Free Enchanted by Patti Berg

just like the others.”
    Mac saw only the woman’s back. She appeared to be leaving.
    “Nice legs,” Mac said with a sly smile.
    “That’s not all, sir. You missed seeing the best part.”
    “Bring me another beer. I’ll be right back.” Mac wobbled, almost pushing over the chair as he stood up.
    The woman seemed desperate to leave, weaving her way through the crowd. But Mac hadn’t waited all evening just to have her disappear before they could meet Shoving between bodies, he reached out, wrapped his big hand around her slender upper arm. “Don’t leave.”
    She tried to pull away, but his hand stayed clutched around her arm. He could feel her muscles tense, then felt them relax. She did not turn around, not then, giving him a leisurely moment to peruse her body in the white dress that hugged every curve—her slim waist, slightly rounded hips, and long, long legs.
    Mac’s eyes reached her four -inch heels when she finally turned his way. He took his time finding her eyes, slowly studying the body of the woman before him.
    His ad had said small packages , but what he saw before him made him instantly reconsider. He liked every inch of her legs, the high heels that made them look even better and must have made her over six feet tall. He liked the long, slender arms and envisioned himself captured in their embrace. T his woman could possibly be all and more than he had ever dreamed of.
    Another second passed while he carefully considered her fine proportions. He sensed her staring at him, knew he had to look at her in return. Auburn hair fell over her bare left shoulder in one long curl. She wore just a trace of cologne, something light, inexpensive. Blue eyes. Azure eyes—warm, questioning. Familiar.
    “Hello, Mr. O’Brien.”
    Slowly, ever so slowly, recognition dawned. His eyes widened. His fingers tightened around her arm.
    “Damn. ” He scowled, released his grip, and turned to walk away. Of all people, why did Kathleen Flannigan have to answer his ad? He should have known. Should have sensed it from the words she’d written.
    She touched him. He felt the heat of her hand, the way it burned his skin, right through his jacket, through his shirtsleeve.
    “Wait. Please.” She spoke softly, almost a plea.
    He turned back slowly and studied her face. Her eyes twinkled. God, how he loved her eyes.
    Mac gripped the hand resting on his arm and maneuvered her through the crowd to his table. The waiter stood at attention, holding a chair out for Kathleen. Mac sat down across from her. He took a quick swallow from the cold bottle of beer and stared into her innocent yet devilish eyes. His brain and heart battled each other. Seeing Kathleen again made him happy, in spite of those ugly rumors, in spite of the fact she had slammed a door in his face just a few hours earlier. But how could he look at her when she knew he had to resort to the Personal ads to get a date? His pride bristled.
    “What the hell are you doing here?” he asked.
    “It’s eight o’clock. We had a date.”
    “No—I had a date with . . .” He paused to think before uttering another word. She had an infectious smile. He chuckled . Kathleen resorted to personal ads too. “I had a date with a beautiful woman. ” He smiled. “ I’m glad she could make it.”
    “Thank you.”
    Again his eyes left Kathleen’s, traveling to where he could watch the rise and fall of soft, slightly tanned skin above the white fabric that hugged her so well. Propriety told him not to stare; the beer told him otherwise.
    “Why were you running out?” he asked.
    “This whole situation is rather embarrassing. My God, Mac, we can’t be together for five minutes without fighting, yet we meet each other through the personals.”
    “It is rather funny.”
    “Funny? It’s humiliating.”
    “But we’re the only ones who know. We don’t have to tell a soul.”
    She thought about his statement. “I suppose you’re right. Besides, we may end up hating each