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agreed and called for the check. After they split the bill, which Lani insisted on, she stood and realized that he’d been right—drinking the entire margarita had been a mistake. Her head spun, and when Rick laced his fingers with hers, she didn’t object—she was afraid she might fall. The feel of his hand sent tremors throughout her body, enhanced by the mellow, tipsy feeling the drink had given her.
    On the elevator ride up to their floor, Lani’s legs wobbled and she found herself leaning too close to Rick. She knew she needed to put distance between them, but when they reached her room, he took the key card from her hand and opened the door.
    “Can I come in?” he murmured. “Two minutes.”
    “Okay.” Where did that come from? Her heart pounded out a staccato that she could almost bet he was able to hear.
    “I want to see you again.” Rick flicked on a light as he drew Lani through the door, and it slammed shut behind her.
    Her throat tightened and went as dry as the Arizona desert. “I—I…”
    But her words vanished, her mind blank, as Rick took her face in his palms and captured her gaze with his.
    “Rick, I—” But she no longer knew the meaning of up or down, and she melted against him, wanting him. His earthy scent intoxicated her, filling her senses, confusing her beyond the effects of the alcohol.
    “Darlin’, what you do to me,” Rick said against her lips. “Let me taste you.”
    “Yes,” she whispered.
    He brushed his lips over hers. Just a whisper kiss. The light touch of his lips and the feel of his calloused fingers on her skin made her nipples pebble and her mons ache. A wave of longing crested, then crashed within her soul.
    She pressed herself closer to him and heard a soft moan.
    Coming from her.
    The tip of his tongue outlined her bottom lip, a feather caress that sent desire spiraling within. She parted her lips and his tongue met hers, a velvet softness that she savored like golden honey. “You taste so good,” he murmured.
    Citrus from the margarita was still sweet on his tongue and she wrapped her arms around his neck as their kiss deepened. She smelled the light apple fragrance of his hair, and slid her fingers into the soft strands, knocking his cowboy hat off.
    With a jolt, Lani became aware of Rick’s erection against her belly. A voice inside her shouted, telling her she couldn’t go any farther. Not with someone she barely knew. But her mind and body refused to listen.
    As if he heard her thoughts, he let out a ragged breath and stepped back, putting distance between them—leaving her feeling cold and empty. Alone.
    Rick traced one finger along her cheekbone and she shuddered with longing. “Say you’ll see me again.”
    He looked so handsome, his chestnut hair in disarray, passion in his eyes.
    “I—I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” It took all her willpower not to throw her arms around him and tell him to spend the night. She had never been with a man other than James in a sexual way, and it frightened her how much she wanted Rick.
    Right here. Right now.
    Rick caught both her hands in his. “Have breakfast with me.”
    She shook her head. “I have a meeting, and then I’m going out of town.”
    He brought her hands to his mouth and trailed his lips over her knuckles, sending shivers throughout her, those intense blue eyes never leaving hers. “How do I reach you?”
    Trying to regain even a modicum of self-control, Lani freed her hands and smoothed her hair. “I’ll sleep on it. If I see you before I leave, I’ll let you know.”
    “All right.” He kissed her again, a soft lingering kiss, and she almost lost every shred of resolve. He smiled and caressed her cheek, then turned and slipped out the door.
    And she was really alone then.
    Dazed, Lani turned toward the bed and almost tripped over Rick’s cowboy hat. She picked it up, wondering if she should take it to him.
    No. Tomorrow morning would be soon enough.
    Lani ran a shaking hand