Free Closer_To_You by Reana Malori

to purchase.”
    Looking into his eyes, she knew he had more questions than what he was saying. She gulped at the unsaid meaning behind his words, “I didn’t know you were that GT Banks. You told me your name was Gabriel Turner and I took you at face value. We didn’t talk about our employers.”
    She watched him sigh deeply as he considered her words. He turned his gaze to her and seemed to come to a decision, “So, are you going to let me in?”
    Stepping back to give him room, she watched him walk into her modest home. Closing the door, she shook her head again at her naiveté. Watching him stand in her living room, she could now see that he was more than just a normal man. He had a presence, an aura that screamed out to the world that he was something more. If she had paid more attention to that when they had first met, maybe she would have asked a few more questions.
    “Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?” Her voice had a slight quake and by the tilt of his head when he turned to look at her, he had picked up on it as well. Damn him. There was nothing for her to be embarrassed about. They had both been caught up in the situation. Although they had talked for hours in his suite at the hotel, neither of them had bothered to ask for the other’s official resume. Giving him a look right back that told him not to try it with her tonight, she saw him give a slight smile as he began to take off his overcoat.
    “Yes, that would be nice. What do you have?”
    “I have fifteen year-old scotch, pinot noir, microbrew beer, and juice.
    “Nice selection. I’ll take some of that scotch. I need something fortifying after the day I’ve had.” He looked around the living room of her townhouse, and she tried to guess what he was thinking. Her modest home was situated in the heart of Falls Church, Virginia and it was clearly the home of a middle-class worker. She was not as rich as him, and never would be, but her home was decorated with the best that she could afford. It was filled with knick-knacks and keepsakes that were important to her. It was home. But, even saying that, she wanted him to like it because it was a part of her.
    Pouring them each a snifter of scotch, she walked back to the living room and handed one of the glasses to him. After a moment’s hesitation, she sat down on the loveseat across from him, trying to put some distance between them.
    “Thank you. You have a lovely home, Penelope.”
    “You’re welcome. Thanks. I think so, too.”
    “How long have you lived here?” As he took a sip of the smooth drink, her gaze was drawn to his lips as they wrapped themselves around the glass. His Adam’s apple moved up and down as he swallowed the drink.
    Mimicking his movements and taking a sip of her own drink, she wasn’t thinking clearly and took a bigger gulp than she wanted. Immediately she began to choke as the liquor burned a path down her throat. Taking a few deep breaths, she answered his question, “Three years.” Looking at him while he stared at her across the room, she wanted to turn away from the strength of his gaze. This is what got her into trouble on Saturday night. She couldn’t help but be drawn to him and the pull was even stronger now that she knew what it felt like to be held in his arms.
    His long, tapered fingers beckoned her as she remembered the strong grip he had on her body. During their long night of lovemaking, his fingertips had lightly rubbed the most intimate places on her body. Those beautifully formed lips had kissed spots on her that had been ignored for years. Her own voice had screamed his name numerous times into the night as he brought her pleasure over and over again. He placed his glass on the coffee table, and she followed suit. The moment of truth had finally come.
    “Why did you leave?” There it was again. His voice melted her resolve and she wanted to abandon all common sense and beg him to make love to her.
    That was not the question she had