No, it was her imagination. No one would have been in her closet today.

Just like no one would have moved the perfume bottle on her dresser.

A shiver ran up and down her skin. She'd felt like she'd been watched today. Could- "No." She rubbed her arms with both hands. "Your imagination is running away with you, Tess."

Pushing the thoughts away, she slid her feet into a pair of comfortable wedges that she'd probably ditch soon enough. She preferred to go barefoot around the house, even with company.

As it got closer to seven, more and more flutters tickled her belly. She lit a candle with a soft scent and made sure that the house was in perfect order even though she'd cleaned it earlier that day. She set the dining room table with crystal plates that she normally didn't use and added a bottle of chardonnay and a couple of wine stems.

When the doorbell rang, she smoothed her blouse and skirt, then headed for the front door. She peeked through the peephole and her heart beat faster as she saw that it was Gage.

She took a deep breath and opened the door with a smile.

His gorgeous grin made her knees weak. He looked so d.a.m.n good in his white Stetson, white western shirt, Wranglers, and polished boots. His body was so powerful that he made her feel even more pet.i.te than she was.

She hadn't even realized she'd let her gaze drift down him and back up until she met his eyes and his grin broadened.

"Like what you see?" he said in a teasing voice.

Her cheeks warmed. "Very much."

He lowered his head and kissed her pa.s.sionately enough to take her breath completely away. When he drew back she looked up at him, feeling completely off balance.

"Mind if I come in?" he asked, his expression amused.

She managed to regain her poise, stepped back, and opened the door wider. He took off his western hat as he stepped through the doorway and closed the door behind him. She took his hat from him and set it aside on the back of a chair that was rarely used.

When she returned to him, he swept her into his arms again, catching her off guard. This time he gave her a hard, fierce kiss.

"I've been wanting to do that all week." He drew away, his eyes glittering in the low lighting of the living room.

"Me, too." She still felt breathless as she looked up at him. "I need to finish up dinner and then we can eat."

He followed her to the kitchen and she kicked off her shoes beneath the breakfast bar. She felt shorter than ever around him, but she didn't mind at all. He leaned up against the counter as he watched her go to the stove.

"Just need to steam the broccoli." She glanced at him as she turned on the burner beneath the steamer that held the broccoli florets. "Everything else is ready."

He watched her, his gaze intent, but he was smiling. "You look adorable."

Warmth traveled through her veins. "Thank you." She smiled at him. "I was thinking the same thing about you."

He raised an eyebrow. "I look adorable?"

She laughed. "Not exactly adorable, but pretty d.a.m.ned s.e.xy."

He caught her by her waist and brought her close. Her blouse had risen at her waist and his hands were on her bare flesh. Ripples of awareness went through her and she felt her nipples tighten against the silk of her camisole and blouse.

"I can't get dinner finished if you keep touching me." Her voice sounded throaty as she spoke.

"I can't help myself." He held her waist with one hand while pushing a curl from her face with his other. "I've wanted to touch you for so long."

"The broccoli is going to get overcooked if you keep this up," she said against his lips as he brushed his over hers.

"So?" he murmured.

"Overcooked or burnt broccoli smells horrible." She put her hands on his chest and tried to lightly push him away.

He squeezed her to him harder and gave her a deep and pa.s.sionate kiss that caused her to moan. She just about forgot what she was supposed to be doing. When he drew away she looked into his eyes and almost couldn't tear hers away.

She swallowed. "I don't want dinner to be ruined."

He gave her a quick kiss then released her. She took a step back then turned and went to the stove, her heart beating a little fast. She could barely concentrate on her task. The broccoli was a little more done than she'd wanted but it wasn't bad. After she drained it and put it into a serving dish, she grabbed a pair of oven mitts and opened the oven door.

"Everything smells delicious." Gage gave the stuffed chicken b.r.e.a.s.t.s an appreciative look as she brought them out of the oven.

"I'm a basic cook, nothing fancy." She set the pan of chicken on a trivet beside the stove.

He came up behind her, put his hands on her waist, and kissed the back of her neck. "I think it is all perfect."

