His Sheltering Arms. KRISTI GOLD

phone on the end table and answered with his pat, “Miller here.”

      “Were you asleep?”

      The sultry sound of her voice brought every part of him to attention. He pulled the lounger upright, almost tipping the coffee into his lap. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea.

      “Erin?”

      “Yes, it’s me. I’m sorry to bother you so late, but I couldn’t sleep.”

      “Yeah? Me, neither,” he admitted, although he wasn’t sure why. But for some reason he couldn’t imagine being anything but honest with Erin from now on. Which meant someday soon he’d have to tell her the truth about Andrews. But not tonight.

      “I wanted to tell you I appreciate the work you’re doing with the shelter,” she continued. “I also wanted to say I enjoyed this evening.”

      When the thought of Erin’s kisses filtered into his brain, he set the coffee cup down on the table. If he didn’t, he’d be in danger of garnering third-degree burns on his bare chest or another strategic area. “Could’ve fooled me, the way you hightailed it out of there.”

      “I know. I guess I should apologize for leaving you alone to deal with Gil. Did he suspect anything?”

      “Everything.”

      Her laugh was warm, sexy. “He’s a good friend. He’ll probably just let it go.”

      Not anytime soon, Zach thought, but decided not to mention that. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. I didn’t mean for things to get so out of hand.”

      “I’m not sorry at all.”

      He tightened his grip on the receiver. “You’re not?”

      “No. Does that surprise you?”

      Hell, yeah. She was full of surprises. “The last thing I wanted was to embarrass you in front of your colleague.”

      “I’m not worried about Gil. I just didn’t want you to think this sort of thing happens to me all the time.”

      That thought pleased him. “How often has it happened?”

      “Never.”

      Now he was doubly pleased. “I’m glad.”

      Her soft sigh floated through the line. “This thing between us could really complicate matters, Zach.”

      “Only if we let it.”

      “We still have a business arrangement, don’t we?”

      So now he knew why she had called. To make sure everything was okay with the shelter. He understood and admired her concern. He just hoped that wasn’t her only motivation. “Sure. Nothing’s changed with my plans for the shelter. And as far as our business dealings are concerned, we can differentiate between business and pleasure.”

      “That could be hard to do.”

      If she kept talking to him in that breathless way of hers, he’d be facing a long, hard night. “Let’s take it one day at a time for now. Get to know each other better.”

      “Then whatever happens, happens. Right?” She spoke as though she already knew what would happen. Then so did he.

      He thought about the conference room, and he realized how hard it would be to keep his hands off her. “Yeah. I think that’s a good idea.”

      “Speaking of getting to know each other, have you ever…” She hesitated. “Never mind.”

      He was more than curious. “Ever what, Erin? Like I told you before, it’s best to just say what’s on your mind.”

      A long silence followed, then she asked, “Have you ever indulged in a safe fantasy?”

      That got his attention. Every inch of him. “How do you mean?”

      “Talk about fantasies. Over the phone.”

      He swallowed hard. “No. Have you?”

      “No, but I’ve always wanted to. The phone allows you a certain amount of freedom to express yourself. Let go of inhibitions. Don’t you agree?”

      “I’ve never thought about it before, but I guess you’re right.” He’d never had phone sex before, either, if that’s what she was proposing. But no one would ever accuse him of not being willing to try something at least once. “I’m game.”

      “Out of curiosity, what are you wearing?”

      He bolted out of the chair and knocked his knee on the coffee table. Even the shooting pain didn’t hinder the impact of her question. “You want details?”

      “Yes. I’m trying to picture you. Where are you?”

      He paced back and forth in front of the sofa. “I’m standing in my living room wearing boxers. Dark blue. That’s all.”

      “Really?” She sounded disappointed.

      “They come off when I go to bed.”

      Another long pause suspended the conversation. Although he was wading through treacherous waters, he couldn’t let her off the hook. “How about you? What are you wearing?”

      “A satin robe.”

      “What color?”

      “Lilac.”

      “Underneath it?”

      “Nothing at all.”

      Okay, he’d asked for that. “Are you in bed?”

      “Right now I’m sitting on a chaise on my balcony. It’s a beautiful night. Clear. Lots of stars. I can smell the gardenias below my window.”