my ear as he stood partially behind me. Heat flared low in my belly.

He lifted the full-length nightgown from the box. Still buried in tissue was a matching robe.

Handing it over, Dane said, “Why don’t you change? Get more comfortable? Take those shoes off. The stone is heated.”

I shook my head. “You’re really too much. You know that, right?”

“Tell me you like it.”

“You already know I like it.”

“Everything,” he insisted.

“Yes. Everything.”

I held the garment to my body, the silky material caressing my skin. It felt heavenly—smelled that way, too. Like lilacs in the spring.

He gestured toward a twelve-foot-tall door alongside the fireplace. I grabbed my tote from the pewter-colored chair he’d set it in and closed the door behind me.

I stared into the mirror for Lord only knew how long. I employed deep-breathing exercises. I tried not to freak out because that I was going to be wearing this incredibly gorgeous gown for, like, minutes, I was sure. And then …

Calm down.

I willed it.

Chill out.

I set aside the endless flow of satin and slipped out of my red dress.

The nightgown was rich and sensuous and slightly cool against my flushed skin. It skimmed over my breasts, my stomach, my hips. Fell to the floor to swirl around my ankles and bare feet. I studied myself in the mirror again, wondering whether to leave my hair loosely up or around my shoulders. I decided to pull out the pins. The fat chocolate-colored curls tumbled down my back. The nightgown dipped to my tailbone. My hair fell about midway.

I wiped off the crimson lipstick I wore with a Kleenex and used a glossy balm instead. My fingers shook slightly as I packed up. Leaving my tote on the counter, I left the bathroom. Dane was setting out salads at one of the larger tables. I crossed the cavernous room and joined him.

He swept his fingers through my hair and his thumb whisked over my jaw.

“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

My breath hitched. How could he possibly say that?

“I’m sure Jennifer Aniston proves otherwise.”

“No.” His head dipped and he kissed me. All slow and provocative, as was his way when he warmed me up. “I’m completely hooked on you, baby.”

I stared up at him. “Then tell me what’s really happening at the Lux.”

His eyes narrowed for a moment. Then he stepped around me and pulled out my chair. I sat and stressed over whether I’d pushed a bit too hard.