Authors: Jan Bowles
“If you insist.”
“I do.” He took a sip of his coffee and then placed the cup back on the saucer. “I live in New York, and I deal in securities.” He leaned back in his chair. “That’s everything about me in a nutshell. Now you.”
Mia giggled and then wagged a finger at him. “Oh, no. That’s not fair. You didn’t tell me anything.”
“So what do you want to know?” He kept his voice low as he stared directly at her. He felt pleased when a faint blush bloomed on her cheeks. Mia clearly realized the implications of their conversation. They were both feeling the deep mutual attraction between them now.
A look of wariness began to form on her face. “Maybe I should be going, Trent. I’ve already taken up too much of your time.”
He realized Mia was as skittish as a newborn foal, and he decided to change the subject.
He glanced at his watch. “Look, the night is still young. Why don’t you come and watch the bidding, and then I can take you somewhere special afterwards.” He held up his hands to show his intentions were honorable. “By way of appreciation for helping me discover the next Picasso or Dali.”
He watched the subtle nuances on her face as she thought for a moment. Then he breathed in a sigh of relief when she nodded her acceptance. Trent had always enjoyed the chase, but up until now, he’d never had to try too hard. For a woman as beautiful as Mia, he was willing to work that much harder.
“Thank you. I’d like that.”
“Good.” He decided to be more open about himself, something that he found increasingly difficult the older he became. He’d always been a closed book with friends and lovers, choosing to be guarded with information about himself. It was just part and parcel of who he was. “I haven’t always lived in New York, Mia. I grew up on a ranch in Virginia.” Trent surprised even himself by admitting to such a thing. He hadn’t thought about his childhood home in a long time. Too many memories, he guessed.
“How fascinating. Does your family still live there?”
“Yes. Although you could say we’re not exactly on speaking terms anymore. I disappointed them by turning away from ranching.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Surely they must know how successful you’ve become. If they did, they would welcome you back with open arms.”
He laughed, totally charmed by her enthusiasm once more. “Sometimes things aren’t that simple, Mia.” He thought of all the harsh words he’d had with his parents and especially his father. Sometimes there was no going back. He stared at the woman sitting opposite him. Not a line or wrinkle showed on her beautiful face. Mia was young and not yet jaded by life. It saddened him to think the grim realities of the world would soon wear down her youthful exuberance, just like it had with him. He pushed those thoughts away and concentrated on the here and now. Just a few minutes in her company and Mia had injected the zest for living he used to have back into his veins. “Anyway, how do you know I’m successful?”
She shrugged. “Aren’t you going to buy the painting?”
He grinned. “You’re right, and if we don’t hurry, we’ll be too late.”
“Oh, no, you must buy it. It’s such a beautiful painting. It needs someone who can appreciate it.”
He stood and held out his hand. “Shall we go then.”
A warm, contented feeling reignited within him as she slipped her small hand in his, and they headed from the restaurant. He glanced at the woman he’d only known for an hour or so, and he felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness. At that precise moment, he knew his world had changed forever.
* * * *
Mia felt as though she were slipping further and further into a fantasy. She had been so charmed by Trent that against her better judgment, she’d accepted his invitation to watch the bidding.
The night took on a surreal quality when he won the painting. It was so exciting. Trent seemed so cool and collected, but she literally bit her nails right up until the dramatic finish. When the gavel finally banged against the wooden plinth, she jumped for joy, clapping her hands together. A spotlight centered on Trent as a round of applause rippled around the auditorium.
He turned to her and smiled. His amber eyes were warm and sensual as his gaze connected with hers, and her heart melted just a little bit more. With each passing minute, she was falling deeper and deeper under his spell. The way he stared at her lips made her whole body quiver. She knew he wanted to kiss her.
He cleared his throat. “I will have to bring you again. You can be my lucky charm.”
She gently touched his hand with hers. “I don’t believe you rely on luck. I suspect you’re good at everything.” Mia swallowed hard as the intensity in his eyes burned just a little brighter for a few brief seconds. Her mind filled with images of him making love to her, servicing her needs with authority and unlimited power. She fantasized that Trent would be nothing less than the perfect lover. He was an alpha male in every respect. Powerful, successful, and above all, incredibly sexy.
“Now, I promised to take you somewhere special. Where would you like to go? La Bernardin or the Blue Water Grill? Surely you must be hungry?”
“Just a little.” Mia thought for a moment then smiled as she realized what she’d really like to do. Sometimes when one could have anything, just the simple things appealed the most. “I have an incredible urge for a hotdog with plenty of onions and mustard.”
He looked surprised. “Is that all?” When she nodded, he laughed. “Then I know the perfect place.” He held out his arm. “Tonight we shall dine alfresco. A hotdog it is.”
His hand felt warm as his strong fingers covered hers. It made her feel safe and protected as they both headed from the hotel. Once they were outside, Trent began undoing his silk tie, loosening the knot with his free hand until he could pull it off completely. He tucked it into his pocket and then proceeded to undo the top two buttons of his shirt. “That’s one thing I’ve never really taken to in the cut and thrust of the business world. I just can’t stand wearing a tie.”
