by Angelo, Judy
She was halfway to the door when her pace slowed and her smile dissolved. God forbid but what if, when she opened the door, it was Raul. It wasn’t as if something like that hadn’t happened before. Stealthily she crept up, shifted the curtain ever so slightly and peered through the window.
She released her breath when she saw Ransom standing on the porch. She grabbed her purse from the hallway table and opened the door to him. “I love a man who doesn’t keep me waiting.” She gave him a mischievous grin, pulled the door shut behind her and sauntered ahead of him to the low-lying Mustang parked behind her Honda.
When Solie glanced back Ransom still stood there watching her then, smiling, he shook his head and followed her to the car.
That afternoon at the Galleria Solie had more fun than she’d had in a long time. It was a different kind of fun than going to the movies with a couple of friends. This time she was in the company of a man who made her body tingle every time he touched her. And the way he looked at her made her temperature rise…in a good way.
The more time she spent with him the more she saw of his complex personality. When they’d first met she’d classified him as nothing but a bully. Then she’d seen he could have weaknesses then she’d learned that he could be a friend. Now she was seeing a whole new side of him. They’d walked the mall together and the whole time he’d been more than solicitous. The man had even sat patiently outside the changing room in Banana Republic while she tried on boot-cut jeans and tops. What better sign did anyone need that this man was a keeper?
And then, to her surprise, he’d offered to pay for the stuff.
“No, thank you,” she said firmly and pushed his hand away as he reached for the outfits. “You’ve done enough. All that food I ate in The Capital Grille must have left a serious dent in your wallet.” She gave him a smile to soften her rejection. “But thank you. You’re very kind.”
Her smile widened as she turned away and headed for the cashier. It was just too funny, listening to him grumble about ‘independent women’.
Later, after grabbing some sweet treats from Godiva Chocolatier, they made their leisurely way home. By that time it was way past dusk and the stars were out and blinking like tiny fireflies in the heavens.
When Ransom pulled into her driveway Solie gave a soft, satisfied sigh. “I had a wonderful time,” she said as she turned to look at him. “Thank you.”
“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?”
Ransom’s smile deepened. “Because you want to?”
She seemed to give that some thought then her frown lifted and she graced him with a smile. “Maybe I’ll sit beside you,” she said, “but just for a little bit.”
That was all Ransom wanted to hear. ‘A little bit’ was good because once he had her in his arms he knew there would be no turning back.
Solie got up and took the steps that put her right in front of the sofa and then she sat down, and she didn’t scoot away and seek refuge all the way at the end, either. She placed her butt firmly on the cushion then turned to look at him, challenge gleaming in her eyes. “What’s the dare?”
Ransom chuckled and relaxed against the sofa cushions, regarding her through half-closed eyes. The girl was a brave one, he would give her that, but now it was time to really test her mettle.
“I dare you,” he said, his voice silky soft, “to kiss me like I’ve never been kissed before.”
He was watching her intently, expecting a flicker of fear in her eyes, maybe even a gasp. None of that. Damn, this girl was good.
With nary a hesitation she jerked her chin toward him and the look of defiance she gave him and the newly formed pout on her pretty lips told him her fiery spirit was back. “What do I get,” she demanded, “when I fulfill your dare?”
That made him lift an eyebrow. “Don’t you mean ‘if’?”
“I mean ‘when’.” Her voice brooked no argument. “What do I get?”
Ransom gave her a slow smile. “You get…” he said softly as he began to undo the top button of his shirt, “…me.”
He’d meant it as a joke, of course. He’d merely been teasing her but the look in Solie’s eyes told him she took him seriously indeed.
He was on the second button when she made her move.
Like a woman warrior, fierce and fearless, Solie moved forward and slapped her hand over his, effectively stilling all movement. Then her fingers curled around his and she shoved his hand down and away.
Sleek as a cat she leaned over and slid her body up his, making him stiffen instantly.
Jesus, one move and she had him hard as rock.
Like a master seducer Solie slid her hands along his arms and up over his shoulders then, just like she’d done last time, she slid a soft palm behind his neck, the better to keep him in her control.
Then slowly, so tantalizingly slowly, she lowered her face to his, closed her eyes and gently brushed his lips with hers. They were soft lips, delicious lips that he wanted to devour, but he would not reach up and spoil this. He would let her have her way.
Within seconds of teasing him Solie’s light kisses turned more insistent. She pressed those soft petals against his mouth, applying a sweet gentle pressure as one hand slid down and she planted her palm against his chest.
Maybe she’d done it to steady herself, Ransom had no idea. All he knew was that the feel of her hand as it brushed against his nipple had him fighting to keep his hands off her. God, he wanted to reach up and pull her into him, slide the softness of her bottom lip into his mouth, slip his tongue deep-
That was as far as he got because, as if she’d been reading his mind, Solie bit his bottom lip then sucked it into her mouth, sending shockwave after shockwave up his spine.
When she released it he moaned and, giving in to his desire, he slid eager hands around her waist.
She slapped them away and renewed her attack, kissing him softly then applying pressure so that his lips parted, giving her free and willing access.
It was like Solie needed no invitation. Sliding her tongue in she tasted him, touching her tip to his then stroking and teasing until she was drawing low moans from deep inside him. The girl could kiss.
