Page 14 of Power Play

She allowed herself a split second fantasy. If she did hurt herself, Dane could carry her. Her skin heated at the thought. Grabbing her black purse, she just finished throwing in her wallet and phone when the doorbell rang. She rushed to the door and looked out. How had Dane gotten into the building? There was a security door.

She opened her front door and forgot how to breathe. Damn this man. He was dressed in black pants with a white polo shirt. She swallowed. He oozed sex.

“Hi.” She could barely get the word out.

Dane grinned. “I like the outfit.”

Lust flared in his gaze, and Regina bit her lip. The sexual tension between them had been building this week. “Let me just grab my shawl.” She opened the small closet by the front door, pulled the shawl off the hanger, and held it in her hand.

“Such a shame to cover up.” His husky whisper sent waves of anticipation over her skin.

“I can leave it here. I’m sure if I get cold, you can warm me up.” She froze. Where had those words come from?

This time, his hazel eyes blazed. “It would be my pleasure.” He whipped the fabric from her hand and laid it on the small table. “Shall we go?” He held out his arm.

“Yes.” Please, before she blurted out something else. He escorted her out to his sporty black car. “Where are we going?” she asked as he pulled out onto the main road.

“It’s a surprise.”

Regina shook her head. This man liked surprising her.

Dane pulled the car to a stop in front of one of the older buildings in Pleasant Valley’s downtown area. A valet opened her door and helped her out before going around to Dane. Regina tried to think of what restaurant was in the building but came up blank.

Taking her by the arm, Dane guided her up the three steps and inside the building. Just inside the door was the hostess station with a sign that said Ranjan’s Masala Delight. As they drew closer to the hostess, Regina noted the scents of lamb and exotic spices.

“Good evening,” the hostess said.

“I have a reservation under Dane Morgan.”

“Ah yes, Mr. Morgan. If you will follow me.” Dane gestured for Regina to follow the hostess.

The hostess walked into the restaurant, and Regina’s eyes widened. This was that new Indian restaurant everyone was gushing about. It took months to get a reservation.

Dane let her slide into the booth first, then followed. His thigh brushed hers, and a spark of awareness slid into her veins. “Enjoy your meal.” The hostess placed menus in front of them and walked away.

“How the heck did you get a reservation? The waiting list is months long.” She took in the white tablecloths, beige napkins, and glasses on the table.

“I have friends.”

She titled her head but didn’t comment.

Their waiter walked up to their table with a water pitcher. “Good evening, I’m Sanjay, your waiter.” He poured their water. “Our specials today are listed inside the menu. Would you like anything else to drink besides water?”

Regina didn’t know what to say.

“Chai for two please.”

“Very good, sir.” The waiter walked away.

“I’ve never been to an Indian restaurant before.” Regina shook her head and placed her hand on top of her menu.

“I’m glad I brought you here.” Dane reached over and covered her hand with his. “Would you allow me to order?”

“Please.” She didn’t have a clue, and Dane had shown her over this week that he had impeccable tastes.

“I’ll keep everything to a very low heat. Is that okay?”

“I’d appreciate that.” She liked spicy food, but never having Indian food, she wasn’t sure how it would compare to other spicy food.

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