A Very Exclusive Engagement

Their plotting dinner suddenly felt like a date and it made her a little nervous. It was silly considering he’d not only seen her naked, but they were engaged. Technically.

“I had a good time tonight,” she said, feeling stupid the moment the words left her lips.

“Me, too. I, uh, wanted to say thank-you again for doing this for me. And, you know, for the company. I feel like I’ve hijacked your entire life today.”

Francesca tried to think about what she was supposed to have done today. She certainly had plans of some kind, but Liam had wiped her memory clean along with her calendar. “I’m sure I didn’t have anything important planned and if I did, it will still be around for me to do tomorrow.”

“Do you have time on your schedule to have some engagement portraits taken? I wanted a picture to put with the newspaper announcement.”

“I think so. Just have Jessica look at my calendar in the morning. Do I need to wear anything in particular or do something special with my hair or makeup?”

Liam watched her, shaking his head. “You’re perfect just as you are. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful fiancée.”

Francesca blushed. She couldn’t help it. To hear him talk, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. It was ridiculous. She was a pretty enough woman but nothing special. He had a knack for making her feel special, though. “You’re just sucking up so I don’t change my mind.”

“Absolutely,” he admitted. “But it’s easy when it’s true. You don’t know how much I’ve thought about you since that afternoon we spent together. And now, spending all day with you, I’ve been struggling with myself. I’ve spent the past three hours trying not to kiss you. I’m not sure I can hold out much longer.”

Francesca couldn’t help the soft gasp of surprise when he spoke so honestly about his desire for her. Before she could think of something intelligent to say, he leaned across her seat and brought his lips to hers.

It wasn’t their first kiss. Or even their second, but somehow it felt like it. It lacked the raw heat of their time in the elevator and the reassuring comfort of this morning’s kiss. This one felt like the kiss of a blossoming romance. His hand went to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer to him and gently massaging her with his fingertips.

His mouth was demanding but not greedy, coaxing her to open to him and give in to the pleasure he promised. She felt herself being swept up in his touch. It was so easy, just like letting herself flow with the current of a river. It felt natural to let her tongue glide along his, to let her fingers roam through the thick strands of his wavy hair.

His lips left hers, traveling along the line of her jaw to nibble the side of her neck. The sensation of it sent a wave of desire through her whole body. When his hand cupped her breast through the thin microfiber of her dress, she leaned into his touch, moaning softly in his ear.

It wasn’t until her eyes peeked open and she saw the giant diamond on her hand that she came to her senses. This relationship was supposed to be for show. One that appeared authentic to friends and family. But as Liam had said, no one would follow them into the bedroom. Somehow, Francesca knew that if she crossed that line, it would be hard for her to keep this relationship in perspective.

Liam was her fiancé, but he would never be her husband. He wasn’t in love with her, nor was she in love with him. Sex would just blur the lines.

Francesca gently pushed at Liam’s shoulders. He pulled away, watching her with eyes hooded with desire. His breath was ragged. That was one hell of a kiss. And it was begging for one hell of a night together. She could tell that he intended to come inside. A nice dinner, a bottle of wine, good conversation, a dynamic kiss…now she was supposed to invite him in for coffee and take off her dress. That was all too much too soon, no matter how badly she might want him.

Francesca reached for the door handle. “Good night, Liam.”

“Wait,” he said with a frown as he reached out to her. “Good night?”

She nodded, clutching her purse to her chest as a subpar barrier between them. “It’s been a long day filled with a lot of excitement. You went from my boss to my fiancé just a few short hours ago. I think adding ‘lover’ to the list tonight is a bad idea.”

Liam sighed but didn’t try to argue with her. Instead, he opened his car door and came around to help her out. He escorted her to her doorstep.

Francesca paused, clutching her keys in her hand. Right or wrong, she couldn’t help leaning into him and placing a quick but firm kiss on his lips.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at the office.”