He's the One Jane Beckenham (best book recommendations .txt) 📖

a steadying sip of her wine. Her gaze never left his

"How so?"

Oh, boy. Things were heating up. She'd been hooked, and now Cade Harper reeled her in. “It means you're ... um, experienced,” she finally admitted.

"And you get a good teacher."

Her jaw dropped, and Cade gave her a cheesy grin, as if very pleased with himself.

"Never believe what the gossips tell you, Taylor. I know I have a profile in the papers. Owning a string of successful businesses ensures that."

"You don't mind?"

"Why would I? It doesn't do any harm to my business."

"And that's important?"

"Of course it is. Isn't it to you?"

"Well, yes,” she agreed.

Cade eyed her above the rim of his crystal glass. “I'm not a monk, Taylor. I know a lot of women and go out with some, and to bed sometimes, too."

Blood boiled in Taylor's veins, along with something else ... something indefinable. It wasn't a nice feeling. She leveled her gaze with his.

"So that makes you perfect."

"You think I'm perfect?"

"Oh, Mr. Harper, now you're putting words in my mouth."

* * * *

Cade suggested they wait before ordering dessert. “How about we take a stroll outside?"

Taylor eyed the deck attached to the restaurant. Empty except for the stars and the caw of the occasional gull; she bit back a stab of nerves. Dare she? With the other diners around, she felt safe—safe from her own actions. But outside—alone with Cade?

"You too scared to be alone with me, Taylor?” he challenged, surprising her as if he could read her mind.

"Of course not."

"Liar.” And he held out his hand.

Taylor dropped her napkin to the table and pushed her chair back. If she wasn't scared, then why were her legs already jelly-like? She took Cade's hand, but once outside a shiver slid up and down her spine.

"Cold?” Cade queried.

She shook her head, but he pulled her into his embrace and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. The shivers continued, though Taylor knew it had nothing to do with the climate. She inhaled his scent. Masculine. Sexy. And very tempting.

The moon hung high in the night sky, surrounded by an array of stars and merged with inky blackness of the ocean. The soft slap of waves rolling in with the tide brought the tangy fragrance of sea spray.

"See that cluster of stars?” Cade pointed skyward. “That's the Southern Cross.” He leaned toward her, his breath a warm flutter across her cheek. “Crux lies along the Milky Way, surrounded by Centaurus and at the foot of the cross,” he said indicating the stars, which made up the constellation, “is Acrux. It's the brightest star."

"Very impressive, Mr. Harper.” Taylor smiled up at him.

"A tick in my favor. That's good.” And he returned her smile.

With his back to the view, Cade leant against the railing and pulled her to rest between his parted thighs. Her belly did a double flip, aware the instant his very blatant arousal pulsed against her.

"When did you learn all this?” she asked, trying to stall the urge to cling on to him and not let go.

"When I was a kid.” But his smile disappeared and his eyes dulled. “Too many hours spent star gazing when my parents couldn't stand each other. Easier to bury my head in books and the universe."

"Arguments?"

"You could say that,” he answered. “See that one?” he said, bringing her with him. He wrapped his free arm around her waist, fingers circling her stomach through her dress.

A fluttering sigh escaped Taylor's parted lips. The night air may have cooled her skin, but her body had definitely started a slow burn.

"That one is Virgo. It's only visible through April to July and known as the Maiden. It represents almost every famous and powerful female in mythology."

"I rather like that. Being aligned with powerful women."

"Women are always powerful. They just don't know it,” Cade murmured cryptically against her ear.

* * * *

Back at their table, dessert had been served.

"This is delicious.” Taylor gloried in the velvet smooth ambrosia as it slid over her tongue. She looked up at Cade. “You want to try?"

"Sure."

A slow secretive smile curled the corners of Taylor's mouth. She may have been a wreck earlier, scouring her wardrobe for something to wear that said “sexy", but as she offered Cade her spoon, sex was definitely on her mind.

He wrapped his fingers around hers and his mouth parted. Taylor's breathing quickened. She imagined him kissing her, his tongue sliding over her skin.

He licked the spoon, dark eyes fueled with desire.

"Taste is everything,” and wiped the tip of his tongue across his top lip. The timbre of his voice had changed, charged now. It nearly sent Taylor over the edge.

Beneath the table she squeezed her thighs together.

"Do you say that to all your women?” She heard her voice. She sounded sultry, even sexy. Boy, was she on a roll. This was easy. Taylor smiled to herself. Who would have thought she could be sexy, smart, heck, even sassy?

"Are we back to that again?"

Taylor struggled to concentrate, only able to focus on what Cade did with that yummy mouth of his.

Control, Taylor. Get it. Taylor breathed, slowly. Finally, she found control, or at least a semblance of it. “Just wondering if it was one of your moves? One you've practiced, you know, to get your dates in the mood."

"Oh.” Cade's smile dipped slightly and his dimples tempted her again. “That mood. Hmm, let me see. A fine restaurant, great meal, wine, good conversation.” He took a slow sip of his wine, his gaze never once leaving her face. “Does that equal sex for dessert?” he asked.

Would it? Taylor leant forward on her seat.

"I know this is your game, Taylor, but how about allowing me to take the lead sometime, hmm? Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, now would we?"

"Spoil sport."

"Absolutely,” he laughed. He tossed his napkin aside, pushed his chair back and stood up. “Come on, I think it's time we got out of here."

* * * *

"Funny how the distance traveled on the outward journey always seemed