Slowly, Indie nodded. “I think you may be right. All my adult life I’ve been dashing from country to country, working for various non-profit organizations, feeling good about myself for helping others. I never really gave enough thought to those people behind the scenes who may not have participated directly but were critical to the success of the projects through their financial contributions.” She gave Stone a crooked smile. “I stand suitably chastised.”
“You do, do you?” He gave her a suspiciously mischievous grin.
“I do.”
“Well, I know one way you can make things up to us rich folks.”
She chuckled. “How?”
“You can have dinner with me tonight.”
Had she heard right? “Did you just ask me out?” she demanded playfully.
“I did.”
“So where are we going to have this dinner? At Café Out-in-the-Middle-of-Nowhere? We’re practically in the wilderness.”
“I’m inviting you to dinner at my house.”
“At…your house.” Now that was different and sort of…intriguing.
“It’s just a cottage, really, no bigger than yours. Behind the main school building. My home away from home. So…are we on for dinner?”
Indie nodded. “I’d love to, just as long as you don’t poison me with your cooking.”
He laughed out loud. “Don’t you worry about that. My meals come fully catered, complements of the home’s resident chef.”
“Oh.” She pouted, feigning disappointment. “And there I was, thinking you were going to make a special effort just for me.”
“Maybe next time.” Stone got up and gave a leisurely stretch. “I’d better get going so I can tidy up before you come. So you’ll be over around six?”
“Six is fine with me.”
“Want me to come get you?”
“I’m sure I’ll find it.” Indie got up, too. “The compound is big but not that big that I can’t find you.”
“Great. I’ll see you at six then.”
He headed for the front door with Indie right behind him. As he let himself out she couldn’t help but admire his broad shoulders. It must be because he was standing in the narrow doorway. It made him look big and strong, every bit the macho man.
He waved goodbye and as he walked away Indie stood in the doorway, staring after him, a soft smile on her face. Lady Luck was definitely on her side today. She couldn’t have wanted a better turn of events.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Stone splashed water on his face and stared into the bathroom mirror. What was it about Indiana Lane that had him sweating like a damn teenager every time he was in her presence? For God’s sake, he was a thirty-three year old man, way past the sweating and trembling stage. Was he regressing? That made him smile at his own reflection. That was a laugh. It must be the setting, all the way out here in this wilderness as Indie had called it. He couldn’t remember reacting this strongly to a woman. Not since high school, anyway.
But now here he was, totally captivated by the woman with the emerald green eyes. And that was why, when he’d seen that opening, he hadn’t been able to resist asking her over. At her place he’d acted nonchalant, like he’d already ordered dinner and everything was arranged. No such thing. He’d had to send a message to Cook real fast to fix a special dinner for two. Luckily, he already had wine chilling in the fridge.
He grabbed a towel and dried his face then headed for the living room. He hadn’t been kidding when he said he needed to tidy up before Indie got there. He wasn’t the neatest of souls and his mind immediately went to his mother. She’d been at him since he’d been able to understand the words 'pick up your clothes'. Where that was concerned, he was still a failure. Sorry, Mom.
At twenty minutes before six Cook’s packages of food arrived. Stone slipped them into the oven to keep them warm then he went and got dressed in dark slacks and a creamy silk shirt. At three minutes before the hour of six there was another knock at the door and the long-awaited lady stood there looking elegant in gray slacks and a peach-colored top that showed off her bare shoulders.
“Welcome.” He held the door open for her and as she stepped past, her perfume brought back memories of that first night they’d dined together. That night she’d looked exquisite, like a perfectly painted porcelain doll. Tonight was different. Tonight she looked relaxed, natural and so inviting. He wanted to bend down and press his lips to the smooth skin of her shoulder then to her collarbone, her neck, then her lips.
He began to grow hard again and he had to step back and take a deep breath. What was with him tonight? Just the sight of her, her fragrance, had him thinking crazy thoughts. She fit so well into this earthy, untamed setting that his thoughts ran to things hot and wild – like her, straddling his h*ps and making mad love to him.
Stone shook his head. If he didn’t slow down he was going to get himself in a whole lot of trouble.
“So,” he said, shoving his hands deep into his pockets, “welcome to my home.”
“You already said that.” She gave him a look of amusement then her eyes scanned the room. “You were right. It looks just like my place.”
He spread his arms wide. “See? We’re all equals in this place. No need to bash the rich guy.”
“I wasn’t going to.” She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Not unless he gives me reason to."
“I won’t.” He put his hands up and backed away. “Trust me, I know when I’m in the presence of a warrior woman.”
He’d meant that as a joke but at his words she looked a little hurt. “I mean, you look like you can defend yourself,” he said quickly, trying to do damage control.
“It’s okay,” she said, her voice punctuated with a sigh. “Part of the territory, being taller than most other women. People see you as a whole lot tougher than you actually are.”