The Main Attraction by Jayne Ann Krentz

beside her, „have you made up your mind about where you want to spend the night?“
    She felt her breath catch. It was supposed to be so easy. All she had to do was tell him he could take her to the nearest hotel and leave her there. Determinedly she cleared her throat. „It’s been a lovely evening, Trent. I enjoyed meeting your friends. I think it would be best if you took me – “
    „I’ll take you to my apartment first,“ he interrupted smoothly, as though he’d figured out what she’d been about to say. „We can have a nightcap while you decide where you want to spend the night.“
    She blinked, recognizing defeat when she saw it. She knew what would happen if she went home with him. Still, she felt obligated to try to salvage some of her feminine independence.
    „One nightcap,“ she said clearly. „And then you can take me to a hotel. I’ll phone one from your apartment.“
    „If that’s what you want.“ He spoke easily, apparently unconcerned with whatever she chose to do.
    But Filomena knew otherwise. She could feel the tension in him. He appeared relaxed and at ease as he piloted the Mercedes through the downtown streets, but she sensed the hungry anticipation in him. It was easy to understand Evelyn Reece’s likening Trent to a prowling male animal circling the herd until he found the female of his choice.
    Filomena knew now that he had been stalking her for the past two weeks. It alarmed her to realize she hadn’t understood just how intent and serious he was about the whole thing until tonight. She stirred slightly in her seat.
    „You’re not going to panic now, are you?“ Trent asked conversationally as he guided the Mercedes into the underground parking garage of a modern high rise.
    „Why should I panic?“ Filomena asked aggressively. She wished he didn’t find it so easy to read her mind.
    „Because you’re finally starting to focus on me, and you’re realizing that you can’t keep dancing just out of reach.
    It’s time to stand still and face me.“
    „What’s that supposed to mean?“
    „For the past two weeks I’ve had to compete with everything from an old flame to a houseful of your relatives. On top of that, you’ve been only paying scant attention to me because you’ve been having so much fun causing a sensation in Gallant Lake. But tonight you’re on your own, aren’t you? No family to use as an excuse for going home early. No one around to be impressed by your flashy Porsche and your one-of-a-kind clothes. No outrageous parties to give. There simply aren’t any more distractions to put in my path. Tonight it’s just you and me.“
    „Is that a threat?“ Filomena asked, trying to remain calm.
    He smiled at her as he pulled into a parking space and switched off the ignition! The curve of his mouth was enigmatic, but the garage lighting revealed the watchful brilliance in his eyes. „No, Filomena, it’s not a threat. Just a statement of fact. There’s nowhere to run tonight. You have to deal with me. One way or another, you have to make some decisions about us.“
    Her chin came up with a touch of defiance. „And if I’m not ready to make any decisions?“
    He regarded her in silence for a long moment and then he opened his door. „You’re ready. You just don’t want to admit it.“ He got out of the car and came around to open her door. „Come on, honey. Let’s go upstairs and decide where you’re going to spend the night.“
    She got out of the car without a word, drawn by a magnetism that was too strong to resist. Filomena could feel the satisfaction in Trent. It radiated from him. He was sure that two weeks of patient hunting had finally paid off. All of the way up to the twenty-second floor in the elevator, Filomena reminded herself that she didn’t have to stay unless she wanted to. She could have the promised drink and then leave. She could call a cab. She could insist Trent drive her to a hotel. In a pinch, she could walk.
    She was still