Dana watched Alex as he drove. Dark hairs lightly sprinkled the fingers that gripped the wheel. He really was an exceptional man. Not just inordinately handsome and whiz at music, but genuinely nice, too – usually, anyway. Everyone who dealt with Alex appeared to like him, all of her workers included.

She wished there was some way to magically banish her concerns. No matter how much chemistry existed between them, reality couldn't be avoided – their differences in background and social status, the fact their acquaintance could be numbered in weeks rather than months or years, the possibility she was a rebound romance for Alex.

Dana adjusted the radio to a classical station and leaned her head against the leather headrest. The soothing music served to get her mind off negative thoughts. By the time they reached the restaurant, she'd convinced herself to postpone her worries and seize the moment.

The meal was tasty, the conversation easy and flowing, as both of them began to relax under the soft lights and casual atmosphere. After dinner Alex invited her to his condominium.

Dana agreed without hesitation. Curiosity had overcome any remaining caution. Practically all their time together had been in her home. Even on their sporadic dates, they'd never gone to his place. Now she felt a need to.

Pulling up to the guarded garage gate of a high rise, Alex was waved through by the attendant. He parked in the basement level and they took the elevator to the penthouse. Dana began second-guessing herself, wondering if she should be here. This was dangerous ground, but there was no excuse for changing her mind. None that Alex would accept.

Would he have taken her home to Torrence Place if she'd asked? It didn't matter because Dana didn't want to go there – not yet. While the outside of the luxurious building Alex lived in was pretty much what she'd expected, she wanted to see his personal environment, the things he chose to surround himself with.

His home, which encompassed an entire floor, was spacious and airy with expenses of glass, oversize chairs and sofas, soft rugs, lush plants and mixture of eye-catching oils and watercolors. Modern and comfortable, it spoke of a decorator's touch, yet complemented the man who resided there.

At his urging, Dana sat on one of the two plump sofas. When he sat next to her, she involuntarily stiffened.

"Why are you so afraid? I don't bite, you know. Well, I do nibble a bit." He tilted toward her, playfully clicking his teeth together.

"I'm not afraid." She couldn't let his taunt stand, regardless of its merit.

"There you go, fibbing again. Yep," he said, "I do believe that nose is getting longer." He traced a thumb across her bottom lip, effectively silencing any reply. "I've had my quota of ribbing you today through, so I won't challenge you further. . .not tonight anyway." He stole a kiss, a mere brush against her mouth, yet ardent enough to make Dana crave more. Temptation. That was Alex.

"Why did you bring me here?" she asked.

"Why did you come?"

"I asked first."

He propped his hands on his knees as through composing an answer. Eventually he straightened, gazing directly into her eyes as he responded, "Because I want to start all over again, to–"

That steadfast gaze caused Dana's heart to catch in her throat. "The harassment you've dished out the past two days was the action of a man who wanted to start over? You behaved like a. . . a. . ."

"Jerk? Heel? Horse's behind?"

"Worse than that."

He massaged his temples as if trying to conjure up something worse. "Arrogant, grind-'em-under-my-shoe corporate mogul? Spoiled, insensitive, know-it-all male chauvinist pig?"

Dana caught his grin and couldn't keep from giggling. "General all-purpose scoundrel–"

"How can I redeem myself?" he interrupted. "Can I begin by telling you how much I love you?"

"Uh-huh."

"And add that you've made me positively crazy by holding me at arm's length?"

"Uh-huh."

"And also add that I'm going to be a wreck of a man if you put me off anymore?"

"Uh-huh."

"Can't I have a bit more feedback than that?"

"Oh, Alex. I'm crazy about, you, too. Wanting you has been driving me off a cliff."

He gathered her into his arms. "Does this mean your resistance is weakening?"

"Definitely," Dana said, welcoming his embrace. She had no idea what tomorrow might bring, but tonight Alex was holding her and that was enough.

During the next week, Alex consumed Dana's thoughts. But for a change, these were mostly positive thoughts with fewer forays into doubt. The only negative was that she missed him terribly.

He'd flown with the other guys to Berlin. During his absence, he'd called daily. Brief calls, unsatisfying calls. Dana wanted him in Houston.

She remembered Alex's charge that she was afraid. For the most part, Dana had lived a life of prudence, risking security only when she took over Torrence Place and started "Arrangements by Dana." Despite the ups and downs, that venture had turned out even better than she'd anticipated. For the second time she was going to have to follow her dream, to dare to stake her future again, a future with Alex.

Chapter 23
Chapter 21
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