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beat faster, her breathing shallower and more swift.
    â€œDone,” he said with satisfaction. He looked up, his gaze unerringly finding hers in the mirror’s reflection.
    Frankie caught her breath. For one long moment, time slowed.
    Heat flared in his eyes, the curve of his mouth suddenly sensual, fuller. Frankie’s heart fluttered wildly. She was suddenly unsure how she would react if he turned her into his arms and kissed her as he had in her dreams.
    Then his thick lashes lowered, effectively screening his eyes. He stepped back, and the spell was broken as he turned to lift her coat from the nearby chair.
    He held the black evening wrap, and, wordlessly, she slipped her arms into the sleeves. His hands rested lightly on her shoulders for a brief, electric moment before he handed her the tiny green purse from the chair’s cushion.
    â€œGot everything?” he asked as she turned toward the door.
    â€œYes.” She smiled up at him, determined to match his cool calm.
    They left the condo, chatting about the weather as they rode downstairs in the elevator to the quiet lobby.
    A long, black limousine stood at the curb, and Frankie had barely cleared the lobby’s doorway when the driver appeared to pull open the back door.
    Eli cupped her elbow and hurried her across the side walk to tuck her into the backseat, sliding in behind her.
    The door closed smoothly, sealing them into the warm, dry, leather-scented interior.
    â€œHow lovely to have curb service,” Frankie said with appreciation. “Especially since it’s started raining again.”
    â€œNot to mention the driver is the one who’ll have to negotiate the traffic downtown,” Eli added dryly.
    â€œYes, that, too.” Frankie nodded. “Very wise of you not to drive tonight.”
    Eli stretched out his long legs. “I would have driven, but my Porsche is in the shop and I didn’t want to pick you up in my work truck.” He grinned, amusement in his eyes. “I’d hate to get grease on that pretty dress you’re wearing.”
    â€œGood call.” Her voice was dry. “You should have told me about your car. I would have been happy to pick you up.”
    He lifted an eyebrow in pretend shock. “And risk having my grandfather find out I’d made a date and had the lady drive me?” He shuddered. “I’d rather be caught running naked on Denny Way. He’d never let me forget it.”
    Frankie laughed. “Your grandfather sounds like fun.”
    â€œHe is,” Eli answered promptly. “Don’t get me wrong—I love the old guy. If he hadn’t taken me and my brothers in after our folks were killed, we might have been split up and sent into foster homes. But he still thinks he should meddle in our lives, just like he did when we were kids.”
    â€œAnd you can’t tell him to butt out, because you love him and don’t want to hurt his feelings,” Frankie guessed aloud.
    â€œExactly.” Eli looked at her, his gaze searching her face. “How did you know?”
    â€œBecause that’s how I feel about Uncle Harry,” she replied. “I adore him, but he’s got to stop interfering in my life.” She shrugged. “Oh, I know we’re both adults and I could just tell him to stop. I could be blunt and tell him I hate knowing he’s actively trying to dragoon men into dating me, as if no guy would ever think of asking me out unless Harry strong-armed them.” She lifted her hands in frustration, then let them drop to her lap. “But I know he’d be hurt, so I don’t say the words. Which is why I came up with this scheme.” She gestured between Eli and herself. “You and me.”
    â€œIf Harry finds out you’re trying to trick him, he’ll be hurt anyway,” Eli cautioned her.
    â€œI know.” Her mouth drooped. She glanced sideways and found him watching her with an oddly tender