"Can I get you a glass of wine?" Lena asked. She turned to the refrigerator and opened the door wide. She peeked inside. "Would you prefer something else? I’ve got bottled water if you’d prefer."

Gage certainly admired the way the soft knit fabric clung to Lena’s gentle curves. He never would have imagined how well a woman could look in a simply cut navy sweater. Lena had opted for a more casual appearance for the evening. Stonewashed jeans and a finely crafted silver necklace and bracelet finished her appearance. He discovered he rather liked this down-to-earth side.

"I’ll take some water," Gage requested. He leaned against the kitchen countertop and crossed his arms. A variety of pre-cut vegetables were spread over a wooden cutting board. "My workout coach tells me I don’t drink enough of the stuff."

"I love water," Lena said conversationally. She selected a small bottle of water and snapped open the lid. "I feel healthier and clearer-minded when I drink it."

Gage smiled and watched the clear liquid flow into a crystal glass filled with ice.

"Are you one of those women who indulge in luxurious baths in the evening?"

Lena offered him the glass. Her eyes twinkled.

"It’s one of my few selfish acts," she said dreamily. "I light several candles, fill the tub to the rim with hot water, and read a good romance story. It’s fabulous."

A vision of Lena sinking beneath a sea of bubbles came into Gage’s mind. Better yet, he could easily imagine slipping into the tub and joining her.

"Everyone needs to self-indulge once in a while." He cleared his suddenly hoarse voice. "I read the company’s stock reports to relax."

Lena turned and gave him a look of disbelief. "You’ve got to be joking."

Gage gave her a tantalizing grin and shrugged. "Maybe not every evening. There are other things I enjoy doing to relax."

Lena lifted her brows and pursed her lips. She offered a quiet, "hmm" and returned to her task of slicing mushrooms.

"I thought you were bringing in take-out from Maggianos this evening," Gage inquired.

The sharp end of the cutting knife sliced evenly through the last mushroom. "I was in the mood to cook."

Gage didn’t mind eating a home cooked meal. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a woman cook for him. Elise had never cooked. His previous lady friends preferred to go out to dinner, particularly to the expensive restaurants. He had always supposed it was a tit-for-tat arrangement. He provided the entertainment, excellent food and gifts, and his needs were satisfied.

He recognized he didn’t want that arrangement with Lena.

Foreign Affair - 37  >>>