Free My Only Wish by Anna Robbins Page A

made sure she had everything she needed before opening the door.
    Seeing him, the fitted black tux making him look more muscular than she had ever noticed and the look of heat that strung into his eyes at his first look of her, made her grateful for the purse in her hand. It kept her from reaching out and pulling him inside.
    “You take my breath away.” It wasn’t said with the smooth tone she had heard from other men on previous dates, but with an appreciation that made her insides go hot.
    “You do too.” Standing at her door, looking at each other, an awareness moved between them, through them, pulling them closer together. And she knew that something would happen tonight. Something that would change their relationship.
    How it might change, she wasn’t certain. But instead of anxiety, she felt a surge of excitement. She didn’t know where they were headed, but she couldn’t wait to find out.
    Holding out his hand, she placed hers in his and was charmed when he instantly curled it into the crook of his arm. Leading her down the path, she couldn’t stop staring at him.
    She felt like she was floating, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.
    “After you.”
    His words gave her a jolt, and she realized he was waiting for her to get in the car. No, not a car, she corrected. A limousine.
    The chauffeur held the door open, offering her a reassuring smile, but she felt too stunned to do anything more than offer a small smile in return.
    She lowered herself into the vehicle, and the smell of leather and polish stung her nose. It looked new, and she guessed, top of the line. The vehicle she had ridden in to her prom ten years ago couldn’t be described as a limo when compared to this.
    Dylan climbed in behind her and moved to sit next to her on the seat.
    “Let me guess,” she said, forcing a hint of humor into her voice. “It belongs to the company you work for?”
    “Bingo.” He grinned. “Want a drink?”
    “No thanks. You go ahead though.”
    He poured himself some water with ice. “I thought this might be more comfortable than a car. It takes an hour to get there without traffic, but considering what time we’ll be traveling through downtown, I’m guessing it will be longer. You don’t mind, do you?”
    “Don’t mind? You’re kidding right?” she laughed at his questioning look. “It is taking all my will power not to press every single button in here. I’ve only been in a limo one other time, and it was obviously a base model.”
    “I wouldn’t mind seeing what all the buttons do.” He handed her a remote. “Knock yourself out.”
    It was silly, but she couldn’t help herself as she pressed four different buttons, ohh-ing and ahh-ing as doors slid open and closed, the flat screen turned on, and the sun roof opened. “Okay. I need to stop now or I’ll never let it go. Is there anything it can’t do?”
    “It can’t make the car teleport. That’s about it.” He rocked the ice in his cup before setting it down. “I like you like this.”
    “Hmm?” She turned to him with a smile.
    “Inquisitive, relaxed. You aren’t as nervous as when you first got into the car.”
    “Oh.” She flushed. “I guess I should try for worldly.”
    His gentle fingers caressed her face, turning her gaze back to him. “Not at all. I can’t remember a time I enjoyed the limo more.”
    “I’m sure you’re just used to it. Same as the yacht.”
    “Yes. But I wasn’t always. You help me to remember how magical it all is.”
    Her brows creased. “You didn’t grow up with things like this?”
    “No.” Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she moved to tell him he didn’t need to delve into anything, but stopped when he began speaking. “I didn’t have money growing up. In fact, I didn’t have anything. I was in foster care.” Stunned, she didn’t know what to say, and was relieved when he didn’t wait for a response. “Everything I have now, I’ve worked for.” The satisfaction he felt was