A Dangerous Love

She entered the room and sat in the leather-upholstered chair beside the desk. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

"I was just finishing up." He signed the paper with a flourish and returned the pen to its elaborate bronze holder. He leaned back in the chair, tossing his glasses on the table. He glanced at her bare legs and she blushed, squirming in the chair.

His eyes mocked her. "You must be getting bored around here. You actually sought out my company - or did you have something earth-shattering to tell me?"

She smiled. Why crush his ego? "No, I'm not bored and I don't have anything special to say." She turned and gazed out the window. "It's so beautiful out here. I wish I could explore the woods."

He leaned forward in his chair, sobering. "How about going to a dance tonight? Is your ankle up to a two-step?"

She glanced back at him sharply and caught her breath. He was actually asking her out . . . like on a real date? Why? To keep her from wandering in the woods? "I . . . I'm not a very good dancing partner," she lied.

He leaned back in his chair again and stretched his legs out, his piercing gaze sorting through the secrets of her mind. Finally he smiled. "All right. Why don't you protect those fantastic legs with some jeans and I'll take you to explore the woods."

She straightened in her chair, blushing. What she needed was a line item veto. Sure, I'd love to go explore the woods with you, but let's forget about my legs. Instead she accepted the entire package at face value. She favored him with a bright smile. "Really? I'd love to go."

At his affirmative nod, she hurried to her room and changed into jeans and sneakers before he could change his mind.

When she met him outside, he was attaching a pillow to his ATV with bunji cords. He glanced up at her frowning face and chuckled. "I promise not to plaster you with mud this time."

"I hoped we could go for a walk."

"I know, but humor me. I'll take you for a ride through more country in a day than you could hope to walk in a week." He threw a leg over the ATV and settled himself on the seat with a grin. "Hop on. The day isn't getting any longer."

She climbed onto the vehicle and settled on the soft cushion. This time she stretched her arms around his waist without hesitation.