the firelight and he wanted to sit here and watch her eat, enjoy her enjoyment.
The pleasure on her face as she devoured the food was incredible to see and he leaned back. There was plenty of time to make love to her, he thought. And this was almost as enjoyable.
When she finished the entire plate of food, she delicately wiped her mouth with the linen napkin and looked back at him. “I’m sorry,” she gasped, realizing she’d eaten quickly and without contributing to the conversation at all. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was but that’s no excuse for being rude.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he told her, the heat in his eyes hidden by the night. “I’m glad you enjoyed the food. I’ll make sure to mention your pleasure to the chef tomorrow.”
She smiled and put her plate on the table beside her. “You’re not hungry?” she asked, realizing that he’d barely touched his own food.
“I’m starving,” he said and Kate instantly knew that he was no longer talking about dinner. He was hungry for something else completely.
“Oh,” she replied on a sigh, feeling that tightening in her stomach once more. The pull of his scent and the allure of this man’s hands on her was more than she could control so she clasped her hands together, folding them tightly in her lap. “I guess I’d better…”
“Come here,” he interrupted. He’d already set his plate to the side as well but as he stood up, he reached for her hand. When they were standing face to face, he took her other hand in his, guiding her hand up to his shoulder. “Now, I teach you to dance,” he said.
She couldn’t believe how wonderful and terrifying it felt to be in his arms. He was so tall, she could just barely reach his shoulders. Plus, his arms were so heavily muscled and his chest so warm and strong, she felt protected in one way, and vulnerable as well because she hadn’t been this close to him yet.
Looking up at him, she wasn’t sure what to do. She wanted him to bend lower and kiss her. Just a gentle kiss, she thought. Wouldn’t that be a nice, wonderful way to end the night? She shivered just thinking about what it would be like to be kissed by a man as strong and powerful as Davis. He certainly was the whole package.
She smiled up at him, trying to focus on the present. “Dancing. After my story, are you sure you’re willing to risk your toes? They might be pretty mangled by the end of this dance.”
He laughed softly, pulling her closer as he wrapped his arm around her back. He was gentle, but firm as he held her closely to his body, her soft breasts pressed against his chest and he felt her shiver as well as the gasp at the first contact. Taking her hand more firmly in his, he led her backwards, then forwards, his arm around her waist telling her which way to go, how to move.
She hadn’t even noticed the music but as they danced, the music became louder. She smiled up at him, feeling strangely in sync with him. She’d never danced since that one night, feeling foolish whenever she tried, but with Davis, she felt like she was floating across the room. “I guess it’s just the partner,” she said softly, feeling light-headed all of a sudden.
The music changed and so did Davis’ movements. This was more of a waltz and he shifted ever so slightly. But he was so strong and gave such a good signal, she was easily able to follow his lead. “You’re not a bad dancer,” he said, his voice husky.
Hell, she was actually a great dancer, he thought. She was light on her feet and looked up at him as if she were truly attracted to him, the man, not the image or the bank account. He realized that he genuinely enjoyed being with Kate. It wasn’t just sexual, but there was no denying the way he wanted her.
He should be a gentleman and leave her with a kiss. But then Kate looked up at him, her crystal blue eyes searching his. A moment later, her eyes dropped to his mouth and there wasn’t anything that could have held him back from that invitation. She’d been too alluring, too sweet and delectable all night.
He stopped their movement and shifted, a moment later, his hand cupped the back of her head and his