She shivered from the feel of his lips against her nape. "You haven't even tasted it yet."

"I can tell I'll love it." He turned her around and kissed her.

She still wore the oven mitts and put her mitted palms against his chest. "Everything is going to get cold. I think you're trying to sabotage dinner."

He laughed. "I'm just having a hard time keeping my hands off you."

"Well, do your best to be a good boy." She smiled up at him. "Now help me get everything to the table."

"Yes, ma'am." He winked and released her.

She'd already set trivets on the table for the broccoli, corn, and chicken, and then she brought out the still warm rolls along with softened b.u.t.ter.

When they were seated at the table, she watched him from beneath her lashes as he poured the wine.

She couldn't believe she was here with Gage. That she'd taken a chance and had gone out with him. Not only that, but unless he'd changed his mind, she planned to work for him, too.

d.a.m.n, was she making a big mistake?

Gage caught her watching him and he smiled as he set down his roll. "What's on your mind, honey?"

She hesitated for a moment as she wondered if she should have made the decision to work for him. "Does that job offer still hold?" It came out in a rush.

"Yep." The corner of his mouth turned up. "Have you decided to take it?"

Again she paused, then nodded. "Yes, although I have at least one concern."

He looked like he was holding back a grin. "What's that?"

She cleared her throat. "What if one of us chooses not to date each other anymore? Won't that cause some conflict?"

He thought about it for a moment. "We'll keep that part of our relationship separate. Will that make you feel more comfortable about taking the position?"

"I think so." She studied him. "Although that means no kissing on the job."

He laughed. "I promise to wait until you've officially clocked out."

She smiled. "I guess you have yourself a new a.s.sistant."

Chapter 16.

Tess rested her head on Gage's chest, her legs tucked under her, his arm settled around her shoulders as they watched a movie from her couch. Now, both of them had removed their shoes and he was in his sock feet while she was barefoot.

For the life of her she couldn't concentrate on the movie, some romantic comedy they'd chosen from the cable company's list of premier movies. She had a feeling he preferred action movies but had agreed with her choice.

He smelled so good, his big body hard but comfortable against hers. It felt natural cuddled up against him. He nuzzled the top of her head and she tilted her face to look up at him. He skimmed his lips along the bridge of her nose to the tip then found her mouth with his. She parted her lips and he kissed her softly.

When he drew his head back, he shifted her in his arms so that she was in his lap and she felt his erection pressing into her soft bottom. She squirmed, rubbing against it and she saw a combination of pained restraint and the fire of pa.s.sion in his gaze.

His hand rested on her knee and as he brought his mouth to hers again, he slid his palm up her leg until he was slowly pushing up her skirt, bunching the material at her waist.

She gave a soft moan. He rested his hand on the silk of her panties and she felt tingles rush between her thighs. She wriggled on his lap again, letting him know she wanted more of his touch.

As he continued to kiss her, he moved his hand from beneath her skirt, then reached beneath her short top, sliding the silky cloth of her blouse and camisole up and over her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. He groaned when his hand found her naked breast and her breathing hitched as he rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She arched her back and he moved his mouth from hers to her breast and he sucked her nipple.

The movie was nothing but background noise that she barely heard over the rushing in her ears. So much desire filled her that she didn't think she could handle another moment without feeling him inside her.

"Gage." She moaned as he adjusted her so that he could suck her other nipple. "Let's go to my bedroom."

He raised his head and her wet nipples felt cool without his warm mouth on them. "This isn't slow, Tess."

"Like you said, we've known each other quite a while." She reached up and slid her fingers into his hair. "I'm ready. I want you."

"Are you sure?" His gaze was intense, his expression tight as he held her in his arms.

She nodded. "I've wanted you for longer than I want to admit."

He gripped her in his arms and rose to his feet, holding her close. He headed in the direction of her bedroom.

When he reached Tess's bedroom, he carried her through the doorway and paused in front of her bed that was mounded with pillows.

Her blouse fell back over her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and her skirt slid down her thighs as he set her on her feet. He shoved the pillows off her bed, leaving only the comforter. He switched on the light beside the bed, bathing everything in a golden glow.

