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Grace blinked. “That sounds delicious…and difficult to make.”

  “Not really. When I was in college, I worked as a cook in a restaurant. It paid tuition.” Tanner shrugged.

  “I’m not much of a chef, but I make a mean macaroni and cheese.”

  He smiled. “Well, I’d have macaroni and cheese every night just to be with you.”

  She lowered her head and blushed. She hated to admit that she enjoyed hearing the sweet words he showered upon her. His intense gazes made her squirm with delight. She couldn’t even count the number of women who would trade places with her at the drop of a hat. So much magic surrounded her, and she wouldn’t allow herself to wallow in it. Let your hair down, she thought. Once the night ended, she could return to her dismal life—unromantic. And Tanner could find a woman who believed in fairytales and happy endings. He deserved that much.

  *

  Tanner slipped between the sliding doors then stared at her through the glass. He watched her raise her arms above her head. Slowly, she leaned back and rested her head on a pillow, crossing one leg over the other. The black dress she wore eased up her legs, revealing the smooth, flawless flesh of her thighs. He longed to bury himself in her silky skin. She gazed at the stars. Her eyes twinkled. An angelic expression lit her face. It was the most relaxed he’d seen her all night. Then again, how was she expected to be at ease when he’d spent the better part of their date pawing her like a sex-crazed maniac? A good slap from her slender, manicured hands would have set him straight.

  Mentally, he kicked himself all the way to the kitchen. “Idiot,” he mumbled. She’d wanted to leave, which was understandable. It was obvious she hadn’t resolved the issues she had with her ex-husband. He’d promise himself he would take things slow and woo her like a gentleman. Just like their first kiss outside of The Pigeonhole, his honorable intentions went the way of the wind whenever she was near him.

  How did he get to this point? Grace hadn’t intentionally driven him mad with passion. The woman oozed sex appeal without putting forth any effort. Unlike Sheila, who flaunted her assets shamelessly, Grace’s sensuality was unrehearsed. His deep affection for her was unprovoked and unavoidable. She was hard to resist. Even if he did possess magical powers, no force in the world could make his feelings for her vanish. Honestly, he wouldn’t have it any other way. To hold her hand, to look into her eyes, to hold her in his arms was worth the tortured nights he’d spent alone, dreaming about a hundred ways to make love to her.

  At the sink, he splashed cold water on his face. He fought the urge to put a bucket of ice in his pants to cool his heated, throbbing manhood. Since Grace was already fidgety in his presence, he didn’t want to add to her misery by appearing before with a huge wet spot on the front of his pants. That would send her seeking refuge from him for sure.

  He grabbed the wicker picnic basket off the counter and filled it with their meal. The wine was chilled to perfection. As he headed for the sliding doors and the radiant queen awaiting his return, he warned himself to behave. “Back off, buddy boy.” Sadly, he realized he was wasting his breath. Refraining from touching Grace was akin to holding his breath. He could only get away with doing either so long. Once he set eyes on her heavenly body and heard her sweet voice, he’d be down for the count.

  Using a dexterous foot, he maneuvered the door open. He carried the picnic basket in one hand and the bottle of wine in the other. After he stepped outside, he announced, “Baby, I’m back!”

  Grace bolted upright, startled. She had dozed off. His husky voice had jolted her awake.

  An audible yawn escaped her lips. With cat-like grace, she stretched. Her eyelids still drooped heavily. “What took you so long? Were you churning butter?”

  “Not exactly,” he said sheepishly.

  On cue, her stomach rumbled. He unloaded the wicker basket.

  Grace licked her lips. “I was beginning to think you lured me here under false pretenses. You promised me food, man.”

  “As you will learn, I always keep my promises.”

  “Humph!”

  After pouring wine, he sidled up to her. “Lean forward.”

  Although she shot him a quizzical look, she complied.

  He swung a long, toned leg around her and scooted forward, until she was settled comfortably between his legs. “Lean back.”

  She reclined. Her head rested against his chest. His body was ripped. His pecks felt like two well-developed mounds. Through the fabric of his shirts, she sensed the rippling muscles of his washboard stomach. It made her woozy. She imagined spending the greater part of a day rolling her tongue over each ripple. The man’s body was downright sinful. Naughty thoughts caused moisture to form between her legs. Tanner was unaware of the turmoil she endured on his behalf. She moaned.

