Masquerade by Nicole Flockton

transported back to the magical night she hadn’t forgotten. The scent was spicy and truly masculine. She breathed deeply to keep the memories alive for a moment longer. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea after all. She closed the door and leaned against it.
    “Are you planning to stand there all night?” he asked.
    “I’m debating whether letting you in was a good idea or not.”
    “It’s a bit late now and if you didn’t want me to come in, you wouldn’t have allowed the doorman to let me up.”
    Sophie couldn’t argue with his logic. She had allowed Cliff to send him up. Sophie folded her arms across her chest, the fabric of her blouse pulling tightly against her sensitized breasts. She wanted to immediately unfold them but didn’t.
    “So why are you here, Dr. Scavoni?” she asked, with a formality to show him she was treating this as a professional visit, not a personal one.
    “It’s Alex, and we’re beyond such formalities, don’t you think?”
    She silently fumed at his words and watched as he looked around the room, taking in her furniture, the view, and the music playing in the background. Her expansive sitting room seemed to shrink before her eyes.
    “I’ve come to talk to you about what happened in our office this afternoon,” Alex said.
    She sighed. The last thing she wanted to do was rehash their earlier conversation. “I told you I needed time to sort everything out — on my own.”
    “Well, I think that’s a mistake. We need to work out our differences now.”
    “I don’t care what you think, Dr. Scavoni. I haven’t showered, I’m tired, and hungry. I really just want to be alone.” Sophie tried to keep the pleading tone out of her voice but it was to no avail.
    She stood still as he moved toward her with a surefooted grace that was usually equated with wild animals. She shivered and gooseflesh broke out over her skin as he reached out and swept a hand over her head.
    “I think I can probably solve a couple of those problems.”
    Her heart leapt at the possible ways he could make her problems miraculously disappear.
    She took a deep breath before she spoke. “Really? And how do you plan on doing that? By leaving?”
    He laughed softly at her challenge. “No, by taking you to dinner.”
    She pulled away from his touch. “Look, Alex, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    “Then don’t think, just act.” She withstood his assessing glance and waited for what he was about to say next. “Come on, Sophie, just a casual dinner between work colleagues is all I’m suggesting. We don’t even have to go far. We can go downstairs and eat at the restaurant. Have a glass of wine, relax, and discuss our issues like two responsible adults.”
    The thought was so tempting. To spend a few more hours in his company … but it was also dangerous. She was still attracted to him. Memories of their one night played through her mind at a constant pace. It would be so easy to say yes.
    “Say it, Sophie. Please say yes.” It was as if he could read what was going on behind her eyes.
    She thought about the meal of leftovers sitting in her fridge. Quick but unappetizing. If she went to dinner she could have a nice meal and not have to worry about any clean up duties.
    “Fine,” she said and looked away at the gleam of triumph lighting Alex’s eyes. “Give me twenty minutes to shower and change. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
    “Sounds perfect, I’ll arrange for a table.”
    He brushed past her and then stopped. Was he reconsidering his offer?
    Her breath hitched as he took two backward steps, which brought him in front of her. He turned and caught her by the chin. Her eyes closed involuntary as he leaned in and laid a soft, sweet kiss on her lips. It was over before it started, promising so much and leaving her craving. She swayed slightly as he let her go.
    “Don’t be too long,” he whispered. He then made his way to the door and let himself out. All the while, she stood in the