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were done. Reaching down, he closed the billfold that held their check. Apparently, he had already settled the check for their drinks. “Let’s go.”
    Standing slightly behind her, he laid his warm hand on her lower back as they walked out. Several eyes turned their way. Some filled with envy, others filled with awe, and still others held a look of admiration. Not for her, but for him.
    Stepping into the elevator that would take them down to the main floor of the hotel, she could not contain her questions any longer.
    “Where are we going?”
    “Trust me. You’ll enjoy it. It’s the perfect place for us to have peace and quiet, and continue our conversation.”
    “But that’s not what I asked.” When making her statement, she had to tilt her head to look up at him. Even though she was standing in four-inch heels, he was still at least six inches taller than she was. By the clenching of his jaw and the intenseness of his gaze, she wondered if he simply did not like to be questioned.
    “Yes, I know, but I think some things should still be a surprise.” Adjusting his hand along her back, she realized that he had never removed it from her body. He slowly began to rub his thumb up and down, the pressure slight, but full of meaning. “Are you hungry?”
    Surprised by the change in topics, she hesitated before answering, “Maybe.”
    Stupid answer. Maybe? By the look on his face, Gabriel thought it was as well. What was she, twelve? Ugh! The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival at the main level and they exited. Although she was expecting them to walk out of the hotel, he walked them to another set of elevators and pushed the button that would take them to another part of the hotel. Oh, damn. This was it, the moment of truth. Deciding to force him to come clean with his intentions, she posed a question, “Is there a restaurant on another floor?”
    “No, there isn’t.
    “Then where are we going, Gabriel? I have to tell you, these cryptic answers of yours are not making this any easier.”
    He sighed as he looked at her, but it didn’t seem to be out of annoyance, more like gathering his words. Yes, he definitely was not used to being questioned. “I thought we might order room service. I’m staying here while I’m visiting the city. My suite will be much more comfortable and quiet. We can actually talk and get to know each other without yelling. Does that make you feel better?”
    With a Cheshire cat grin on her face, she turned back to the elevator, “Yes, it does.” Penelope was no dummy, she knew where they were headed when he pushed the elevator button. But she also was not going to give him the impression that she would simply go where he led her. Excitement was all fine and good, but she was an equal partner in her own seduction. She would make sure that he treated her as such.

Chapter Four
     
     
    “This place is amazing.” Penelope could not help but admire the spacious suite she had just stepped into. Looking around at the opulence surrounding her, she now had confirmation that Gabriel was so much more than what he claimed to be. The neutral toned colors of the furniture gave the room a sort of calmness, but it was also somewhat sterile. Splashes of color to brighten things up would be nice, just to give the place some personality, but it was still very nice just the way it was.
    “Thank you.” Looking around the room as if for the first time, Gabriel shrugged his shoulders as if accustomed to such elegance on a daily basis. She wondered again, who was this man really?
    “Although, I cannot take credit for it. This is only a temporary space while I’m in town for the next few weeks.”
    Walking toward a cabinet situated in one corner, he loosened the tie around his neck and removed his suit jacket, placing it on one of the chairs he passed. Every movement he made called to her inner woman. After she had left her friends and walked back to him, she noticed that his gaze never left her.