Mia giggled. “Maybe you should have been a rancher. Then you would never have to wear one.”
“True. But I’d never have made a very good rancher. I like the excitement of working in the city too much for that.”
Mia couldn’t imagine Trent being less than brilliant at anything. She looked up into the night sky, enjoying the spectacle of the twinkling stars above them. “I still can’t get used to it being nighttime and yet warm. In Sweden, when the sun sets, we don’t see it for several weeks. The winters can be very long and very cold.”
“Now that would take some getting used to. I’ve heard Sweden is often called the land of the midnight sun.”
Mia smiled. “It is, and that’s what makes it very special. In the summer, the sun never sets. It makes everyone feel so very alive. The Swedish people become energized and enthusiastic again.”
“I’ve only know you a few hours, Mia, and enthusiasm is something you certainly aren’t short of.”
They crossed the road and headed into Central Park. “One can’t help being enthusiastic in such a vibrant city. Isn’t it beautiful?” She pointed to the strings of fairy lights decorating all the trees around them. “I just love everything about New York.” She paused momentarily. “Everything, that is, apart from the subway.”
“Come over here a minute. There’s something I need to do.” He gently guided her from the path and over to a tree. He stared into her eyes and stroked his hand across her cheek. His thumb grazed her lips. “You’re so beautiful. I just have to kiss you.”
His hand caressed her neck as he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. He waited a moment, assessing her reaction, his amber eyes holding her transfixed. When she didn’t pull away, he kissed her more forcefully. She’d been kissed before but never so sensually. There was just the right amount of pressure on her lips. She couldn’t resist combing her hands through his dark wavy hair. She marveled at the texture of his silky locks as they slipped effortlessly through her fingers and the feel of his tongue as he explored her mouth.
Tonight had become the most exciting and enchanting evening of her life. Mia just didn’t want it to end.
Chapter Four
Trent pulled away, aware that they were in a public place. When he spoke, his voice was deep and filled with the strong sexual desire he felt for her. “I’ve wanted to do that ever since I first saw you.” Taking hold of her hand once more, they walked over to one of the many silver carts in Central Park and ordered two hotdogs.
He smiled at her as she stood next to him. “Mustard and heavy on the onions you said?”
A faint smile brushed her lips. “I’ll only have the onions if you do, too.”
A sense of satisfaction coursed through his veins. Mia obviously wanted him to kiss her again. Well, there was no way he’d disappoint her. He had every intention of doing just that.
He turned back to the hotdog seller. “Plenty of mustard and onions on both.” He handed a wrapped hotdog to her, and they began walking once again. When they came to a park bench, they both sat down.
After eating the hotdog, he threw the napkin into the trashcan. He then became thoroughly absorbed by how Mia ate hers. Like a bird, she picked all the pieces of stray onion off the top and then started nibbling at the roll.
“You’re staring,” she said as she pulled a piece of bread from the hotdog and then flicked her gaze to him. He loved the way her full lips pouted so seductively. He knew he wouldn’t be able to resist kissing them again.
“I like staring at you. Do you mind?”
Tiny wisps of pale blonde hair blew about her face when she shook her head. “I guess not. Though I was always told it was rude to stare.”
“That’s true, but one can’t help staring when the vision is so beautiful.”
She nibbled some more of her hotdog and glanced at him. “I could understand that if you were talking about a painting but not me.”
Trying to sound knowledgeable, he picked the name of an artist off the top of his head. “Hmm, well then, to me you look like you were painted by Rubens straight onto canvas.”
Mia threw her head back and laughed. “Are you saying I have a fuller figure? Are you calling me Rubenesque? You do know that Peter Paul Rubens liked painting larger ladies.”
He laughed. “Sorry, I’ve made a mistake. I know very little about paintings apart from their value as an investment. I have a limited knowledge of the artists.”
“You’re the complete opposite of me in that respect, Trent. I have no understanding or interest in the value of a painting. I love art purely for its beauty and the way it makes me feel.”
He gently touched her face. “What if I show you how to make a good investment, and you show me the beauty in art?”
She smiled and studied him for a moment. “Okay,” she eventually said.
Mia took one final bite of her hotdog and threw the rest into the trashcan. She leaned back against the park bench and stared at the city scene sparkling and twinkling against the night sky. In the distance, he heard sirens echoing down a street and the sound of music filtered across the park on the warm breeze. Surely this was the perfect end to a perfect day?
He tenderly stroked her neck, caressing the soft flesh, reveling in the silky feel of her hair against his skin. Her head moved from side to side. He could tell she liked his touch. When she closed her eyes, he took the opportunity and leaned in and gently brushed his mouth over hers. She responded to the pressure of his lips and kissed him back. Her hands once again meshed into his hair. He pulled back, aware that things were changing between them. When their eyes connected, he saw the raw passion in her gaze.
“It’s a bit of a cliché, I know, but come back to my place. I only live a short distance away. I can show you some of the paintings in my collection. I’d be interested in your opinion.” He knew his voice was heavy and laden with desire. For a brief moment, she hesitated, and he wondered if she would decline his invitation.