Last night had ended soon after the moment on the lounge chair. Her cheeks heated remembering it. When they’d finally climbed off the chair, Gavin had slipped on his jeans and she’d gone in search of her dress, finding it a damp heap along with her panties by the pool. She’d put it on anyway, too self-conscious to walk around naked. Too worried over what Gavin might think.
And that was her biggest problem, wasn’t it? She never knew what Gavin was thinking. That they’d messed around still shocked her. He went from being the stern, argumentative lawyer to the fairly amiable, positive thinking partner to the man who growled at her to take all of him in her mouth right before he came.
Her entire body heated at that particular memory.
Like a gentleman, he’d walked her to the main house, given her a sweet kiss that turned her inside out and wanting more, then left her in front of the French doors while he headed back to the guest quarters. No offer for her to come join him in his bed and finish what they’d started, though she hadn’t invited him to her room either.
Not that she’d risk it. Something about being with Gavin made her a little louder than usual. She could only imagine screaming his name when he made her come, her mother’s bedroom down at the end of the hall. What if Mama heard her?
Her cheeks burned at the thought.
She felt someone standing behind her before she saw him, almost jumped in her seat when a large hand settled on her shoulder. Turning, she found Gavin standing there with a slight smile on his sleepy-looking face. “Hey.”
“Good morning.” She desperately tried to keep her voice neutral, couldn’t help the trace of warmth creeping in. Just looking at him made her insides flutter in anticipation. Not a good thing considering they were trying to have a professional relationship.
“Can I join you?” When she nodded, he sat in the chair across from her, deliciously rumpled in the same pair of jeans that he’d worn last night, though at least now he concealed his mouthwatering chest, donning a light gray T-shirt. It did nothing to detract from his handsomeness, though. The man looked good in just about anything.
“How did you sleep?” she asked politely.
He smiled, rubbed his stubble-covered jaw. “Great. Woke up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee too.”
“Ah, that was Renzo’s doing. He’s very courteous like that.”
“He snuck into my room then. I never heard him.”
“I hope you don’t mind.” She never thought of Renzo as invading anyone’s privacy. He was always just…there.
“No, I appreciate his thoughtfulness. I’m not usually such a heavy sleeper. Might’ve had something to do with what—happened last night.” He shot her a wicked smile.
Which in turn made her blush furiously, damn her fair skin. “About that. Maybe we should—”
He lunged toward her, taking her hand and bringing it to his mouth so he could press a gentle kiss to her palm. “Do it again?” he asked hopefully.
She laughed weakly, her bones melting at his possessive touch, the flare of heat in his beautiful eyes. “I don’t understand the change in you.”
“I don’t understand it either. I’m going to blame the Amalfi Coast.”
“What happens on the coast…” she started.
“…stays on the coast,” he finished with that same naughty smile.
Disappointment wound through her, but she pushed it away. This was the smarter approach. Once they returned to New York, they returned to their business-only relationship. “If that’s the way you wish to conduct it.”
“It is. If that works for you.” He nodded, satisfaction clear in his voice. “Have you spoken to your mother this morning?”
Oh, that sounded familiar. “Not yet.”
“Did she already turn you down?”
“I haven’t gone to her rooms yet today.” She ducked her head, tugging on her robe belt. “I slept in late. Must’ve been jet lag.”
“Or a really great orgasm to help you sleep,” he suggested not so helpfully.
He was downright jovial this morning, which went against his usual sour-faced role. “Perhaps,” she said, trying to keep it light.
Desperate to keep it light.
“Well, you should try and talk to her now.”