Reaching out, he takes my hands and pulls me into a slow dance.
My face is right at his cheek. “Not exactly means partly.”
Exhaling, he kisses my temple. “I was attracted to you the first time I ever saw you.”
“That night in the bar?”
“That day on the church lawn when Drew introduced us. Lillie was squirming all over me, and you took one look and walked away.”
He extends his arm, moving me away from him in an impromptu dance, still holding my hand.
“I told you that wasn’t me.”
A sexy smile curls his lips, and have I mentioned how much I love that dimple?
“It was you.” He pulls me back into his arms, looking deep into my eyes. “Oakville isn’t big enough for two insanely sexy, smart, stubborn, irresistible, half-Korean beauties like you. Why deny it?”
“I was in a really bad head space back then.” My voice is quiet, and he rocks us side to side in time with the song. “I was using these silly dating apps, and they kept matching me with losers. I was pretty miserable. Way too far up my own butt.”
“I’d like to be far up your butt.”
My eyes widen. “Hello!”
We both start to laugh, but just as fast, his brow lowers. His face grows playfully stern, possessive. “I won’t lie and say I’m happy to hear about you dating other guys—”
“Trust me, the dates didn’t last very long. I usually sneaked out.”
“Good.” Leaning down, he kisses my lips. “So to answer your question, attraction might have had a little to do with your job offer.”
My hands are on his neck, and I gaze into his eyes. Here, on the balcony overlooking all of Manhattan, under a sky filled with stars, I’m sure I’ve found something money can’t buy.
“Don’t think for one minute attraction had nothing to do with me saying yes.” Rising on my toes, I meet his mouth, lips parted, tongues curling together.
His fingers tug on the strings holding my dress up, and I allow him to lead me into the suite, into the bedroom, into another night of heaven in his arms.
26
Remi
My daughter climbs Ruby like a tree as soon as we walk through the door. I’d be hurt, but watching Ruby scoop her up and carry her into the house fills me with such calm.
I don’t even mind being left alone to manage our luggage. I shake my head, grinning as I tip the limo driver and throw our hanging bags over my shoulder.
Eleanor meets me in the foyer with a stern expression as always. “I trust you had a successful trip?”
“More than successful. I landed the developer I was after and got leads on two more.” It has me feeling generous. “Thank you for keeping an eye on Lillie while I was away.”
“She’s my
granddaughter.” She says it as if it’s an unwritten decree. “I’ll do anything to keep her safe and be sure she’s cared for.”
“Good to know.” I have all the bags, and it doesn’t take long to have them deposited where they belong.
Dropping off Ruby’s things in her room, I hear her and Lillie in my daughter’s bedroom chattering as if they’re old friends who’ve been separated for months.
“There’s a new girl?” Ruby’s voice is surprised.
“Yes, and Louie tried to make her eat dirt just like he did me.” My daughter is very adult sounding—full of righteous indignation. “I marched over there, and in my most serious voice, I told him, ‘You’d better watch it, Mister.’”