  He mistook her guttural sound of sexual pleasure for craving food. “Hold your horses, woman.”

  She smirked. I’d rather hold something else.

  “Close your eyes. Let me put something long and soft into your mouth,” he said.

  Grace sprang forward and commenced to cough uncontrollably. Tanner patted her back. He handed her a glass of wine when her hands steadied. “That’s what happens when your mind is in the gutter. I was going to feed you asparagus.”

  Awkwardly, she smiled. “Oh. I knew that.”

  He lifted a dubious brow without commenting on her little white lie. For such a beautiful woman, she had some crazy ways.

  She repositioned herself between his legs and opened her mouth. He rewarded her with the meal she’d had in a long time. Patiently and carefully, he fed her. She rewarded him by sucking the spices and juices from his fingers. Heaven must be like this, Tanner mused.

  “I could get used to this,” Grace sighed.

  “So could I,” he said.

  Pure enchantment. Romantic. Relaxing. Grace had no idea life could be so sweet. Had she not agreed to have dinner with Tanner, she still wouldn’t know. Even though the time with him was only a temporary satisfaction—sweet distraction—from the loneliness she experienced everyday it was just what the doctor ordered. She pinched him.

  He pinched her back.

  She offered him a hazy gaze. “OK. So we know we’re not dreaming.”

  “Speak for yourself. I need more convincing.” Deep and low, his voice flowed through her ear like a tropical breeze. He leaned toward her. Ardent desire flickered in his eyes. He was a man possessed. Incapable of controlling his own actions, he yielded to his unshakable need to devour her soft lips. Grace’s breath caught in her throat as she waited for the inevitable to happen. She wanted to protest, but when his mouth came crashing down upon hers, she was rendered speechless. He sucked liberally on her succulent bottom lip. Heat whipped through her body as his tongue flitted against her tongue, melting her resistance. Ready and willing, she was his for the taking.

  His fervid need matched hers stroke-for-stroke and kiss-for-kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and wound her legs around his waist, holding on for dear life. The ground seemed to shake beneath her. Fire burned in the pit of her stomach. “More, more, more,” her body screamed.

  Tanner’s lips voyaged from her mouth and sailed down her neck. The circular motion of his tongue on her skin caused her to purr against his ear. Blind passion consumed her, revealing how starved her body had been for a man’s touch—Tanner’s touch. She shuddered when his fingers trailed a blazing path up her thigh, settling on her bountiful rear. She squealed with delight as he squeezed the meaty flesh inside her panties. His skilled hands stroked her backside with eagerness and tenderness. The bliss she felt was divine. Sweet ecstasy seized her senses. Her heart galloped wildly in her chest like it was competing in the Kentucky Derby. She breathed erratically, not knowing what to do. Of course, she’d fantasized about kissing, rubbing, holding, and tasting Tanner. Even in her dreams, she hadn’t given in to his touch so easily. In reality, she had crossed a forbidden path of pleasure with him. Slowly, he was destroying the wall she’d built around he
r heart—brick by brick.

  Once she regained her senses, she intended to put a halt to his destruction. But, for now, she needed to feel his energy, smell his scent, and taste his skin. Nothing would rob her of the sensation of being in his arms. Not even the fear of losing her way. His magic was magnetic and she was its slave. She slipped her hand between his legs and stroked his swollen manhood repeatedly. His muscles strained. Powerfully, he gripped her body. Gravelly groans rumbled in his throat. Grace silenced his sensuous sounds with a kiss. She purred as their lips reconnected. Tantalizing and sizzling, their kisses grew more intense. The beating of their hearts drowned out every other sound the night produced. Provocatively, their lips, hips, and hands moved in unison. Privately, their minds, hearts, and souls wished to linger in the moment forever.

  Tanner removed his lips from hers. Perspiration glistened on his forehead. Satisfaction radiated in his eyes. “Wow.”

