Page 12 of Power Play

“I’ve apologized for that. I wasn’t thinking when I said that. I knew what I wanted and went after it.”

“I think I understand now.” Part of her did. He went after what he wanted with single-mindedness. He probably did that in business as well. “Why aren’t you in a relationship?”

“I’ve never found a woman who made me think I could spend the rest of my life with her.”

There was something else there. Regina’s intuition was on high alert.

“And before you ask, I’ve had a total of two relationships, one after I graduated college that lasted about six months and one I ended three years ago after being together for two years.”

“That’s a long time to be together and then end it.” It wasn’t that she hadn’t dated. She had, but not more than three or four dates before she moved on.

“We were on different paths.” Dane shook his head.

“Hey, you two, an hour until we close,” Jordan said and walked away.

“What?” Regina couldn’t believe she and Dane had talked that long.

“Glad to see I can make you forget time,” Dane tapped her nose.

“I guess you did.” Regina uncurled her legs from underneath her and let out a groan. “I’ve been sitting the same position too long.”

“Let me.” Dane knelt and massaged her left leg and then her right leg. The tingle of arousal swept up her body. “Better?” he asked.

She had to clear her throat before she answered. “Yes, thank you, Sir.” He deserved the title of Sir. He’d been courteous and patient with her. Plus there was a flare of desire in his eyes, but he didn’t act on it. He believed in consent.

Dane rose to his feet and held his hand out to her. Regina slipped her hand in his as he helped her up. The club was almost empty. Jordan and Crystal were still there, along with a few other couples.

“Can I walk you out to your car?” Dane asked as they made their way to the front of the club.

“I need to get my stuff,” Regina said.

“Me too. Meet at the reception desk in five minutes?”

“Perfect. Sir.” Regina slipped into the ladies’ room.

* * * *

Dane changed his shirt and grabbed his bag. He wanted to be waiting for Regina when she came out of the bathroom. Would she run out on him? He didn’t think so, but he wasn’t taking any chances.

When he saw her, he straightened from where he leaned against the wall. “That was quick,” he remarked. While he missed seeing her creamy skin, he had to admit the jeans and t-shirt looked good on her.

“All I had to do was pull my street clothes on.” She moved toward the door.

They both said good night to Ralph. Dane moved around her and held open the door. There were a few cars left in the parking lot. His black sports car, two trucks, and four SUVs. He couldn’t see Regina driving a truck, so she must have one of the SUVs.

Bingo. She made a straight line to the SUVs, except she didn’t go to the small one he’d figured was hers. She strode straight toward one of the bigger ones. The lights flashed as she pressed the key fob. “This is me.”

“Not what I was expecting.”

“Oh?” She opened the driver’s door and threw her bag over the center console into the passenger seat.

“I figured you had the small one over there.” He tilted his head toward the black SUV.

“I’m glad I can surprise you.” She reached up with her right hand and grasped the hold bar, stepped up on the running board, and hopped into the driver’s seat.

He admired the way she maneuvered herself into the vehicle. This woman was full of surprises.

“I was in a car accident years ago in a small car. Ever since, I feel better with a bigger vehicle between me and other drivers.” She started the engine. “Besides, I’m not a petite woman.”

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