Free Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken

packages away and Andi turned her attention back to the phone, and Eva. "I have to go, call me later."
    "Oh, he's there, isn't he? You don't have to tell me now, but you'll tell me sooner or later."
    Andi smiled and turned towards the tree in the corner of the room. She had to admit, it was beautiful. The lights sparkled, and the fresh piney smell filled her senses. Maybe it wasn't so bad. "I'll talk to you later," she said to her friend and hung up before she could hear Eva's protests. There was no point having her read more into the situation than there was. It was just a kiss. Amazing, and toe curling, sure, but it was still only one kiss. Besides, Colin had made it really clear he didn't want anything more, and as much as Andi would like to pretend she could be the one night stand type, she wasn't so sure her heart could make the leap. 
    "Andi," Colin said making her jump. She hadn't heard him come into the room. 
    She turned around and the sight of him made her stomach clench with desire. 
    "Are you okay?" he asked. "I didn't mean to scare you."
    "You didn't," she said. "I was just thinking and..." His slow smile distracted her. Damn. Could he be thinking of their kiss too? 
    "Andi, I-"
    "I should probably get ready," she said, cutting him off. "We have dinner reservations." 
    Andi did her best to be casual as she walked past him towards her room, but when her arm brushed his, she knew he could feel the electricity between them, just as well as she could. 
     
    ***
    Colin knew Andi would look amazing dressed in something besides the jeans and sweaters he'd seen her in, but he wasn't prepared for the woman who sat across from him at the restaurant. She was stunning in a simple fitted black dress that showed off all of her assets. But it was her silky dark hair that she'd let loose from the standard pony tail she'd been wearing it in. It was shiny and looked so soft that Colin couldn't stop himself from imagining what it would look like splayed across a pillow.
    All through their appetizers and steaks, they'd talked about all types of things. She'd seemed impressed with how he'd turned things around in his business, and he'd been equally impressed with her party planning company. She was a driven woman, which only made her more attractive to him, if that was possible. 
    Despite the easy conversation between them, Colin couldn't help feel that something was holding her back. Andi seemed distracted and distant. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was definitely something going on. 
    "Are you up for dessert?" he asked. "The chocolate lava cake looks pretty good." He pointed to the table next to them, trying to distract her out of her thoughts. 
    "I don't-"
    "Come on," he said. "We'll share. How could you pass that up?" 
    "Honestly, I don't think I can move," Andi said. "I'm so full. That was the most amazing steak I've had in a long time. " She leaned back in her chair. When she stretched, her breasts pushed out and Colin had to look away. She had no idea the effect she had on him.
    Once he had himself under control again, he stood and offered her his hand. "Why don't we walk it off then?"
    She accepted with a smile and said, "I think that's a great idea. I could really use some fresh air." 
    Just feeling her skin against his again made his heart race. They hadn't kissed or even touched since their shared moment by the fire earlier, but now he was like an oversexed teenager. He battled with himself. Part of him, a large part, couldn't wait to get her back to the villa and show her exactly how she made him feel. But there was something about Andi. He liked her, really liked her, and Colin got the distinct impression that she wasn't the type for casual sex. And the more time he spent with her, the more he had to admit to himself that maybe Rose was right. 
    The left the restaurant bundled up in their coats and, wordless, chose the longer path back to the villa. Walking through the woods on the lit path, Colin