  “I’ll say. The kitchen isn’t the only place you can throw down,” Grace said, having had just a taste of his love. She licked her throbbing lips. Remnants of Tanner’s kiss blotted her mouth. Intoxicating and stimulating, it was enough to get her riled up again. She never seemed to be in the driver’s seat in his presence. He controlled her emotions effortlessly. His magic was a force to be reckoned with. Kick boxing, karate, or some other form of martial arts, she intended to discover a way to combat his potent powers. Need be, she’d simply run away and hide. Hey, drastic times called for drastic measures. No way did she take matters of the heart lightly, especially, when her heart was involved. But whatever means she developed to fight his magic would have to wait until tomorrow. Tonight, heaven’s gate stood wide open. And she aimed to walk on streets of gold till closing time. Earth could wait.

  Tanner leaned on his elbows. They locked gazes. Her eyes sparkled. He placed a light kiss on her forehead. “You bring out the animal in me.”

  She playfully clawed his back. “Ditto.”

  He wiggled beneath her touch. Breathing heavily, he wiped his brow. “I think we both could drink some cold water.”

  Grace agreed. She fanned her face with her hand. “My throat is rather parched.”

  Reluctantly, he released his jewel. He stood and adjusted his clothes. Before disappearing behind the sliding glass doors, he regarded her affectionately. For all he knew, this would be the last time he held his priceless gem in his arms. She agreed to share one night with him. No matter the distance, Tanner was certain gravity would continue to pull his thoughts in her direction.

  Part of him wished she hadn’t let him kiss her. How was he supposed to forget the softness of her lips? Was he expected to pretend she hadn’t responded to his nibbles and licks with zeal? Did she reckon he’d sleep peacefully without her beside him, beneath him, between his legs?

  Clutching the refrigerator’s handle, he yanked it open. Seizing two cold bottles of cold water, he strode out the kitchen. If his legs had been long enough, he’d kicked his own butt. He just couldn’t leave well enough alone. Only a special fool didn’t heed his own warning. What made him think he had the strength to resist the sweetest temptation he’d ever known? He seriously needed his head examined. He knew better than to play with fire. Now he burned for the love of a petite spitfire, who granted him an evening of her company. Tomorrow, she’d be long gone. Distance wouldn’t erase the memory of her velvety skin, sweet scent, or melodic voice. Space would not only intensify his misery, but also increase his determination to see her again.

  Tanner pivoted and crossed the room hastily, returning to the kitchen. From the refrigerator, he removed a cold beer. He downed it quickly before heading towards the pool. Later, he would knock back a shot of whiskey to take the edge off. Instead of Grace’s body heat, a fire in his belly would be the only thing keeping him warm in his bed that night.

  Frustrated, he ran his left hand across his chin. A light thatch of golden stubble grazed his palm. Like most men, he was perplexed by the fairer sex. Women boggled his mind more than physics. One minute, they demanded fifty feet. The next minute, you couldn’t pry them off of you with a crow bar.

  He had no objection to Grace clinging to his body like a second skin. Nor did he have any reservations about telling her that she was in his system, and he couldn’t get her out even if he tried.

  Yes, he wanted her more than the air he breathed.

  Although her mouth never uttered the words, he knew she wanted him, too. Her eyes, her lips, and her hips spoke volumes. She had kissed him with such abandon. Fear, need, and loneliness had seeped through her pores, until he could taste it. Her eyes had been haunted with mixed emotions. Visibly, she struggled to control her physical attraction to him. Grace Michaels was definitely a beautiful mess. She awed him. She stimulated him and made him want to show her his many hidden talents. None of which included magic.

  When she fell in love with him, he didn’t want magic spells, voodoo, or similar nonsense involved. He wanted her eyes wide open, as well as her heart and soul. He wanted her to accept him as her lover and friend. And king. After all, she was the queen he’d spent his adult life searching for. Now that he’d found her, he wouldn’t give her up without a fight. Having her love was worth fighting a million battles. Evil princes, wicked witches, or plain and simple haters: bring it on. Nothing would stand in the way of him making his house a home, and his heart complete with Grace’s love.

