His gaze dipped to her heart-shaped ass and supple legs. Definitely Phoebe. A better man might feel guilt over how well he knew her body. It wasnt entirely appropriate that hed memorized the curves of a friend and former employeebut Heath hadnt earned his reputation by being appropriate.
He interrupted whatever Matt was saying. I just saw Phoebe Mars. I should go say hi.
Oh, right. She worked at Piri, didnt she?
Yeah. She was our pastry chef. Until Heaths business partner had talked her into quitting.
Selfish SOB. Cam had strung her along and cost Piri an award-winning pastry chef just because the jerk had thought it would be too awkward to work with her after they broke up. When Cam had dumped her, Heath had battled back an uncharacteristic urge to take a swing at his partner for breaking her heart. Tonight, his feelings were more conflicted. He didnt like the idea of Phoebe hurting, yet some part of hima dark, disloyal partdelighted in her freedom.
Heath turned his attention back to Matt. You have vermouth and green olives back there? A moment later, he headed outside with his own drink and a vodka martini for Phoebe.
She stood alone, or as alone as one could be on a balcony with four other people, staring at the city skyline while the breeze toyed with the ends of her hair. She had gorgeous strawberry blonde hair that fell past her shoulder blades. When she worked in the kitchen, she secured it in a tight, low bun; Heath always savored these rare occasions when it tumbled free in riotous waves.
He joined her at the railing. June in Atlanta was steamy, enveloping him in heat, but even if it had been snowing outside, Phoebe in that dress would have raised his temperature. I dont suppose youd consider chugging whatevers left in that wineglass so I can look gallant by bringing you a fresh drink?
Heath! Her full lips curved in a welcoming smile.
He only had a moment to admire the cleavage displayed by the plunging neckline before she threw her arms around him in an unexpectedly fierce hug. Her lush curves pressed against his body, and, damn, she smelled delicious. Was the scent perfume or just the by-product of working each day with cinnamon and vanilla and other tantalizing ingredients? He had the fleeting impulse to drop the glasses in his hands so he could hold her close, capture her mouth with his own and find out if she tasted equally delicious.
She pulled away, her smile sheepish. Sorry. I almost knocked you over, didnt I?
You dont hear me complaining. Hed happily allow her to knock him flat on his back if he could convince her to join him.
I was excited to see a friendly face.
He raised an eyebrow. She was hardly among strangers. When Bobbi had interviewed her as part of a dessert series last year, theyd become instant friends. Phoebe probably knew half the people here.
A single friendly face, she added. Its nice not to be the only one without a date. Or are you here with someone? She gazed past him into the condo, her whiskey-gold eyes searching.
Nope, Im alone. He thanked his lucky stars that the flight attendant hed originally asked to come with him was somewhere over the Midwest right now. I have it on good authority that the Kemp sisters are also soloand on the prowl. Protect me from them?
Oh, please. You havent needed anyones help handling women a day in your life.
Not since college anyway. Regardless, it wasnt either of the Kemp sisters he wanted to handle.
Phoebe set her wineglass on the patio table. Im not finishing that. The floral notes are overpowering, and lifes too short to drink mediocre wine. What did you bring me?
Vodka martini, two olives, splash of brine. He winked at her. I know you like it dirty.
Color tinged her cheeks, but she grinned back at him. Yum. Phoebe was an interesting contrast. Although she blushed at his habitual teasing, shed often been the first to laugh if someone made a ribald joke in the kitchen. Muffled laughter, but Heath heard it just the same.
As she took the martini glass, her fingers brushed his. A rush of desire went through him, surprising him with its intensity. When shed worked at Piri, theyd bumped and jostled each other plenty of times in a crowded kitchen.
But she hadnt been single then.
You look amazing tonight. His gaze dropped to the creamy swells of her breasts for a moment before he made himself meet her eyes again. Different, but amazing.
I cant take credit for that. Its easy to look amazing when your roommates professionally trained to make people look good. Gwen is responsible for my wardrobe, my cosmetics and my hairnot to mention making me attend the party.
She talked you into rearranging your schedule? He and Gwen didnt particularly get along, not since a disastrous double date Phoebe had engineered, but he appreciated that the woman had convinced Phoebe to be here.
