Free Seducing His Heart by Jean C. Joachim Page A

I
like?”
    “ Want the milk and never,
ever plan to buy the cow…uncommitted for life.”
    “ Got me there. How about
dessert?”
    The waiter appeared, pen in hand.
    “ I’m full. But you go
ahead.”
    “ How could I enjoy
something sweet without you joining me?” His stare burned her
skin.
    “ Not tonight. I’ve eaten
enough.”
    “ Watching your
weight?”
    “ Trying not to overdo
it.”
    “ You look fine to me.
Great, in fact.” His gaze traveled over her torso and back, making
her feel topless.
    “ Only coffee, if you don’t
mind,” she said, hoping the dim lighting would cover her
blush.
    “ Coffee for the lady, and
Espresso for me,” Whit said, closing the dessert menu.
    Conversation over hot
drinks turned to lighter topics. Whit discussed his problems with
his producer, and Bess bemoaned the rigorous demands of hers. They
traveled home and parted in the hall after Whit embraced her and
kissed her on the cheek. This feels stupid
after our hot time together. But hey, if it’s what he
wants.
    Dumpling barked as Bess entered the
apartment. She leashed the small dog and immediately took her for
her nighttime walk.
     
    * * * *
     
    Whit closed the door and
yanked at his tie. God, I hate these
things. He pulled it off and unbuttoned
his shirt. Can’t believe I’m getting
undressed alone after a dinner like that. She’s so hot, but off
limits. She wants it all. Marriage. He
pictured a messy house with screaming infants, toddlers running
wild, pots overflowing on the stove, and Bess long gone. A shiver
ran through him. No way!
    He took off his clothes
and sat in T-shirt and boxers in his living room with the newspaper
and a glass of brandy. After skimming the headlines for anything
new and finding nothing, he put it down. Saw it all at the station.
    An image of a beautiful, buxom Bess in an
immaculate house, holding a gorgeous, golden-haired infant danced
through his head. She was beaming, her blonde hair shining. He
entered to a big welcome from her and the baby, who cooed and
smiled at him. Bess gave him a sexy kiss and put the child to bed.
He envisioned a romantic dinner for two in their cozy home and an
amazing strip tease by her afterward before he jerked back to
reality. He laughed at himself.
    Was Bess right? Do I want the family I never
had? Maybe. If I could get a guarantee. If a wife could swear she’d
never leave or die before her time. That might be different. But
that’ll never happen. Besides, who could live with a confirmed
bachelor like me?
    He snorted once and grinned. After washing
up, he stretched out on his king-sized bed, folded his arms behind
his head, and stared out his floor-to-ceiling windows. The moon was
full. The lights of Manhattan twinkled at him, mocking him, shining
out from hundreds of thousands of homes, many with families. His
mind wandered to the apartment next door.
    Is she in bed? What does
she sleep in? What color was her underwear tonight? Was it lace?
Did she wear a thong? Is she naked and alone right now? He couldn’t stop thinking about her and fell
asleep wondering how it would feel to make love to Bess.
    In the morning, Whit arose at six, showered,
dressed, and grabbed a bowl of cereal with his coffee before
heading to work early. Though he wasn’t expected until noon, he
often showed up before then to work on his book or write a few
freelance stories for publication in magazines. His producer didn’t
object, and he had all the services of the station at his disposal.
He was all business, listening to the news on the radio to get a
jumpstart on his day.
    At seven thirty, he opened
the door. Bess doesn’t take Dumpling out
until eight. He glanced at her door and
smiled. He had enjoyed talking to her at dinner. She was a better
listener than any other women he had dated. Models, always so full of themselves. Steer the conversation
around to them, their next job, who stole the cover of Cosmo from under their
nose, and what clothes they’ve bought. Damn