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into the pocket of his slacks, the other holding a phone to his ear.
    Power. There was an aura of power that surrounded him, and it drew her like a magnet. For a moment, she just stoodwatching him in absolute girly delight. He was simply. delicious looking.
    Then he turned slightly and found her. How, she wasn’t sure given how busy the street was, but he locked onto her immediately almost as if he’d sensed her perusal.
    She straightened and started forward, embarrassed to have been caught staring.
    She crossed the street, hugging her briefcase between her arm and her side. Evan watched her approach, lean hunger gleaming in his eyes. His features relaxed into a smile as she drew abreast of him.
    â€œRight on time.”
    She nodded, not wanting to betray how out of breath she was from her flight from her office.
    â€œI chose good ole American,” he said as he gestured toward a nearby table. “I hope that was all right.”
    â€œOf course.”
    He held out his arm for her to precede him to the table at the end of the row. She sat, grateful to be off her feet, and placed her briefcase beside her.
    He took his seat across from her and motioned for the waiter.
    â€œWould you like wine?” Evan asked Celia when the waiter approached.
    â€œWhatever you’re having is fine.”
    Evan relayed his request and then looked over at Celia. “I asked you to lunch because I’m afraid something has come up and we won’t be able to make our lunch date on Friday.”
    She nodded then reached down for her briefcase. “That’s all right. I brought along the information I wanted to present—”
    He reached over and circled her wrist with his fingers. “That isn’t why I invited you to lunch.”
    She blinked and let go of her briefcase.
    â€œI’d still like to keep our appointment … I’d just like to change the location.”
    She was royally confused now, and it must have shown. Amusement twinkled in his eyes and he smiled.
    â€œI don’t have a lot of time today, so let me come straight to the point.”
    His fingers were still around her wrist, though they’d loosened, and his thumb moved idly over her pulse point. She was sure her pulse was racing. It probably felt like a train under his fingers. She didn’t move. Didn’t even breathe. She didn’t want to lose the marvelous sensation of his touch. Did he have any idea just how devastating his effect on her was?
    â€œI have a wedding this weekend.” She could swear his lips curled in distaste. “A family wedding. My brother is getting married on Catalina Island. I’m to be there Thursday evening, hence the reason I can’t make our Friday meeting.”
    â€œI understand,” she said. “We can reschedule at your convenience.”
    â€œI’d like you to go with me.”
    Before she could call back the reaction, her eyes widened and she pulled her hand from his. She put it in her lap and cupped her other hand over it, wanting to preserve the sensation of his fingers over hers.
    He put up his hand in an impatient gesture then lowered it and fiddled with the napkin on the table. He seemed almost uneasy. She cocked her head, curious now as to what he would say next.
    â€œMy schedule is quite busy. I need to move on this new campaign. I can’t spare weeks searching for a new agency. If you went with me, I could listen to your ideas. I realize a wedding isn’t ideal. I’d rather be just about any other place myself.”
    Though it certainly wasn’t voiced as a threat, it was certainly implied. If she went with him, he’d listen to her pitch. If she didn’t he might not have time for her when he returned.
    Worry knotted her stomach. Tagging along to a family wedding seemed entirely too personal even if the purpose was solely business. Not to mention it was hard enough to battleher attraction for him in a business setting. But