More like she rearranged my schedule for me. She called James, who is the nicest boss ever. No offense.
He grinned. None taken. Nice wasnt one of the adjectives that described him.
Im glad they persuaded me. I would have hated to miss Bobbis birthday. I was just clinging to the excuse of work because Her eyes widened, locking on a point behind Heath. Her fair complexion paled beyond its normal ivory.
Damn. Heath didnt need to turn around to know Cam was inside. Probably with a date, judging from Phoebes pained expression. It had been too much to hope that her attending the party looking like fantasy made flesh was a sign shed moved past her feelings for the hotshot chef. Theyd been together for years. She wasnt shallow enough to put that behind her in a matter of days.
Phoebe? He took her drink and set both their glasses on the nearby railing. Do you trust me?
Her gaze snapped back to his. Sure.
That makes one of us. Heath knew better than to trust his own motives as he cupped the side of her face. Helping her salvage her dignity provided an excellent excuse to touch her, and being successful in business had taught him a thing or two about seizing opportunities. Tendrils of her fiery hair tickled his arm as he leaned closer. I have a plan.
Then he pulled her tight against him and kissed her.
2
THE WORLD SPUN wildly around Phoebe as her brain tried to process what was happening. Her body, meanwhile, just wanted to revel in Heaths kiss. He traced her lips, and then his tongue met hers, the hint of bourbon a sweet burn that spread through her. His hands were at the small of her back, holding her against him in a way that gave her a whole new appreciation for his body. Shed always considered him a sharp dresser, but suddenly she wondered what hed look like without the well-tailored suits.
He kissed with assertive confidence, like a man who knew exactly what she wanted and was happy to give it to her.
For the past ten days, shed been like a sleepwalker, cocooned in dull numbness. She hadnt even realized how detached shed been until now, with sensation rushing through her. Her skin tingled with pleasure. She angled her head, encouraging Heath to deepen the kiss. He did, and a shock wave of desire hit her. When was the last time shed felt this damn good?
She curled her fingers in his dark hair. It was thick and soft, free of the stiff styling products that Cam
She curled her fingers in his dark hair. It was thick and soft, free of the stiff styling products that Cam
Oh, God. Cam.
The memory of her exs presence jolted her from the sensual daze, and she staggered back, glad for the support of the iron-and-concrete railing behind her. What the hell was that? she asked, her voice little more than a breathless whisper.
Unreadable emotion flashed in Heaths green eyes. Regret? Before he could answer, a guy from the far end of the balcony whistled at them. We were debating whether wed have to throw a bucket of water on you guys. Guess you two dont need a party to have a good time.
Cheeks stinging with embarrassment, Phoebe retreated inside...but drew up short when she found herself face-to-face with a scowling Cam. Heath was instantly at her side, his hand pressed lightly to her spine. She couldnt tell if the gesture was meant to be comforting or possessive. But after the way every nerve in her body had just responded to him, the touch was like a brand through her beaded dress, as if her entire universe had contracted to his palm and fingers. For a second, she couldnt even register what Cam was saying. She simply held her breath, waiting to see how Heath touched her next.
you two would be here together. Cams words, at first just a meaningless buzz, slowly took shape. Hed pasted a smile on his face, the polite one he forced himself to use with important food critics he didnt like, but anger edged his tone.
Phoebe isnt technically my date, Heath said. Im just grateful I ran into her. You never know where a chance encounter might lead. He looked at her when he said it, his tone meaningful.
Her breath hitched before sanity caught up to her. Heath was deliberately baiting his own business partner, making Cam think there was something between them. Why would he do that? The two men were planning to open a second restaurant together, and that process would run a lot smoother without any manufactured tension between them.
Cam looked startled by Heaths insinuation. I, ah... His gaze went to Phoebe, searching, and she tried to look cheerful, not at all like shed rather be home in yoga pants than facing her ex. Then his date cleared her throat. Oh! Allow me to introduce you to Donna Moore.
Dana, the blonde snapped, her eyes narrowing in displeasure.
Dana. Of course. Thats what I meant to say. Dana, this is Heath and Phoebe.
