Tempted in the City by Jo Leigh Page A

clue?”
    Dominic looked him over, finally noticing that Tony was in his bathrobe, barefoot. Then he obviously caught sight of Catherine. “Oh. Shit. Sorry, bro. Seriously. Hey, how you doing?” he said, over Tony’s shoulder. “Sorry to barge in.”
    â€œIt’s fine,” Catherine said, but Tony could hear that it wasn’t.
    â€œSo?”
    Dom winced. “You think maybe you could cut me a couple slices before I leave? Ma’s pissed at me, so I’m gonna have to stay at Mikey’s, and he never has anything to eat.”
    â€œGo. Away.”
    â€œYou know what?” Catherine said. “I was just about to leave myself. You don’t have to go. It’s getting late. I’ll just be a few more minutes.”
    Tony turned to see her hurrying toward his bedroom. “Goddamn it, Dom. Get your food and get the hell out.”
    Dom’s free hand went up in surrender. “Hey. I’m really sorry. I had no idea you wouldn’t be alone.” He leaned in closer. “And with the Fox, no less. Whoa.”
    Tony held himself back from punching his little brother into next week. “It isn’t what you think and you will never bring it up again. Are we clear?”
    â€œLike she spilled something on all her clothes? After she came over to talk about restoring fireplaces?”
    â€œDom. I swear to God...”
    Dom got down one of the big dinner plates, took almost half the damn lasagna in one messy scoop and then covered it with aluminum foil. He spotted the open bottle of wine and raised his eyebrows at his brother.
    All Tony could do was point to the door. “Last chance, or I push you out the window.”
    â€œFine, fine. Don’t get all bent. I’m leaving.” Dom hurried to the elevator, but as the doors were closing, he said, “Sure I shouldn’t go say good-night to your—”
    Thankfully, the door shut on his big mouth.
    Now, damage control. Tony hurried down the hall, not surprised to see Catherine’s clothes and shoes missing, and the bathroom door shut. He tapped on it. “You okay?”
    â€œOf course,” she said, as she opened the door. She looked elegant as always. Too bad he couldn’t help imagining her without the dress. He’d wanted to do so much more.
    â€œSure you can’t stay? You barely had any dinner.”
    â€œNo, I’m going to go. I’m sorry. It’s probably worse for you that we were caught.”
    â€œDom won’t say anything. I swear. He knows I’d kill him if he even suggested that you were here.”
    She walked closer, touched the bare skin above his collarbones. “I had a wonderful time. Truly I did. But I think I need to think this thing through. Okay? How about we give it a day or two—”
    â€œI planned on coming by tomorrow night.”
    â€œMaybe...call first, okay?”
    â€œI can’t tell you how sorry I am. This is the best night I’ve had in I don’t know how long. I’d very much like to try again.”
    She kissed his cheek. “We’ll see.”
    â€œI’ll pack up some lasagna and cake to go,” he said, attempting to keep his voice light.
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” she said, walking out of his bedroom. “Enjoy the cakes. I don’t think you tried all of them yet.”
    He followed her, and after she put on her jacket and got her purse, he pressed for the elevator. Gently pushing a stray hair off her temple, he leaned closer. “I’ll do whatever you like,” he said. “I never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable. But for what it’s worth, I feel like tonight was just a tiny taste of what could be a great time for both of us.”
    She smiled. But when the door slid open, she stepped inside without another word.

8
    F INALLY , C ATHERINE WAS EXCUSED . She’d just finished interpreting a speech for members of the UN Security Council, which