After the Christmas Party by Janice Lynn Page B

insisting she had other plans. She rarely said yes without him having to sweet-talk her. He didn’t like it and kept waiting for her to quit playing such games. Maybe she finally had.
    “To be so close to the Gulf,” she continued. “I’ve barely been there.”
    “My place okay?”
    Without looking at him, she nodded. “Yes.” She put great emphasis on the word. “That would be fine.”
    Wow. Maybe they really had reached a turning point. Good, because keeping his hands to himself was growing more and more difficult. He wanted her.
    “You want me to grill some salmon fillets? We could walk on the beach afterwards then sit on my deck and enjoy a glass of wine?”
    Make love under the stars, in his bed, his shower especially, because ever since he’d mentioned her giving him a private viewing he hadn’t been able to get the image from his mind. Or maybe they’d just sit on his deck and talk. Just so long as she let her guard down long enough for them to enjoy the night, he’d be a happy camper, sex or not.
    “I don’t drink,” she said, but at least she hadn’t said no.
    “Cool. We’ll sip juice on my deck.” Other than the occasional glass of wine, he generally didn’t drink either, so wine or juice wasn’t a big deal to him. Plus, he wanted a completely clear mind if and when they touched. “I’ll pick up some fillets on my way home and let them marinate tonight. you want a spinach salad? Maybe some sautéed asparagus in butter sauce?”
    Trinity blinked up at him. “Are you for real? I just made you grilled cheese for your surprise dinner the other night.”
    “Pinch me and see.” He waggled his brows, feeling lighter than he had in days. He hadn’t realized just how frustrated he’d grown. “I’ll pick the spot.”
    Her lips twitched with a smile she couldn’t hold back and his entire insides warmed. Finally they were making real progress.
    “I should do just that. Only I’d have to pick the spot.”
    “I’m game. Anywhere in particular you’d prefer to start? I could offer a few suggestions. Maybe give you a few pointers on my preferences?”
    She looked up as if she was going to roll her eyes, but her smile was now full blown. “You really are crazy, you know?”
    He thought about reminding her of exactly what he was crazy about, but just grinned, happier than he should be that she’d agreed without him having to talk her into doing so.
    “I don’t want to keep you from your boss’s party, Riley,” she relented, but he could tell she wasn’t enthused at the prospect. “Not if it’s something you want to go to.”
    “Not a problem.” His insides felt light. “I like our plans better anyway.”
    Her smile made her eyes sparkle with the brilliance of twinkling green Christmas lights. “You’re sure?”
    “Positive.”
    “I feel guilty that you’re going to cook for me. Is there something I can do?”
    He nodded.
    She arched a brow.
    “Come with hunger in your belly and a smile in your heart.”
    She hesitated a moment then met his gaze head on, making his heart stutter a time or two.
    “That’s all you want me to bring?”
    A dozen different responses ran through his mind.An open mind. A spirit full of Christmas. Open arms to embrace him. A willing heart. He settled for something simple.
    “For now.”
    Okay, the man was really too good to be true. Because Riley had not only cooked for her, he’d lit candles.
    Candles.
    At no point in her life had a man given her a candlelit dinner. Actually, never had a man cooked for her either.
    Riley had done both and was merrily singing while he did so.
    What was this? A romantic seduction? Didn’t he know he could have had her at any point over the past week?
    She’d like to think not, but truly, had Riley pushed, she’d have invited him into her bed any of the nights that he’d seen her into her apartment then left with little more than a kiss.
    Not only were there candles on the dining table, but they were scattered