  Still consumed with thoughts of her that had run amuck, Tanner made his way outside. He hadn’t walked a short distance before his foot snagged on something, sending him stumbling forward. A colorful expletive flew from his lips. Bending down, he picked up the offending object, which had tangled around his shoe. Upon close inspection, he realized he’d almost been sent crashing to the ground by a black lacy bra. He arched a brow and looked askance. More articles of clothing formed a seductive trail from the empty blanket to poolside.

  When he looked in the swimming pool, his breath caught in his throat. A slow burn crept throughout his body and settled in his groin. Wading in the pool, a naked Grace stared at him with a smug look plastered on her face. Her comely breasts floated on top of the water, teasing and tempting him. It was evident that she’d become adept at addling him. She seemed hell-bent on pushing him over the edge. Dealing with her required that he keep a cardiologist nearby at all times. She was killing him slowly, softly, and sweetly. Man, oh, man, he thought. What was he going to do with the sweetest tyrant he’d ever known?

  His eyes darkened. A devilish grin crossed his lips. If it took hours, days, or years, he’d wipe that smug look off her face—one stroke at a time.

  Chapter 5

  Grace tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. She leaned against the foot of the stage at The Pigeonhole, going over paperwork. As she hummed a song by Sage Sweet, she allowed her thoughts to mix business with pleasure. Memories of the previous steamy night she’d shared with Tanner surfaced.

  If anyone were to ask, she wouldn’t be able to tell that person what had possessed her to slip into the pool as naked as a jaybird. One minute, she was lying on the blanket, thanking her lucky stars. The next minute, she was unclothed in the pool waiting to give Tanner an eyeful.

  Instead of shedding his clothes and joining her in the tranquil pool like she’d hoped, he disappeared into the house. The grimace on his face had put a damper on what was supposed to be a hot and heavy moment. However, he had extinguished the flames she was trying to ignite when he returned with a large cotton bath towel. She remembered how she had gritted her teeth when he’d knelt beside the pool and opened the towel, waiting to shroud her body from indecent exposure. His intentions were clearly honorable.

  Slowly, she had waded in his direction. When she was in close range, she splashed water in his face. “Go to hell!”

  Calmly, Tanner ran a hand down his face. His fingertips dripped with water, until he flicked it off. “Maybe I deserved that, but I’m not trying to embarrass you. Nor am I rejecting you. You’re my ultimate fantasy
and resisting you is excruciating. But it’s time for you to understand that I’m not Kevin, or those other schmucks you’ve dealt with.”

  Grace rolled her eyes.

  He sighed. “Having only part of you is unacceptable. I want all of you because I’m willing to give you all of me. Babe, I’m the real deal. And I play for keeps.”

  Reluctantly, she looked into his eyes. The sincerity and anguish she had seen in those crystal pools quelled her anger. Obviously, he wanted more than she was willing to give. She wanted to believe his pretty words carried a guarantee, but she knew better. She couldn’t count the number of times she’d fallen for a man’s smooth lines, only to have them bite her in the butt later.

  Yet, Tanner seemed so different, so genuine. The desire to believe him overwhelmed her. At that moment, she hadn’t had the strength to conquer her fears. After all, she wasn’t a superwoman. Leaping over tall buildings, running at the speed of light and moving objects with her mind weren’t powers she possessed. Nor could she build an invisible, impenetrable shield around her heart to keep the jerks and players out. Every time she’d formed a wall around her most sensitive organ, some lowlife managed to worm his way into the space, where he didn’t belong. Ultimately, leaving her to pick up the pieces of a broken heart after he’d vamoosed. Yep, that’s what happened to mere mortals who lacked superhuman abilities.

  Suddenly, the towel Tanner held looked like a safe haven. Silently, she climbed out of the pool and allowed him to wrap the soft fabric around her wet skin. After toweling her dry, he cradled her in his arms. She rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes. Images of the few men she’d had a relationship with pervaded her thoughts. Their lack of loyalty and respect had caused her to closely guard her heart. She quietly cursed all the princes she’d ever met who hadn’t been so charming, and willing to ride off into the sunset without her

  Grace was positively jaded.

  Several minutes motionless in Tanner’s arms almost made her believe none of those men mattered. She almost believed that as long as she was within his tender reach, she’d always be loved and protected and gratified.