Charmed. If her tone was any icier, they could use it to make frozen drinks.
How about we, uh, go wish Bobbi a happy birthday? Cam suggested, steering his date away. As they merged into the crowd, he cast one final glance over his shoulder.
At me. Phoebe fought a grin at the surprising knowledge that he was jealous. As the executive chef of a noted restaurant, Cam was often in the spotlight, giving interviews and emerging from the kitchen to greet special customers. Shed been so proud of him, content to bake her desserts and watch him soak up the accolades. But it was a refreshing change to be the one getting a little attention.
Belatedly, she recalled Heaths words before his mouth claimed hers. I have a plan. Understanding dawned. You kissed me to make him jealous.
Hope you dont think thats too petty or juvenile.
Actually... She recalled the times Cam had praised her as his muse and led her to believe marriage was in their distant future, contrasting those moments with the brutal shock of his announcement that they were stifling each other. He hadnt even had the balls to make a clean break. Instead, hed suggested they still go out occasionallywhich shed translated as code for wanting a backup sexual partner on the nights nothing better came along. Hell, no. That was awesome.
She just wished shed realized sooner that Heaths kiss was only playacting. As she recalled the greedy way shed clutched at him and how her toes had curled inside Gwens borrowed stilettos, embarrassment rippled through her. Way to come on like a sex-starved hussy. She deeply regretted the loss of the martini shed left behind.
Thank you, she told him. But you didnt have to do that.
Kissing a beautiful woman is no hardship.
Heath thinks Im beautiful. There was a momentary flush of giddiness before she reminded herself that he was a connoisseur of women. He appreciated many forms and shapes, the way she could savor dozens of desserts from around the world without ever picking a favorite. How many countless women had she heard him call sweetheart or gorgeous? His compliment, though flattering, wasnt personal.
Besides, he added, frowning in Cams direction, the big jerk had it coming. You were the best thing that ever happened to him.
Thats what Gwen said, too. She was blessed to have such loyal friends, even ones who inexplicably disliked each other. The day Cam had broken up with her, Gwen had partially blamed Heath.
That business partner makes single life look so glamorous, with his endless parade of women, her friend had said. Cam got so distracted by what he cant have that he took you for granted. Phoebe didnt fault Heath, but the grass is greener explanation made as much sense as anything else. Shed thought they were happy.
He is going to regret losing you, Heath said. If he thinks youve found someone, it might speed up his epiphany.
Found someone? As in, an actual relationship and not just a quick kiss at a party? You arent suggesting we make him think that you and I are dating?
Thats exactly what Im suggesting.
She laughed nervously. No offense, but who would buy that? Youre never seen with the same woman twice. Oddly, few of his ex-lovers seemed bitter. Most continued to smile and sigh when they saw him. He must be really good in bed. She felt wicked, secretly speculating on his sexual performance while he stood there giving her relationship advice.
The corner of Heaths mouth curled in a half grin that made her immediately reevaluate her last thought. This man could teach a masters class in wickedness. Next to him, she was a total novice.
Why stop at making him think were dating? he asked. You want to really get under his skin, let him think were having a scorching affair hotter than an Atlanta heat wave. As for no one believing us... His gaze arrested hers, and he shifted closer. She could almost feel the hard planes of his body through the fabric of her dress. Youd be surprised at how convincing I can be.
Oh, Lord, did she need a drink. Not her martiniice water. Her throat had gone dry, and the crowded room was stifling. I dont know.
Though she didnt doubt Heaths persuasive skills, she herself was a terrible liar. And she was still sorting through the aftermath of her breakup. Did she want to win back Cams affection? She was furious with him, but there were good memories and years of emotional investment. Either way, her feminine pride had taken a hit when hed dumped her. Having Heath look at her as if he wanted to lick dark chocolate ganache off her bare skin was heady, yet confusing.
He rocked back on his heels, symbolically restoring the platonic distance between them. Completely up to you, he said. Think about it, and well talk soon. Now, if youll excuse me, I should flee. Theres a Kemp sister heading this way.
She chuckled, but he raised an interesting point about other women. Heath, if people think you and I are a couple, wont it hinder your love life?