Slowly, she shook her head again. “I guess I was too preoccupied with my thoughts. I didn’t see a thing.”
Ransom slid his hands deep into his pockets and a slow smile crept across his lips. “So what thoughts were occupying your mind so you couldn’t even see me? They must have been…sweet.”
“Not…really.” Solie grimaced. If he only knew…
“So like I said,” Ransom held out his arm, “let me walk you to the door.”
His gallant gesture surprised her but Solie didn’t hesitate. She slid her hand into the crook of his arm and smiled as he rested a big warm hand on top of hers. Then, almost as if they were a couple, they walked up to the door. There Ransom turned and, his face half-hidden in the shadows, he looked down at her as he released her hand. His eyes, now dark and mysterious, gleamed as he watched her with hooded eyes. “You know what I want to do right now, don’t you?” His voice was low, so soft, so seductive.
Solie felt a tingling shiver run up her spine. His words made her heart jerk. Was she finally going to taste his lips? But what if-
Before she could finish the thought Ransom lifted an arm and planted his palm above her head, blocking her in. Then he moved in close, so close that he’d trapped her against the wall. “You know exactly what I want,” he said in a hoarse whisper, “but do you want it, too?”
“I…” Solie’s words died in her throat. Now she knew what they meant when they said the cat got your tongue. With him so close all her thoughts fled and all she could do was revel in the nearness of him, the warmth of his body leaning over her, the woodsy fragrance of his cologne and the smoldering look of passion in his eyes.
She swallowed. Where was big, bad Solie? Ransom had her heart pounding so fast she couldn’t even think straight. But she had to say something or he might not kiss her. No way was she going to let him escape now.
She lifted her face to his. “I know what you want,” she said, her voice husky with desire, “and I want it, too.”
At her words he lowered his head and, ever so gently, he pressed his lips against hers.
As his lips moved over hers Solie moaned and leaned into him, drawing pleasure from his lips but wanting more of him, much more. She wanted his arms around her, holding her tight, crushing her against his hard body. She wanted it so much she had to clench her fists at her sides to keep from reaching out and pulling him into her.
And then he pulled back. In the midst of her yearning Ransom released her lips and lifted his head, leaving her bereft.
The softest of groans escaped her lips. There was nothing she could do to hold it in. She wanted him. Bad.
As if sensing her need, Ransom tilted his head again and as his mouth came closer Solie’s lips parted on a sigh.
He captured her mouth with his and this time she gave in to the desire to feel more of him. Sliding her hands up between them she pressed her palms against his muscled chest, delighting in the way his heart thumped, its beat telling her all she needed to know. Ransom was just as turned on as she was.
The knowledge was like an aphrodisiac, divesting her of the last vestiges of her reluctance. Her eager hands left their post and slid upward where she did what she’d dreamed of so many times. Cupping his nape she held him captive as she kissed him back fiercely, giving him as good as he gave.
When they finally broke the kiss and drew apart she looked deep into his eyes, boldly and unapologetically, and what she saw there made her break into a grin. In his eyes was just a hint of shock and plenty of admiration.
Ransom gave a soft whistle. “Talk about a woman in charge.” He chuckled. “I can see you know how to turn the tables.”
“I can hold my own.” Giving him an amused smirk she slid away and bent to retrieve the purse that had slid off her shoulder. When she stood up again Ransom had backed away a bit, giving her some room and now he stood watching her, a relaxed smile on his lips.
“Thanks for walking me to the door,” she said with an impudent smile then she slid the key into the lock. When she turned again he was still gazing at her, an enigmatic look in his eyes.
“Goodnight,” she said softly, slipped in and closed the door gently behind her.
Inside, Solie leaned her back against the door and released a long sigh. What a way to end the night.
Ransom’s kiss had been as mind-blowing as she’d expected…and more. If only it could have lasted forever.
She sighed again and, still smiling, she made her way to the bedroom. She would definitely have sweet dreams tonight.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The bad thing about dreams, especially the sweet ones, was that they all had to come to an end.
By the next morning Solie had floated down from cloud nine and landed back on her two feet on the solid ground of reality. The night before had been a dream come true but today, with the comforting shadows of night replaced by the stark brightness of daylight, she was forced to accept the fact that it wasn’t going to work.
How could it, when Raul was still in the picture?
As she pulled her hair up into a ponytail she grimaced. Best to focus on her work and forget about men and all the issues that came with them. The last thing she needed in her life right then was stress.
When Solie got to work that morning it was to see a smiling Dominic at the front desk.
“How’s my girl this morning? Doin’ good?” He looked like he was about to come from around the counter to hug her. He was already holding out his arms.
Solie held up a hand to stop him. Did she need to be part of a hug fest right there in the lobby? Not today.
“Thanks, Dominic. I’m good. Just gearing up for a busy day.” She kept walking but she satisfied him with a wave. “Talk to you later, okay?”
If Solie had wished for a day that would make her forget her man troubles this was definitely it. Hectic did not begin to describe what was going on at the hospital. Today she was in E.R. and, like a curse, it was as if all the kids in Fort Lauderdale decided to come down with the stomach flu – on the same day. And then, to her dismay, they seemed to be seeing more traffic accident victims than usual. She’d already had to deal with a broken arm, a broken leg, lacerations to the face and two broken ribs. Thank God none of the injuries had been life threatening. It was quite unusual and the only conclusion she could make was that it had to do with the rain that had been falling since the night before. There was a tropical storm out on the ocean. She was sure of it.