An Instant Connection (Insta-Spark)

gers over my lips, still feeling his mouth. “That wasn’t properly?”

He captured my hand in his and kissed the knuckles. “More, then. I want to kiss you more.”

I hesitated.

He smiled and once again stroked my cheek. “It’s fine, Mandy. I understand. I wouldn’t normally move so fast, but I have to admit, I have never wanted a woman as much as I want you.” He removed his arm, and slid back, picking up his fork. “I can be patient. You’ll be worth the wait.” He smiled. “We’ll be worth the wait.”

His words disarmed me. I was shocked how much I immediately missed his warmth. A flicker of disappointment went through me at his easy acceptance of my hesitation.

Even though, I knew that was silly, I should’ve been grateful he didn’t push the issue.

Right?

* * *

We finished sharing dessert, and when the bill came, I picked up my purse.

“Don’t even think about it,” he informed me with a glare. “I asked you to dinner. When we’re on a date, or wherever, I will take care of the bill.”

“Is this a date?” I asked.

“Yes. Our first of many.” He stood, extending his hand. “Will you walk with me for a bit before I put you in a cab to go home?”

“I can take the bus.”

He rolled his eyes, tugging me from the booth. “You obviously haven’t been treated very well by your old boyfriends. The likelihood of me allowing you to take a bus home after a date is about the same as me being able to resist kissing you again tonight.”

“So, not good then?”

He grinned and dropped a hard, fast kiss to my mouth.

“Impossible.”

We left the restaurant hand in hand. There was no false pretense about him as he tucked me close to his side. The streets had thinned out, but as usual, there were still lots of people milling around.

“Where to?”

He smiled. “At the risk of you walking away, the bar in my hotel is on the top floor. Great view at night and it’s only a couple of blocks away. We could have a drink, and I promise to escort you downstairs after and send you home in a taxi.”

The evening had gotten cooler, the bite of winter approaching in the air. Sitting in a bar talking to Mitch sounded a lot better than walking in the night breeze.

“Okay.”

He steered us across the street, toward his hotel. He asked about restaurants around the area, other amenities, and where I lived.

“Have you found a place yet?” I asked, after answering his questions. “Do you rent or lease?”

“Since I’m self-employed and often my work-contract is brief, I usually stay in hotels. But here, I wanted a short-term lease. I looked at a few today and found one I liked.”

“Where is your office?”

He waved the air. “Downtown.”

I chuckled. “Maybe our companies are rivals.”

He laughed. “Maybe. We won’t discuss work. Make that part easier.” He pulled me closer and pressed a kiss to my head. “I’d much rather talk about you, Mandy. I find you fascinating.”

I laughed lightly. “Then you need to get out more.”