Free Strictly Business by Lisa Eugene Page B

help but tease you. I just love how pretty you are when you blush.”
    She could feel her face color even hotter, and kept her head down as she rummaged.
    “ What are you doing?” he asked from close behind, unnerving her even further.
    “I thought you wanted wine.” Her head jerked up as she grabbed the closest implement.
    “I’ll open it. You finish getting dressed.” His grin widened as he nodded towards her hand. “Plus, I don’t think that’ll help much.”
    She followed his gaze to the potato peeler clutched in her grip and they both shared a wry chuckle. He reached around her, nimbly grabbing the bottle opener from the drawer, his body brushing against hers and halting her breath.
    “You want me to open it?” she asked, and he followed her gaze to his left arm.
    He flexed and opened his left fist. The sling had it hugged against his chest. “I’ve actually gotten a lot of movement back. It’s getting better. I think I can manage a wine bottle. If I have trouble though I’ll have you peel it open for me.” He teased. Turning her gently, he nudged her out of the kitchen.
    Making a silly face at him she scooted away, his rumbling chuckle floating behind her. Inside her bedroom she could hear him moving around in her kitchen. She was surprised at how comfortable he seemed in her apartment.
    “The wine glasses are on the top shelf!” she yelled to him through the closed door.
    “ Found them.”
    Nina put a light dusting of powder on her nose and passed on blush on her already pink cheeks. Her auburn waves hung loose around her shoulders. She smeared a thin film of lip-gloss on her lips and slipping her feet into her black strappy heels she walked back into the living room.
    Wade had his broad back to her; he was studying pictures on the wall of her and Sally hugging and beaming brightly. He noticed her come in and smiled appreciatively.
    “Beautiful.”
    She mumbled modest thanks, and embarrassed by the attention, started to explain the pictures.
    “That’s Sally. She’s my best friend. She works at the hospital.”
    He nodded, handing her a glass of wine. “I thought she looked familiar.”
    “Yeah, she was there the night you came in. She recog nized you from the morning show,” she said, turning towards the couch. Her fingers had lightly brushed his as she’d taken the glass and the sensation sent a sharp tingle up her arm. She needed to create some distance between them.
    “ I’m not a regular. I’ve only been on that show a handful of times before today.”
    “I guess you leave quite an impression.”
    “I hope so.” He met her gaze.
    “So,” she started, dismissing the sudden pounding in her chest, “what other charities are your company involved in?”
    Wade’s blue eyes lit up , his indulgent smile the only indication he was aware of her attempt to keep them on neutral ground. He explained the other charities his firm sponsored and his role.
    “Sounds like very worthwhile endeavors.”
    “They are. The summer ranch program is amazing. My partners and I, along with a few associates and their wives go every year. The kids really love it. It gives them a break from being in the hot city all summer long. They play sports, swim, ride horses,” he said excitedly. “These kids are really smart and have so much potential. I love contributing to that. This year I was Cowboy Wade, in charge of outdoor sports,” he informed proudly.
    Nina smiled. She could imagine Wade in a cowboy hat, jeans and spurs rounding up a bunch of boisterous city kids to play outdoor games. She could hear the excitement in his voice when he spoke and a spot in her heart softened.
    “How do partners from a busy firm get the time off?”
    “We make the time . Juggle cases when we can.”
    “Wow. That’s great for the kids. I think I’d have enjoyed something like that as a kid.”
    “How did you spend your summers?”
    “I was a bookworm. I worked in my dad’s office and spent most of my time reading