“Nope.” He paused long enough to tell the chauffeur to come to the door for the box, then, ending the call, he smiled. “Remember, I told you we’d spend the night here, then go to my place tomorrow before we go in to work.”
Why wasn’t she surprised that he hadn’t given up on that?
“After that wonderful meal, I really don’t feel like arguing with you, Zach,” she conceded, lowering herself onto the couch.
“Then don’t.” When the doorbell rang, he handed the box of dishes to his driver, closed and locked the door, then walked over to where she sat on the couch. “Let’s just watch a movie and relax. It’s been a big day and I think we could both use a little downtime, don’t you?”
“That’s about the first thing you’ve said today that I agree with.” She started to settle against the cushions, but he took her hand and pulled her back to her feet. “Now what?”
Before she could stop him, he sat in the corner of the couch, stretched out one long leg against the back cushions, then pulled her down to sit between his thighs. “Lean back against my chest and relax, darlin’,” he ordered, kissing the back of her neck.
The sensations he evoked in her rendered her utterly speechless and without a thought to the danger he posed to her heart, she did as he instructed. The feel of his warm, solid chest against her back caused her heart to beat double-time, but when he wrapped her in his arms and splayed his hands on her stomach, her heart felt as if it might jump right out of her chest.
“What are you trying to do to me, Zach?” She didn’t for a single minute believe that relaxation was all he had on his mind.
His hands glided over her stomach in a soothing manner. “I’m doing what I told you I was going to do—take care of you and make sure you take the time to unwind.”
She shook her head. “You know what I mean.”
He kissed her shoulder and the column of her neck. “Hopefully, I’m reminding you of how good we were together and how good we can be again.”
“Zach, this isn’t going to change my mind about—”
“Hush, darlin’.” He picked up the remote control from the end table and turned on the DVD player. “We can talk about all of that later. Let’s watch the movie.”
As the opening credits of the romantic comedy he’d selected appeared on her television screen, Arielle tried to concentrate on watching the show and forget about the man holding her so snugly. But the feel of his strength surrounding her and the sexy scent of his woodsy aftershave assailing her senses made it hard to think of anything else.
The way he gently massaged her stomach, she could almost believe he was trying to release the tension that had built up over the day. But she’d learned the hard way not to allow his tender touch and charming words to cloud her judgment. And she wasn’t naive enough to think his consideration had anything whatsoever to do with her. Everything he’d done, everything he’d said, had been for the welfare of the babies. Even his insistence that they had to get married was because she was pregnant, not because he cared deeply for her.
But her disturbing introspection was suddenly cut short at the feel of Zach’s rapidly hardening body pressing insistently against her backside. The longing that followed the realization that he’d become aroused was staggering and had her struggling to sit up.
“I think it would be a good idea if I changed positions.”
Holding her firmly against him, he nuzzled the side of her neck. “Are you comfortable, Arielle?”
Shivers of desire made it difficult to form a rational thought, let alone an answer. “Y-yes…I mean, no.”
His deep chuckle vibrated against her back. “Do you want to know what I think?”
“Not really.” She didn’t need for him to point out the obvious.
“I’m fairly certain that my becoming hard is reminding you of how good it felt to have me inside you,” he whispered. “And I’m betting that you’re disturbed that you’re as turned on as I am.”
The feel of his warm breath feathering over her skin and the memory of the sultry passion they’d shared in Aspen had her catching her breath. “Not even close,” she lied.
He had the audacity to laugh out loud. “Whatever you say, darlin’. Now settle back and enjoy the movie.”
That was going to be easier said than done with his hard body touching every part of her back. Eventually she did become intrigued by the story line and before she knew it, the film had ended.
“The meal was beyond delicious and the show was very entertaining, but I’m exhausted,” she recapped, yawning as she sat up. Turning to face him, she added, “I think it’s time you called your driver to take you home.”
“I gave Mike the rest of the night off,” Zach reported, stretching his arms.
“Then I suggest you call a taxi.”
He shook his head. “I don’t use public transportation.”
“There’s a first time for everything, Mr. Forsythe. Now go home.”
“Why would I want to do that, darlin’?” He lazily stroked her shoulders. “We’re staying here tonight and going to my place tomorrow.”
“You’re unbelievable.” She stared at him for several long seconds. Then, needing to put distance between them, got to her feet. “This apartment only has one bedroom and I’m not sharing.”
He rose to stand in front of her. “I’ll be fine right here on the couch.”
Reaching out, he took her into his arms and before she could stop him, he lowered his head to press his lips to hers. A jolt of longing so intense it caused her head to spin surged through her veins and she had to put her arms around him to keep her suddenly rubbery knees from giving way.
Caressing her mouth with his, he quickly had her conforming to his demand to deepen the kiss. She reveled in the game of advance and retreat that followed. He seemed to be challenging her to explore him as he explored her and without hesitation, Arielle complied.
As she stroked his tongue with hers, she delighted in his deep shuddering groan and the immediate tightening of his embrace. Feminine power filled her, and if she hadn’t been lost in the moment, she might have been shocked by her own boldness.
As the passion within her began to build, so did the realization that she was about to be swept up into Zach’s sensual trap again. She wasn’t stupid. The delicious candlelight dinner, the romantic movie and his refusal to go back to his own place meant he was trying a different tactic in his bid to get her to marry him. No matter how wonderful it felt to be in his arms again, to have him kiss her and know that he wanted her, she couldn’t let down her guard. She’d barely survived his leaving her once; she’d never get through it if he left her a second time.