Free Convincing Alex by Nora Roberts Page A

them—in a cautious, gradual manner.”
    He grinned at her. “That could be good.”
    She had to laugh. “Meanwhile—” But he didn’t let her scoot back.
    â€œMeanwhile,” he echoed, keeping his hands firm. “Have dinner with me. Just dinner.”
    Hadn’t she told herself she wasn’t going to get involved again, fall in love again? Oh, well. “I often enjoy just dinner.”
    â€œTomorrow. I’m on tonight.”
    â€œTomorrow’s fine.”
    He nudged her an inch closer. “I’m making you nervous.”
    â€œNo, you’re not.” Yes, he was.
    â€œYou’re wriggling.” He grinned again, surprised at how satisfying it was to know he’d unsettled her.
    â€œI’ve got work, that’s all.”
    â€œMe too. Why don’t I come by about seven-thirty? My brother-in-law’s got this place. I think you’ll get a kick out of it.”
    â€œLady clothes or real clothes?”
    â€œWhat are you wearing now?”
    She glanced down at her sweater and slacks. “Real ones.”
    â€œThat’ll do.” He stood, then tilted her chin with a finger until they were eye-to-eye. “You have the oddest face,” he said half to himself. “You should be ugly.”
    She laughed, unoffended. “I was. I’ve burned all pictures of me before the age of eighteen.” Her dimple winked out as she smiled at him. “I imagine you were always gorgeous.”
    He winced, though he knew he should be used to having that term applied to him. “My sisters were gorgeous,” he told her. “Are. My brother and I are ruggedly attractive.”
    â€œAh, manly men.”
    â€œYou got it.”
    â€œAnd you grew up surrounded by flocks of adoring females.”
    â€œWe started with flocks and moved on to hordes.”
    Her eyes lit with amusement and curiosity. “What was it like to—”
    He cut her off the most sensible way. He liked the quick little jolt her body gave before she settled into him. And the way her mouth softened, accepted. No pretenses here, he thought as she gave a quiet sigh and melted into the kiss. It was simple and easy, as basic as breathing.
    If his system threatened to overcharge, he knew how to control it. Perhaps he drew the kiss out longer than he’d intended to, deepened it more than he had planned. But he was still in control. Maybe, for just a moment, he imagined what it would be like to lock the door, to sweep all those papers off the table and take her, fast and hot, on top of it.
    But he wasn’t a maniac. He reminded himself of that, even as his blood began to swim. A slow and gentle touch brought pleasure to both, and let a woman see that she was appreciated for everything she was.
    â€œDangerous,” he murmured in Ukrainian as he slid his mouth from her. “Very dangerous woman.”
    â€œWhat?” She blinked at him with eyes that were arousingly unfocused and heavy. “What does that mean?”
    He had to make a conscious effort to keep his hands gentle at her shoulders. “I said I have to go. Keep off the streets, McNee.”
    She called to him as he reached the doorway. “Detective.” Her heart was thumping, her head was reeling, but she really hated nothaving the last word. For lack of anything better, she dredged up an old line from “Hill Street Blues.” “Let’s be careful out there.”
    Alone, she lowered herself into a chair, as carefully as an elderly aunt. Five minutes later, Lori found her in exactly the same spot, still staring into space.
    â€œUh-oh.” One look had Lori dropping down beside her. With a shake of her head, she handed Bess a fresh soft drink. “I knew it. I knew this was going to happen the minute I saw that gorgeous cop at your party.”
    â€œIt hasn’t happened yet.” Bess took a long drink. Funny, she hadn’t realized how dry her throat had