Double Take

Jane jolted upright and the sound of a man clearing his throat brought her about face. She found herself crushed up against a dark suit, so close in fact that her nose was actually touching fabric.

“Oh, excuse me, I—” She was struck dumb by a pair of eyes. Onyx eyes. So vividly black that they reminded her of a moonless summer night.

The male stare that held her was blatant in its interest; probing, as if he were performing some sort of telepathic test. He continued to watch her, unblinking, until Jane found the intimacy awkward.

The hard lines of his body were touching exposed skin and she warmed at the casual brush. Hot awareness shot through her and her eyes widened in alarmed discovery. The man was damned attractive—and way too close. Instinct yanked her backward and she lost contact with his body, yet an uncomfortable heat remained.

“Hello, Jane.”

He said her name in a familiar way that had her doing a double take. Did she know him? She immediately dismissed the idea. This man was definitely unforgettable.

“Eric Rodham,” he said, holding out his hand. “Your, er, date.” His mouth took on a humorless twist as he observed her shocked expression.

Dumbfounded, Jane accepted the hand he’d thrust at her. Her palm felt clammy against the warmth of his fingers and she quickly pulled free, hoping he didn’t notice how she was trembling at his touch. She wiped her sweaty palm down the skimpy material of her dress and swallowed a lump of sudden amazement. This was really her date?...