Alex never mentioned their conversation again, and she was careful not to be caught alone with him. By now he was probably wishing he hadn't said anything. He had become the perfect gentleman, and that suited her fine. Yet, if their days were filled with work, their evenings were filled with camaraderie. They played everything from cards to Clue, and the conversation was dominated by childhood memories shared between Alex and Katie. As the days passed, it was obvious that Alex had fallen back into Katie's good graces. As Carmen expected, when Alex was ready to leave, he invited Katie to go back with him.
Katie didn't give the question a moment's consideration.
"No," she answered with a shake of the head. "I like it up here. Why don't you move up here?"
Alex laughed shortly and glanced at Carmen.
"I'm kind of tied to Houston at the moment. Maybe you'll change your mind."
For a crazy instant, Carmen wasn't sure who he was talking to. Surely he didn't expect her to hop on a plane and fly down there with him. No, it was mere chance that he was looking at her while he spoke to Katie.
He hugged Katie good-by and motioned for Carmen to follow him as he stepped out on the porch. Carmen shrugged at Katie's questioning look, and stepped through the door, closing it against prying ears. If he was getting ready to make an indecent proposal, she didn't want Katie to hear the squelching reply she had planned.
They stood on the porch, awkwardly staring off into the cold night. Carmen started to shiver and Alex set his suitcase on the porch.
"Well, Carmen. Do you think you could shake loose a good-bye kiss?"
It was dark and she couldn't see his expression, but his voice sounded controlled. Was he angry that she hadn't volunteered? Of course, there was no reason to refuse. After all, he was on his way to the airport. What could happen now? Obviously he wanted to forget his earlier remark about wanting her. He was making a point of saying good-bye. Now they could part friends. She moved toward him hesitantly.
His warm fingers touched her face. Finding his mark, no doubt. She tipped her head back and leaned forward, offering a cheek.
Instead, he took her face in his hands, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. Finally he kissed her softly on the lips - a questioning kiss, brief and timid. For some reason, it was a kiss that left her desiring more.
She clutched his wrists, the logical side of her brain preparing to remove his hands from her face, the emotional side wishing he would repeat the kiss. He smelled of leather and cologne and his breath was warm on her cheek. What was he waiting for - an answer to that questioning kiss? It was on her mind to move away, but instead she found her face lifting to his - seeking out his lips.