Page 12 of Midnight & Memories

“Okay, why not! Tuesday is my normal weekday off, so I can afford to stay out later than normal.” She said with a smile. “How about brandy? It’s one of my favorite nightcaps.”

Chapter Seven

POPPY

She had said yes, but she was now second-guessing that decision as he led her back into the limo. This was just supposed to be a meeting to discuss the gala. Getting a nightcap after dinner can be construed as more of a date than anything business-related.

Who says yes to a nightcap with a client? And a wealthy one at that?

Poppy sucked in a deep breath as Ridge rounded the other side of the limo to get in. Their knees touched when he slid in next to her, and Poppy could feel heated electric currents coursing through her body before finally hitting her core. She’d been feeling this way with Ridge since the minute she met him in her boss’s office.

Clearly, I have underestimated just how much of an effect Ridge has on me.

“Shall we go to The Rose Club? It’s close to here, and since I know the owner so well, I bet we can get in.” Ridge said as he waggled his eyebrows.

The gesture made Poppy chuckle, and the tension she had before seemed to melt away.

Maybe a nightcap isn’t so bad after all?

“Okay, sure.”

“Can I offer you something to drink in the limo?”

Poppy’s mouth went dry at the question. A drink at the club was one thing, but having one before the club seemed to be something entirely different. She had to keep her mind clear if she had any intention of sorting out whatever was happening between them.

“Do you have anything nonalcoholic in there? I’d really like some sparkling water.”

“Certainly!”

Ridge busied himself by pouring two rocks glasses with sparkling water and handed one glass to her. Her fingers brushed his as she reached for the glass, and more heat rushed through her. It was as if her body had known this man’s touch before. And with an aching need, Poppy held onto the glass and his hand for a brief second longer than she should have. Ridge’s gaze grew darker the longer their fingers touched. Once she moved her fingers away, she took a sip of the water and diverted her eyes out the window.

“I hope you are enjoying this evening, Poppy.” He said as he casually placed his arms around the backrest of the limo. His biceps were rock hard when they gently grazed the back of Poppy’s neck.

She wished they were wrapped around her naked body. With her racing mind, Ridge’s dark eyes, and loaded statement, Poppy’s mouth grew as bone dry as the Sahara Desert. She took another sip of her water before responding.

“I am enjoying myself, Ridge. But—” Her voice trailed, and she wasn’t sure if it was from the dryness in her throat or her hesitating to be brutally honest with Ridge. “I—I’m not sure where this is going.” She motioned a hand between the two of them.

His arm now entirely settled over her shoulders.

“Poppy, I’m not sure where this is going either. All I can say is that I am attracted to you, and I’ve wanted to kiss you since you first came into your boss’s office this morning. Hell—I even wanted to kiss you last night when we were chatting on Facebook. And I’m being frank.”

“But we are now working together, and with that comes complications.”

His hand stroked her shoulder in slow, small circles.

“Things only get complicated if you allow them to be. I’m certain we can come to an understanding where our work won’t interfere with whatever,” he gestured a hand between the two of them before continuing, “this is.”

His gaze deepened as his eyes flicked to her mouth. Poppy took another sip from her water and instinctively licked the excess moisture off her lips.

“How can you be so sure?” Her voice almost whispered, and her eyes dropped from his intense glare.

He lifted her chin with a thumb and index finger so she would meet his gaze. Poppy sucked in a breath. He was about to kiss her, and she knew she should try to protest again, but her body betrayed her, instinctively giving in to him, and she closed her eyes.

“Because I am.”

His soft lips grazed hers before she could take another breath, and just when she pressed a palm to his chest to push him away, the warmth of his lips was gone. She immediately opened her eyes and tried to follow the heat of his body, which seemed to retreat far too quickly.

“I’m sorry, Poppy. Out of respect for you, we can take things slow. I just couldn’t help myself.”

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