Caught up in the passion of the moment he made another attempt to hold her and this time she did not object. Sliding his arms around her he pressed her into him then he captured the back of her head in one hand and tilted her face, giving himself better access. She’d done her part, expertly fanning the flames of his desire, but now it was time for him to retake control.
He was kissing her deeply, passionately, urgently and she was clinging to him like she would never let go. With all this fire blazing between them the night would not end with just one kiss.
More than willing to take things to the next level he began to shift on the sofa, Solie in his arms, intent on positioning her beneath him so that he could take the lead.
And then his cell phone rang. Damn. Why hadn’t he turned the friggin’ thing off?
He was almost tempted to ignore it but the ring after ring after ring made him pull away and, with a curse, he reached down to dig into his back pocket then dragged it out, ready to end the call. But big and clear on the screen was the name of the one brother he’d ever had to fret about. It was Rafe.
Ransom’s heart jerked. This could only mean one thing. If Rafe was calling him it meant he was in trouble.
He slid out and away from Solie, giving her an apologetic look, then he tapped the button to answer the phone.
He put it to his ear. “Speak.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ransom sat forward as Rafe’s voice filled his ear. “I’ve had enough, man,” his brother said. “I’m coming home.”
That was good news…or it could be bad. Ransom’s brows fell. “Why? What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m okay,” Rafe said, almost sounding exasperated. “And nothing’s happened. I’m just ready to make a move.”
Now that he knew Rafe was okay Ransom wasn’t quite so glad he’d answered the phone. “So. You’ve finally come to your senses.”
“You could say that.”
“Well, that’s all well and good but you caught me in the middle of something.”
“No, wait. Don’t hang up.” There was a near plea in Rafe’s voice that made Ransom pause.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“When you talk to Mom tell her…I’ll be home for Christmas.”
Ransom almost didn’t believe his ears. Rafe had avoided all family gatherings for the past year. Still, he wasn’t prepared to get mushy about it. “Good to know,” he said simply. “Mom will be pleased.”
“Thanks, Ran.” Rafe sighed. “I could have called and told her myself but I just hate it when she gets all emotional and stuff. It might make me change my mind.”
“I understand,” Ransom said, his tone abrupt. “Now I’ve really got to go.”
“Okay, no prob. I’ll talk to you some other time.”
Ransom clicked to end the call then he turned his attention back to Solie but she’d already straightened up and left the sofa. Now she was standing by the window, her back to him.
“Solie, I’m sorry,” he began but he stopped short when she put up a hand. She turned to face him. “It’s okay, Ransom. I totally understand. You had to take the call.”
She was saying the right words but the serious look on her face told him the mood was already shattered and the moment had passed. They were not going to be picking up where they’d left off. Not tonight.
He drew in a breath and let it out then he shoved the phone back into his pocket and slapped his hands on his knees. “I guess I’d better be going.” He said the words slowly, giving her ample opportunity to jump in and say no, just stay a while longer.
It didn’t happen.
Ransom could have wrung Rafe’s scrawny neck. The night had held such promise but now the only promise likely to be fulfilled for him was a night in his bed in a house where his only company was of the four-legged kind.
He got up, disappointed that Solie hadn’t wanted him bad enough
to ask him to stay. In fact, the look she was giving him just then wasn’t all that pleasant. It was like she blamed him for the interruption.
Wanting to break the tension, he gave her a smile. “Come,” he said, and this time he was gentle. “Walk me to the door.”
She nodded and turned to go and as he followed her down the hallway all he could think was, what a lousy way to close a wonderful day.
***
“He invited you out?” Kyra’s shrill voice ripped through the office.
“Shhh. Will you be quiet?” Solie glared at her. “Or were there some other people across the street you wanted to bring up to speed?”
“Sorry,” Kyra whispered, covering her mouth with her fingers, then she giggled. “This is so exciting. I can’t believe it. Solie’s back in the game.”
Solie grimaced. “Don’t get too excited. It’s only a date. It’s not like we’ve made a lifelong commitment or anything.” She shook her head. Kyra could be too enthusiastic sometimes. “And don’t tell anyone,” she warned. “Especially not Jen.” Jen was not strong in the ‘keep your mouth shut' department. Solie was not about to have her business be the lunchtime topic in the hospital cafeteria.
“What about Dominic? Can I tell him, at least?” Kyra looked like she had an itch she was dying to scratch.
Solie gave her a wide-eyed glare. “Are you crazy? Definitely not him. Nobody.” She emphasized the last word, thrusting her face forward as she did, making sure Kyra got it.
Apparently, she did. Her shoulders slumped and she set her lips in a pout. “All right, I won’t tell anyone.” She threw a sullen glance in Solie's direction. “Killjoy.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Solie waved her off. “Live with it.”
It wasn’t until several hours later that Solie got a few free minutes where she could actually think about what she’d shared earlier with Kyra. Ransom had invited her out and she couldn’t have been more thrilled.
Well, actually, she could have been a lot more thrilled if she didn’t still have Raul to worry about. Since the day he’d shown up on her doorstep he’d called her so many times. Each time she’d hurried him off the phone, giving him some lame excuse or other. She was at work, she couldn’t talk, she’d told him once. Another time she’d said she was on an overseas call. Each time she’d chosen the coward’s way out, lying to him instead of blasting him and telling him to get the hell off her phone.