Seduction on the CEO's Terms by Charlene Sands

shot clear through her. She held her breath, her heart hammering.
    Joe slanted his head, staring deep into her eyes andleaned toward her. “Maybe I’m about to,” he whispered into her mouth.
    Then he pressed his lips to hers.
    The kiss was gentle and giving, but that didn’t stop fireworks from exploding in her head. She could hardly believe this. Joy entered her heart, and she wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and press her body against him.
    Please let this moment never end.
    Joe must have heard her silent plea. He slid his hands up her arms and gently squeezed, tugging her closer, his hips crinkling her satin gown as he deepened the kiss.
    The rich taste of liquor made her head swim, and images of bedrooms and silken sheets flashed in her mind. Joe parted her lips and their tongues mated, then a deep groan of pleasure rumbled from his throat and Ali’s joy doubled.
    It was finally happening.
    â€œHey, Joe? You down there?” Nick called from above. “It’s time to toast the bride and groom.”
    Ali gasped when she heard Nick’s voice and backed away.
    â€œI’ll be right there,” Joe called toward the stairs. She couldn’t see Nick, which meant he couldn’t have seen what Joe and Ali had been doing.
    Joe turned to her. “Sorry. We’d better get back. You okay?” he asked, blinking behind his glasses.
    She couldn’t utter a word, so she bobbed her head up and down.
    â€œI, uh, should explain,” Joe began, his voice a rasp in the breeze. “You looked like you needed…comforting.” Joe’s brows furrowed as if he was as confused by his confession as she was.
    â€œComforting?” Ali questioned on a low breath.
    â€œYeah.” Then Joe turned his attention toward the stairs. “C’mon.” He took her hand, and they climbed up the steps, Ali following behind him. Before they reached the top of the stairs, he turned to her, his gaze fastened to her mouth. “When I said I was sorry, I didn’t mean about kissing you. I meant sorry we were interrupted.”
    â€œI think I knew that,” Ali replied, just catching her breath.
    Joe’s lips curled up slightly. “You’re astute, Ali, but if I was out of line, you’d tell me, right?”
    Heavens, he was so in line, it wasn’t even funny. “Yes, I’d be sure to tell you.”
    Joe looked at her mouth one last time with regret in his eyes, and Ali wanted to skip right over the moon.
    Â 
    After the toasts were made by Joe and Nick, everyone sipped champagne and wished the newlyweds the best. Rena sidled up next to Ali by the dance floor. “How’s it going, my friend?”
    Ali beamed her a smile. “I’m no longer in the potted plant category.”
    Rena’s brows rose, and she looked on with interest. “Really?”
    â€œJoe kissed me down in the vineyards,” she gushed out. She’d wanted to scream it from the rooftops that Joe Carlino finally showed some interest in her. “It was the best. ”
    â€œWhat did he say?”
    â€œNot much. He was worried about me. I think this change really threw him off. He’s looking a little bit puzzled.”
    â€œHe noticed you. That’s all that matters.”
    Ali drew in a deep breath and sighed. “Oh, I know, but I’m not patient enough to wait. I want more.”
    Rena’s chuckle turned a few heads in her direction.
    â€œCalm down, Ali. You’re doing fine. And you look stunning in that dress.”
    â€œWho knew that I could wear something so…not me and pull it off?”
    â€œI did.”
    â€œWell, I’m not counting my chickens yet.”
    â€œIt takes time, Ali. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.” she said. “And look who’s coming straight toward us, with you in his sights.”
    Ali glanced across the decking and spotted Joe, heading her way. Every time she looked at him