fit her loosely, and black jeans with her fashion boots. He was happy to see that she’d left her hair long tonight. He enjoyed running his fingers through her silky locks.
He parked on the street and quickly jumped out of his Jag, heading her way. She met him halfway, and handed him the rose.
“For you, Thomas.” She smiled.
His heart melted as he took the flower from her. “Why are you giving me a rose?”
“Because I wanted to share with you the beautiful bouquet that was delivered to my office today.”
He wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “This is the nicest thing any woman has ever given me.” After he’d said it, he realized he’d never received any kind of gift from a woman, and the knowledge made his heart swell.
He bent down to give her a kiss, and she rose up at the same time. The kiss was short, but still very effective.
“Come on, let’s go. I have a surprise for you.”
“Another surprise?” Her eyebrow arched.
“Well, it’s not as grand as getting your photo at the gallery, but I think you’ll be quite pleased with what I’ve done.”
He walked to his car and opened the passenger side door. After helping her in, he hurried and climbed in the driver’s side.
“A Jag, huh?” She cocked her head. “Exactly how many luxury cars do you have?”
He chuckled. “I’m a collector. I definitely have more cars than motorcycles.”
She laughed. “Well, I suppose a guy must have a collection of some kind, right?”
He nodded. “Exactly.”
The drive back to his house passed quickly. He talked easily with Morgan, and he loved how she made him laugh. He loved so many things about her. It still amazed him that she was able to hold his interest. By now, he would have been bored with the woman and moved on. But with Morgan, there was still so much of her life he wanted to know, not to mention so many more kisses he wanted to share.
Hand in hand, they walked into his house, and he took her directly to the dining room. The table had been set with a linen tablecloth, his best China dishes, and two crystal candlesticks with narrowed candles ready to light. The aroma filling the dining room and kitchen was chicken Marsala, steamed vegetables, and cheesy breadsticks. His favorite wine chilled in a silver-plated bucket.
Morgan’s gaze jumped to the decorated table before bouncing back to him. She peered at him with a quizzical stare.
“We’re having dinner here?” she asked.
He nodded and pulled out a chair for her. “And that’s not all.” Once she sat, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ve made you my favorite food.”
Gasping, she jerked back. Her eyes widened. “You made dinner?”
He grinned as if he had just won a contest. “Yes, I did.” He puffed out his chest. “I hope you like what I made.”
“Oh, Thomas.” She grasped his hand. “I’m sure I’ll love it.”
He could stare into her hazel eyes forever. “I hope that’s the way your feel after you’ve eaten the meal.”
He left her side to enter the kitchen and bring out their meal. Before he sat, he opened the wine and filled both glasses. They each dished out their own food, but he watched her closely as she took her first bite. Holding his breath, he waited for her reaction. When she closed her eyes and wore a satisfied expression, he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Oh, Thomas. This is Heavenly.”
“You know,” he reached over and touched her hand, “I’ve never liked a woman enough to cook for her.”
Her expression relaxed and her eyes sparkled. “I’ve never gone out with a guy who liked me enough to impress me with his cooking.”
He took her fingers and stroked them. “Then I’ll have to cook more often for you.”
Their gazes locked, and he didn’t want to break the contact, not even to take a bite of his food. She was just too gorgeous, and her amazing eyes held him prisoner.
“Thomas? What are you saying?”
“Uh... didn’t you hear me?”
“I heard you, but I don’t quite understand you.”
“Why?”
“Well, probably because we just met not too long ago, and now you’re saying these heartfelt things to me, and I wonder why.”
Good grief! He couldn’t believe it himself, but she was right. He was a sap when it came to her. He was like the puppy, and she was his master. He’d follow her anywhere.
He brought her hand to his mouth and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. “I