The Business of Sex. Rhonda Leah

needs again from time to time. A convenient non-relationship would suit her just fine. Things didn’t have to get messy unless she was foolish enough to expect more from him this time.

      So far he hadn’t mentioned being involved with anyone. Lord knew women were always dropping themselves at his feet. To hear Beau talk, he went through women like water. She’d have to do some fishing.

      She returned to the table and for now, concentrated on her company. It was great to have an old friend in town. If nothing else, she and Lee had been friends. Madison Creek was a small town and Lee and Beau were the best of friends, and it had only been natural to hang out with him nearly every day of each summer she’d spent there. They had known each other well, and she’d always enjoyed his company.

      He told her about some of the projects he’d headed while living in Lafayette. He had opportunities galore with his financial background. But it was what he said next that knocked her off balance.

      “I met the man who runs the grocery store next to my office this afternoon, and his great-nephew. I think I’ve already found the perfect side project. Know anything about the rec center?”

      Her breath caught. “Yes, I’ve done everything under the sun to get it re-opened, but nothing has panned out so far.”

      The sexy look he sent her made her toes curl. “I got some information from Mr. McGregor, but I’d love to know what you’ve done, who you’ve talked to. I want to help.”

      Damn him. Did he have to be such a stand-up man? Did he have to remind her how out-of-her-league he was? How his family was The Family of Madison Creek? Her grandparents might be prominent citizens and direct descendants of the founders of the town, but Madison Creek was Carter Country. They owned the most land, the biggest store, the only pharmacy, and had recently sold the only bank and trust in the area.

      She knew he would make it happen with the community center. There was no doubt in her mind—he was so damn serious and businesslike, and had more moneyed contacts than she’d ever dream of. No sense depriving the local kids of their community center just because her last name didn’t quite measure up to Lee’s. “I’ll give you my file, whatever you need.”

      “Great. Something we can work on together. I’m liking this more and more,” he said.

      They finished eating while chatting about the rec center, giving her no chance to find out if he was attached, and as they left the restaurant, Lee’s smile of contentment made her heart flip-flop.

      The courtyard they’d entered was beautiful.

      He said, “This definitely isn’t the way we came in.”

      “No. No, it’s not. I always get turned around leaving this place.”

      He twined his fingers with hers, pulling her toward a lighted fountain. The city was covered in the colorful haze of sunset.

      She said, “One of my favorite things.”

      “This fountain?”

      “No.” She smiled. “The little things like this. This city has so many sides to it.”

      “You’re happy here?”

      “Yes. I can’t imagine living anyplace else.”

      “Funny. I’ve never been able to imagine living here...until now.”

      He hitched his hip and sat on the edge of the fountain, looking lost in thought.

      She understood about moving. A new city, a new life. It was a lot to take in all at once, and she wondered what he was thinking.

      She shifted and his gaze met hers, a quick grin curving his mouth. Reaching out, he touched her face with his fingertips. When he flattened his palm against her cheek, her pulse kicked up a notch. Laurel leaned into his hand, loving the warmth. Tilting her face, she slipped her tongue out to wet her lips then pressed a kiss to his palm.

      Night bathed the city; the humid air around them sizzled. Looking into familiar green eyes, she dared him, knowing he’d never been one to pass up a dare.

      His mouth pressed against hers. At first he only nibbled at her lower lip, yet her body melted into his touch. His tongue slipped between her lips and her body went weak. She drew him into the silky wetness, tempting and teasing him.

      A soft moan escaped her and she pushed her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. The intense longing inside her belly made her lose focus as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her and angling her into the V of his legs.

      She could feel his arousal while the heated caresses of their mouths drove her on. She rocked her hips and smiled against his lips at his growl of pleasure.

      She wanted him. She’d always wanted him. That much hadn’t changed, even though he’d turned her inside out all those years ago—then left her alone. Well, it hadn’t been entirely his fault, since she was the one who’d returned to New Orleans for college. But he could have called, and he hadn’t, proving he’d never been serious about her.

      At the clang of the restaurant door they hesitantly parted. He gently brushed a stray hair behind her ear as the faint sounds of music floated around them. She was having too much fun spending time with Lee, and after the kiss, she didn’t want the evening to end.

      A sexy smile crossed his face. “Let’s walk.”

      She eyed him suspiciously.

      “Come on. You know you want to.”

      “Maybe. You’ve always been so serious. Have you learned to relax?”

      “Only one way find out.”