“He’s a what?”
“A doctor. What is the matter with you?”
A doctor.
Matt was definitely not a doctor. He owned Cutting Edge Industries, a major high-tech firm.
“What did he look like?”
Ellen smiled. “Definitely handsome. He’s tall, obviously works out, has sandy hair. And big brown eyes you could get lost in.”
A definite catch.
Kate felt as though a devastating weight had been heaved from her chest. With her renewed ability to breathe in a normal fashion, she inhaled deeply, and started to feel almost lightheaded. She broke out laughing.
“What is the matter with you?” Ellen demanded.
Kate covered her mouth with her hand, quieting her frantic laughter, and took a few more deep breaths.
“I’m sorry. I’m just in a strange mood today.”
Ellen studied her uncertainly. “So, should I discourage Chris next time he asks? I just thought you might like to ask him to be your date for our New Year’s Eve party.”
Chris. Not Matt.
Kate stifled another giggle. She almost felt compelled to accept Ellen’s attempt at matchmaking to make up for her unprecedented behavior—but she really didn’t want to be fixed up with someone. She shifted in her chair, preparing to disappoint Ellen yet again.
“You know, I’m really not ready—”
Ellen waved her hand. “Yeah, I know. I’ve heard it before. You know, the way you’re acting, you’d think I was trying to push you into an arranged marriage rather than a simple date,” she teased.
“I’m sorry, Ellen.” Kate set her cup down on the coffee table, pushing aside the disturbing memory. “I really appreciate your concern, but—”
“It’s okay. I understand. I need to learn not to be so pushy.” Ellen grabbed a cup from the tray on the table. “Now, how about a cup of coffee?”
After Ellen had gone, Kate tidied up the dishes and climbed into bed. Still a bit wobbly from the shock of believing Matt was on her tail, she forced herself to calm down and tried to drive him out of her thoughts. Even if the man she’d seen had been Matt, why would he want to hunt her down? Maybe he’d wanted to possess her two years ago—completely and with a frightening obsession—but surely after all this time, he no longer cared.
* * *
That night, as she lay in bed, Kate couldn’t stop thinking about Matt. When she’d met him, he’d swept her off her feet. Handsome, powerful, charismatic. He’d had it all. And his potent masculinity had awed her.
She remembered their third date. The scent of fresh-cut gardenias in a glass vase on the table. Candles. Moonlight. The table set on his large balcony overlooking the city.
Matt, dazzlingly attractive, sitting beside her, enfolding her trembling hand in the warmth of his, pressing his lips to her palm, devastating her senses. She’d noticed a startling intensity in his unwavering blue eyes as if she were the most fascinating person he’d ever met, but he’d hesitated, as if uncertain. Until that moment, Matt Pearce—savvy executive, master of every situation—had never been uncertain. Yet, he’d parted his lips as if to say something, but then changed his mind. She’d wondered what he’d intended to say, but then he’d brushed his lips against her temple and electricity had shimmered through her.
She sighed and rolled onto her side.
God, and the first time they’d had sex, she’d nearly fainted with need. He’d been so … dominating.
They’d been out several times, and he’d been a perfect gentleman, but the good-night kisses were becoming more heated, and it had been clear they’d both wanted more. She’d also sensed he’d been holding back, which was a good thing, because when she experienced how intense being with him could be, it had unnerved her.
But it had been intensely sexy.
She closed her eyes and drifted back to that first time. She’d invited him in for coffee, but he’d pulled her into his arms as soon as the door closed behind them. His heated kisses had thrilled her and she’d wanted him more than she’d ever wanted any man before.
“Do you like a strong, powerful man, Kate?”
He was so close, so masculine. His breath wafted against her ear and she felt faint with desire.