Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée by Sara Orwig Page B

look like Bart? Did you ever meet Bart?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t, but I saw a snapshot of him. I don’t think Michael resembles Bart. Bart had hazel eyes, brown hair.”
    â€œBart and I are actually half brothers. We had different mothers.”
    â€œThat’s something I didn’t know.”
    â€œBart and I had our own lives and were busy. Time slips away.” Nick lapsed into silence again. A short while later he looked at her plate.
    â€œNeither of us is eating. There’s a great dessert.”
    â€œI’ll pass, although everything is delicious.”
    â€œWe can have the dessert later. C’mon, and I’ll give you that tour,” Nick said, standing and coming to take her arm.
    As he showed her the upper decks, Nick kept the conversation on ordinary events, shared interests in movies and books. When he led her into his master suite, her senses spiked and her nerves became raw. She looked at the luxurious burnished-wood built-in furniture, rich brown leather upholstery, and a wide king-size bed covered in satin.
    â€œHere’s where I sleep when I stay on board,” Nick said. His voice lowered, developing a husky note. Again his words were harmless, but his tone, his gaze when she looked up at him, his hand lightly on her arm—all combined to have her picture herself lying on his bed in his embrace.
    When he turned her to face him, her heart thudded. His hand on her arm was one more casual contact that should have been meaningless but instead was sizzling. She didn’t want this fiery attraction that kept her breathless with him, yet there was no denying it. She wanted his kiss, could actually feel herself lean slightly toward him. His dark eyes warmed, hislids partially closing as he gazed at her mouth. She gathered her wits and her will.
    â€œNick, we should go back. Maybe dance now,” she whispered, making an effort to turn away. Her heartbeat galloped in anticipation. Before the evening was over they would kiss and that knowledge played havoc with her nerves. Desire heightened, plaguing her.
    â€œIf that’s what you want,” he said.
    They returned to the upper deck, where he drew her into his arms to dance, holding her lightly, gazing at her as they moved together in complete unison.
    Hours later, as they stood talking quietly at the rail, she turned to him. “This is a bewitching night, Nick. You shouldn’t make it so unforgettable and enticing.”
    â€œWhy not? We can have a life separate from the problems caused by my father.”
    â€œActually, I don’t think we can,” she said. “And it’s time to start back home.”
    â€œWhatever you want,” he said, smiling at her as they left the rail.
    Within the hour they were airborne and Nick was entertaining her with more tales from his past.
    It was almost three in the morning when his limo stopped at her apartment complex and Nick walked her to the door. “Give me your key and let me open the door.”
    Wordlessly, she handed over the key. He pushed open the door and held it for her to enter, following her inside and closing the door while she cut off the alarm. She turned to face him.
    â€œThank you, Nick. The evening was a dream come true—a night I’ll remember for a very long time.”
    â€œIt’s not over yet,” he said in a husky voice, slipping an arm around her waist and drawing her closer. At his hungry look, she glanced at his sensuous mouth, wanting to step intohis embrace and kiss him, to be kissed. Yet once she did, her life might not ever be the same.
    â€œNick, this is dangerous, foolish,” she whispered.
    â€œShh, it’s only a kiss. It’s meaningless—a goodbye, a touch. A kiss won’t change our lives or the future.”
    â€œYou are so sure of yourself,” she said quietly, the tension growing between them. The warning inside grew dimmer. She couldn’t look away from Nick’s