Lena merely stared at him wondering if she was making a mistake. For reasons she couldn’t readily identify, she forgot the earlier admonition that "this is not a date." Only the allure of the music and this man occupied her thoughts. Placing her hand in his, Gage escorted Lena to the small dance floor.

The lights were low. The music swirled about them drawing her into a place she had forgotten even existed. The scent of his cologne was intoxicating, making her skin tingle and her head cloud. If she was not careful, Lena Hanson was going to fall for Gage McCotter, the ambitious if not slightly dangerous businessman.

While his encircling arm tightened about her waist, Lena searched for her mantra but the words escaped her. The only thought that penetrated her mind was how wonderful it felt to be in Gage’s arms.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Gage could not recall the last time a woman felt so right in his arms. Her soft curves fit against his body like a second skin. Lena Hanson had certainly taken him by surprise. She stimulated his mind and his body in equal measure. Here was a woman that was beautiful, sexy as all get out, and had intelligence to boot. He was not quite sure what to do about it. He did know one thing for sure.

Lena Hanson was going to complicate his life.

He had determined after his failed relationship with Elise that trusting a woman was a bad idea. Gage had decided that a woman should be a convenience, to meet his physical needs and tend to social commitments as necessary. Never again would he open himself, to risk the embarrassment and, quite frankly, the annoyance of dealing with betrayal.

The betrayal.

Gage felt Lena stiffen. He noticed how tightly he held her and loosened his grip.

"I’m sorry," he whispered in her ear. "Did I hurt you?"

"No." The word brushed his cheek. "Are you okay? You seemed distracted for a minute."

Gage smiled to himself. Lena apparently was sensitive to his mood shifts, and she didn’t even know him well. Imagine how she could read him if they were close. The consideration tugged at his heart and body.

"I’m fine," he answered. He smoothed his fingers along her narrow waist. "I was just thinking how good you feel."

Lena didn’t verbally respond, but he felt her hand tremble.

"I’m glad we had the chance to have dinner this evening. Despite how it started out, I hope you’ve had a nice time."

The music shifted to another dance number, one that was dripping with sensuous undertones. Lena automatically followed Gage’s lead. The slow sway of her hips made it hard for him to focus. Grappling for control, he concentrated on the sound of the music. Just concentrate on the music, he reminded himself.

Lena tilted her back. "It’s been a lovely evening. Business meetings usually don’t end with dancing."

"What better way to end an evening," he said.

"I must admit," she said with a hint of inquiry, "I still want to hear more details about what’s going on at NST Technology."

Lena was bringing up business to counteract the makings of a romantic moment, Gage thought. Maybe it was better to back off. He breathed in to clear his head, but the scent of perfume washed through his senses.

"Do you really want to get involved in this?" He attempted to give himself a mental shake. "It’s going to be dangerous."

"Certainly," Lena said without hesitation. "I’m involved now. It’s personal."

"Personal?" he questioned.

"Yes, personal." She bit her lower lip in a nervous gesture. "I was in the car after all. I’m the one who overheard the conversation in the hallway. I don’t see the purpose for revisiting this subject. I thought we had finished that discussion."

He slowly ran his hand up and down her back. "Is there any other reason you want to help me? I know we haven’t known each other very long, but I was hoping…"

Why didn’t he just keep his mouth closed? Gage already acknowledged that getting involved with Lena would complicate his tidy existence. He was just inviting trouble. He should backtrack this very second if he has any hope of damage control.

"No, we haven’t known each other very long," Lena said quietly. "But that doesn’t mean I’m not concerned about you, as a fellow human being that is."

Too late, Gage thought gratefully. Lena may be a woman of culture and education, but she’s no actress. He could hear the wistful tone in her voice. He ignored the voice of warning in his head.

Gage slowed their dancing to a mere movement. He raised his arm to angle across her back, bringing her close to his chest. The softness of her form pressed against him made him ache. He looked down into her beautiful face. Her rosy lips still held a hint of color from her lipstick. Deep brown eyes were wary but compelling.

"So, you’re concerned about me," he breathed. "I would take that as a good sign."

Lena smiled. "As a fellow human being."

"I was hoping….I get this sense about us that goes beyond mere business associates." He began to lower his head.

"What sense?" Lena said breathlessly.

"We were destined to meet," he whispered.

Foreign Affair - 15  >>>