Page 17 of Possess

“Yes, I do.” At the bottom of the stairs, he cupped her elbow. “Will you have dinner with me tonight?”

“That probably isn’t a good idea.” Why was she saying that? Hadn’t she thought about maybe giving him a chance?

“There’s nothing wrong with a couple of friends going out to dinner.”

“Is that what we are, friends?” She was thinking something more intimate. Allyson barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes at her wayward thoughts. A fling was good; a relationship was not.

“I hope we are.” He reached up and ran his fingers over her cheek. “Please.”

His please weakened her resolve. “Okay.” Friends. It was a dinner between two friends, nothing more. “Where and what time.”

“The steakhouse at seven?”

“I’ll meet you there.”

His eyes twinkled as they made it to the gate.

“I’m fine from here on my own,” Allyson said. She didn’t need him to escort her. “Go get the interview with Gavin out of the way.”

Zeke’s lips turned up. “All right, but I’ll stand here until you’re in your truck.”

“Fine.” She turned and marched down to her truck. Zeke didn’t move. She kept her movements efficient and precise to hide her annoyance at his hovering. Was she annoyed? Yes, but also thrilled he was attentive and caring. She started her truck and drove up to him.

“Satisfied?”

“For now.” He grinned. “See you tonight.” Zeke picked up her hand from where it rested on the door and raised it to his lips.

The contact of his soft mouth against her skin sent lightning bolts through her veins. Her breath caught in her throat. Zeke released her hand. One touch, that’s all it took for her plans and her resolve to disappear into thin air.

She was in trouble.

Chapter 4

Zeke glanced at his watch for what seemed like the thousandth time in the last two minutes.She’ll be here. It was five after seven. Allyson wouldn’t stand him up, would she?

No, if she didn’t want to have dinner with him, she’d have told him. She’d had no problems turning him down before. But what if she had an emergency? He didn’t have her personal cell number, only her office number, and she had his main office number. He had a service answering the calls during the day, but not after hours.

He dialed his office voice mail. Nothing. Zeke drummed his fingers against the table. If she didn’t show up soon, he’d go looking for her, but he didn’t even know where she lived. He realized he was gritting his teeth in frustration. There was so much he didn’t know about her.

“Can I get you something to drink while you wait, sir?” the waiter asked.

“No, I’m good.” He actually wanted a whisky, but no hard alcohol. Not tonight. The waiter left, and Zeke glanced toward the door. He stood as he saw Allyson striding toward the table.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” She was slightly out of breath, as if she’d been running. “I can’t believe the things that are happening in the office.”

“You’re here now.” He held her chair out for her. Her eyes widened, then she sat, and Zeke resumed his seat. “Deep breath.”

Allyson closed her eyes and did as he suggested. He watched the tension drain from her face after a few deep breaths.

“Better?” he asked as she opened her eyes.

“Yes, thank you.” She flashed him a smile. “It was one ofthoseafternoons after I got back to the office.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” He glanced up as the waiter approached.

“Something to drink, ma’am?”

“Gin and tonic, please.”

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