Fire was in his eyes as he returned to her. "Are you sure, Tess?" he asked her again. "I don't want you to have any regrets."

"I won't." She grasped one of his hands and placed it on her breast. "Promise."

He paused for a moment, his hand warming her breast through her blouse. Then he gripped the hem of her blouse and she helped him pull it over her head.

"I like this silky thing." He pinched her hard nipples, which pushed against the soft fabric of her camisole and she gasped. "But it needs to come off, too."

She raised her arms as he slid the camisole over her head then looked at her bare b.r.e.a.s.t.s with appreciation. More erotic sensations traveled to her belly and between her thighs as he palmed her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. He moved his hands to the waistband of her skirt, pushed it down over her hips, and let it slide to the floor.

A part of her wondered if she was being rash, if this was too soon. But a greater part of her wanted this more than anything. She'd intentionally worn the s.e.xy lingerie, wanting Gage to unwrap her and see it. She had wanted to end up in bed with him.

When she was standing barefoot in her panties, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. As his mouth took hers, he eased his hands down her body and pressed her up against him. His clothing was rough but she liked the feel of it against her naked flesh.

She clung to him, bracing her hands on his shoulders as he lowered himself to slide her panties over her hips and push them down to the floor. She ached between her thighs, wanting him so much she could barely stand it.

He straightened and she reached for the b.u.t.tons on his shirt. With confidence, she unb.u.t.toned each one until she reached his belt buckle and then she pulled his shirt out of his Wranglers. He rubbed her upper arms while she unfastened his belt buckle then went for the b.u.t.ton of his jeans.

"I can't get enough of touching you." His hands wandered, his fingertips exploring. "Your skin is so soft."

Her heart beat faster as she helped him remove his clothing. He shrugged out of his shirt and she pushed his jeans down. His thighs were taut and muscular and the bulge behind his boxer briefs was impressive. She got to her knees and helped him remove his socks before running her hand along the ridge of his erection.

She was still on her knees in front of him when she caught the waistband of his underwear and tugged it down. Her eyes widened as she released his c.o.c.k. He was even bigger than she'd expected. She pushed his boxer briefs to the floor and he stepped out of them.

Her eyes met his as she looked up and saw the hunger in his gaze. She wrapped her fingers around his erection, his girth so large in her small hand.

"I want you in my mouth." She wanted to taste him as she breathed in his scent.

"Not now." He reached for her and caught her by her shoulders to bring her up to stand. "I want to take care of you...in so many ways." She slid her hands up his taut abs to his broad chest as she eased to her feet. He took her by her upper arms and kissed her with an intensity so fierce it left her breathless.

He pressed her body to his and she loved the feel of his heated skin next to hers. His c.o.c.k felt rigid against her belly, his chest hard against her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Putting a little s.p.a.ce between them, he palmed her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and played with her nipples. As he drove her insane with his touch, he moved his mouth to her cheek and his lips glided over the soft skin to her jawline.

"I can't believe you're finally here with me." His voice was low. "I've dreamed of being with you, Tess."

His lips trailed down her neck until he reached the hollow of her throat and on down to the valley between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

"I want to take care of you," he murmured as he looked up and met her gaze. "I want to be the only one to ever touch you like this."

She bit the inside of her lip, feeling confused by his words, hardly comprehending as her body quivered from the strength of her desire. He moved his mouth to her nipple and she clutched at his shoulders, afraid that she might not be able to stand much longer, her knees felt so weak.

His hand felt rough and callused and she loved the contrast against her soft skin as his palm glided down her flat belly. He cupped her before sliding a finger into her wetness. She really did think her knees were going to give out on her as he stroked her c.l.i.t at the same time he sucked her nipple.

Just when she thought she would slide into a boneless heap on the floor, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He pulled the covers down with one arm and set her gently in the middle of the bed.

He reached for his jeans and retrieved his wallet and pulled out a foil packet. He set the wallet on the nightstand and the packet on the mattress before he eased onto the bed.