Penny Serenade by Ann Cory Page A

all, and he couldn’t bring himself to call her after he’d worked so hard to get her to say yes. Screw it, he thought. He’d win her over with his charm, and if things went really well, he’d know the taste of her lips. Dominic hurried out to his car and drove toward Tokens of the Heart.
    Despite the fact he didn’t speed, much, he arrived a couple minutes early, and even revved his engine to prove it. He watched with mild satisfaction as Audrey peered out the window from behind the blinds. The smallest twitch of a smile tugged at her lips. Yeah, he’d just scored a few points. She disappeared a moment and then came out, locking the door behind her.
    He liked how her skirt hugged her hips and the tease of black nylon that showed off her calves. For a moment he could only stare. On the drive over, he’d planned to get out and open the car door for her, but his hands refused to let go of the steering wheel. By the time he freed one hand, she had opened the door and climbed in, bringing with her the scent of patchouli.
    She gave him a thin-lipped smile and fastened the seatbelt. “Thanks for being on time.”
    “No problem. I said I would be.” Yep, she was a feisty one.
    “Hmmph,” she muttered and tucked her purse between her feet. “Ready to go?”
    “Sure am,” he answered and winked at her. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”
    She paused, her lips ready to form a word, forehead creased. “You have?”
    “Yep. Haven’t you?”
    “Um, I’ve been busy working, so I didn’t think much about it,” she answered, her voice soft.
    There was an awkward pause and he pulled out onto the road. He wanted to think up witty things to say, but his mind blanked.
    “For some reason I figured you for a truck kind of guy,” she said.
    “I used to have one, and hope to again someday. This fit my budget at the time.”
    “I see. So, do you know how to get to the planetarium?” Her voice had a calming effect on him.
    “I’ve driven by it when I’ve been called to do a job,” he replied.
    “Ah, I see. Have you ever been inside?”
    “Nope, this will be a first.”
    “I hope you won’t be too bored,” she said, almost like she was challenging him. “I’m sure it puts some people to sleep.”
    If she thought he’d change his mind now, she was in for a surprise. “I’m looking forward to it. Like I said before, who isn’t fascinated by stars?”
    “Stars are nice,” she murmured, “but it’s the moon that holds me captive.”
    Dominic thought he heard something in her voice, sadness? Longing? He looked over to see her staring out the window. Her dark hair fell like a curtain around her face. He wanted to know more about her, but didn’t want to hound her with questions all at once. He’d take it slow if that’s what she wanted, for now. At some point tonight he planned to kiss her. Whatever followed…a slap, a string of obscenities, or more kissing, didn’t matter. He’d be ready and willing to accept it. One way or another, he’d win her over, and she’d forget all about the stupid things he’d said when they first met.
     
     
    While they rode in silence, Audrey stole glances at him. Gone were the streaks of paint and plaster. He cleaned up well and she liked the way he smelled, noting the spicy notes of his cologne. The soft pounding in her chest returned against her better wishes. To be near him sent her emotions soaring. The silky wetness between her thighs made her aware of the depths to which her body responded to his close proximity. She’d gone a long time since her last lover and for the most part hadn’t missed sex. She missed the intimacy of two people, but not the sex itself. She wasn’t certain if that was her lack of interest, or poor lovers. Or the fact she had difficulty allowing herself to get too close. Men left, that was that. They left and didn’t say goodbye. Besides, she rationalized, this wasn’t even a date. It was a carpool to a place they were both