Irresistible? by Stephanie Bond Page A

excuse for calling. Within seconds of hanging up, his traitorous fingers dialed Ellie’s number from memory. Instantly nervous, he wondered if he’d have to bribe her again, or if she’d go freely this time. Too late, the thought surfaced that she might feel obligated to buy a new dress. And he suspected she couldn’t afford it.
    â€œHello.” She sounded breathless, and he imagined her in her work apron, wiping her hands after working on some creative project.
    â€œHi, it’s Mark.” he said, then added, “Blackwell.”
    â€œOh, hi,” she said with a slight question in her voice.
    Mark felt awkward and fished for conversation. “Are you busy?”
    â€œAs a matter of fact, I was preparing the canvas for your portrait.” Animation exuded from her voice. He liked the musical quality of it, not throaty and superficial like most of the women he knew.
    â€œI don’t have a clue as to what that entails. Is it difficult?” Ellie laughed lightly, a tinkling sound. “No, I tack canvas over a wooden frame, then paint over it with gesso, a white substance that makes the canvas stiff when it dries.”
    â€œAh, I see,” Mark murmured.
    The silence stretched for thirty seconds, then they both started talking at once.
    â€œWhat’s up—”
    â€œThe reason I called—”
    They both laughed and then Mark started again. “The reason I called is to see if you’re busy Friday night. I’m in another bind—are you up for a dinner party at the home of one of my partners?”
    Ellie’s heart had just stopped thudding from the initial shock of hearing his voice. Now it began pounding anew, followed by a sharp barb of disappointment. Apparently, he needed another date for hire. Or maybe not. Maybe this would be a real date. “I, uh, that is...what did you have in mind?”
    Mark hesitated for an instant. “Same terms as before?”
    Ellie’s heart sank, then she panicked. Oh, God, did he think she was trying to wangle a higher price? “Look,” she said finally, “I’m caught up on all my bills, so thanks, but I really don’t need... Wait a minute.” Her mind raced furiously. “How about a business proposition?”
    â€œGo on.” This time, he sounded cautious.
    â€œMy cat needs a home for a few weeks.”
    â€œImpossible,” he began. “I’m allergic—”
    â€œAnd I’m desperate,” Ellie interrupted, pleading. “She’s pregnant and my landlord won’t let me keep her—”
    â€œI really can’t—”
    â€œPlease? Just until the kittens are born and I find homes for them? That’s only four or five weeks—eight at the most. Once Esmerelda’s gone, he’ll get off my back. Then I’ll be able to sneak her in again later.”
    Mark exhaled heavily. “I really can’t...believe I’m doing this,” he finished, with wonder in his voice. “Okay, it’s a deal.”
    Ellie grinned into the phone. “Great! I’ll get a cab to your house Friday night and bring Esmerelda with me.” She scribbled down the address. “What should I wear?”
    â€œI’ll have something sent over,” he said, surprising her.
    â€œI do have clothes, Mr. Blackwell.”
    â€œWhy is everything an argument with you? Let me do this, okay?”
    He obviously didn’t trust her judgment. Or perhaps he wanted her to make another bad impression. Either way, the ball bounced in his court. “Okay,” she agreed hesitantly.
    â€œI’ll see you Friday,” he said, then hung up.
    Ellie sat holding the phone and listened to the dial tone. Her scalp tingled. Every day it seemed her life became more enmeshed with Mark Blackwell’s. The memory of his kiss had kept her up late last night She fell warm now just remembering how she’d pulled the length of green velvet from the