“No," he said. “Thank you.” Then he jerked his head toward the bags in the back seat. “You’ve got quite a bit of stuff back there. Let me help you with them.”
He didn’t let her carry a single one. As they walked to her door all she had was the handbag hanging from her shoulder.
When they got to the porch Solie turned to Ransom. It was time to say goodbye. But how could she? She didn’t want this relaxed, beautiful time with Ransom to end.
Drawing in a deep breath she let it out slowly. She had to make a decision, and fast. She could either be a wimp and scurry away into the safety of the house or she could be strong and just go for what she wanted. In the end the decision wasn’t that hard. “Would you like to come in for a drink,” she asked. “Or coffee, if you prefer?”
Ransom cocked an eyebrow then he gave her a crooked smile. “Are you sure?”
“Why?” she asked, her tone full of challenge. “Should I be scared?”
His smile deepened, making a dimple form in his left cheek. Why hadn’t she noticed that before now? “Maybe,” he said as he gave her a wicked grin. “You can’t be too careful.”
Solie only shook her head and turned to open the door. “At least get rid of those bags. You’ve been lugging them around all day for me.” She pushed the door open, flipped on the hallway light and held it wide so Ransom and her assortment of bags could get through the front entrance.
“Come on in,” she said. “Don’t be shy.” She was all bravado, showing an easy smile and relaxed stance when inside she was coiled as tight as a spring…but Ransom didn’t have to know that. All he would see was a super-confident woman who had not a fear in the world.
And the fact that, as he passed by her heart did a double-take, was absolutely none of his business.
***
At Solie’s invitation Ransom stepped inside, bags in hand. When she stood there, still clutching the doorknob, he gave her a quizzical look. She’d sounded totally at ease when she invited him in but now she was just standing there, watching him, a tiny smile on her lips and an uncertain look – half welcoming, half worried – in her eyes.
“What should I do with these?” he asked, lifting the bags.
“I’ll…take them,” she said and cleared her throat. She held out both hands for the bags then she smiled. “I’ll get rid of them. Just make yourself comfortable in the living room.”
As she disappeared down the hallway, bags in hand, Ransom watched her with lazy eyes then sauntered into the living room where he did what she’d instructed. He made himself comfortable on the chenille sofa, leaning against the cushiony back, his legs thrust out before him. It had been a heck of a rough day.
Ransom grinned to himself as he thought about it. He was a real sucker for punishment. If he’d been smart he would have kept his big mouth shut. But no, he had to go and offer to take her shopping, at the mall, no less – the place where you’d find almost a hundred stores under one roof. The ultimate male nightmare.
But he’d wanted to impress her. He’d wanted to seem like he was above that common male phobia. More than that, he’d wanted to spend time with her.
So he was going soft on his neighbor. It looked like he wasn’t going to be able to help that. Not that he wanted to. She was growing on him with each passing day. She’d gone from cantankerous busybody to friend to way more than that within a matter of months.
And now, with what he was feeling for her, he wanted it to go even further. She’d let him kiss her once. Tonight he wanted more of the same.
Within minutes Solie was back and offering him a drink.
“I’ll take the wine cooler,” he said and felt a tickle of amusement when she lifted her brows. Obviously, she’d expected him to go for beer but tonight he wanted no distractions.
When she got back, the chilled bottles and glasses on a tray, Solie headed for the armchair across from Ransom but he was having none of that. She’d already demonstrated that she was not the shy type and he was more than willing to hold her to that standard.
And he knew exactly what would work to get her right where he wanted her.
“I have a dare for you.” He was watching her closely as she rested the tray on the coffee table and picked up a bottle. She looked like she was about to pour but she stopped, his statement drawing the expected reaction. Surprise.
“A dare? To do what?” She tilted her head, giving him a look of suspicion.
“Don’t worry,” he said, his expression bland and his voice mild. “It won’t be illegal but it might be…dangerous.”
That got her attention, big time. Her brows flew up and the hand with the bottle she was holding trembled…just a little, but enough so he could see he’d made quite the impact.
“Dangerous,” she said softly. “How dangerous?”
Ransom didn’t answer. Instead, he took the bottle from her hand, making sure to brush the tips of his fingers against her palm. Ignoring the glass he put the bottle to his lips and took a swig, his eyes never leaving hers.
Then, when he was sure he’d made her wait long enough, stoking the embers of her curiosity, he traced his tongue over his bottom lip, catching a stray drop of the peach-flavored liquid. “Very dangerous,” he whispered and reached out to rest the bottle back on the tray.
Ransom turned back to Solie who still sat there, looking wary. Earlier she’d tried to play boss but now it was time to show who was in charge.
“Come here.” It was not a request but an order, said in a tone designed to shock her into action.
It worked. Almost.
Solie made what seemed like an involuntary move, shifting forward before she stopped short. Then her eyes narrowed. “What about the dare?” she asked. "Tell me what it is.”
Ransom almost sighed. So much for being the big boss. He decided to change tactics, letting a seductive smile slide onto his lips. “Come over here and I’ll tell you about it.”
Solie frowned. “Why should I?”