Love Songs by Barbara Delinsky Page B

refuse. After long moments she began. “I had been dating this fellow—Shep Harding—through the last two years of college. We were very … close. When I decided to go on to graduate school—to get an M.B.A.—he put everything on the line.”
    Alex’s voice came from directly behind her. “Career or him?”
    “Exactly.”
    “So you let him have it?” She heard the smile in his voice and it coaxed her on.
    “You could say that. I told him that if it was a warm body he wanted he could pick up another one at the student union. If it was me he wanted he’d have to accept me for what I was. I had no desire to be at home all day, waiting for him. I wanted to be out there , doing things, using every bit of myself—”
    She caught her breath as she realized how he might, if he wanted, interpret her words. As though reading her mind he spoke softly, putting his hands gently on her shoulders. This time she didn’t pull away. “I know exactly what you’re saying, Alanna. And, believe me, I have no doubts that you’ve earned everything you’ve gotten—earned it through work in the office, everything aboveboard.”
    She cocked her head sideways. “How can you be sure? After all, many women today—”
    “You’re not many women, as you were so quick to tell me more than once last night.” The light pressure he exerted was sufficient to turn her. She had to tilt her head back to study his face. Its intensity held her immobile, as his hands slid slowly along her arms. “There may be rumors, Alanna. But you have also built a reputation as being intelligent, on top of every situation, an able negotiator and an honest person. What you told me back there,” he cocked his dark head toward the door, “what you showed me in the process, suggests that if you were having an affair with Wallace—”
    “Jake is married!” she interrupted angrily.
    His fingers tightened. “I know that. Let me finish. If you were having an affair with Wallace you would never have been able to keep up that image of coolness in the office.” He suddenly grinned. “It seems, love, that you’re much more of an emotional creature than your very proper facade would lead one to believe.”
    Alanna felt the beginnings of that melting sensation, the thawing of her chill beside the hearth of Alex’s warm persuasion. “I don’t deny being emotional,” she offered defensively, “even though I do keep emotions out of the office. I do deny ever having used my body to achieve advancement.”
    “ Corporate advancement,” he corrected softly.
    “ Any kind of advancement.”
    A dark brow shot up at her insistence. “What do you use your body for? Wouldn’t you say that pleasure and relaxation and fulfillment are goals worth advancing?”
    She eyed him warily. “I don’t sleep around. Period.”
    “Did you sleep with Shep Harding?”
    “Yes, I did. I thought I was in love with him. It seemed the most natural thing at the time.”
    “I’m sure it was. There’s only one proper way of expressing that deepest love that two people can feel for each other. I’m not condemning you.”
    “I should hope not! After all, Alex, are you a virgin?”
    As he laughed aloud his arms closed about her and pressed her more closely to him. “You know I’m not. And I should think you wouldn’t want me to be.” His voice lowered dangerously, a sensual quality creeping from it into her body. “I’ve learned by trial and error. I’ve made my mistakes on others. Now, for you,” he pressed his lips to her brow, “I know just how,” then her eyes, “to touch,” his hands began an exploration of her back, “and tease,” then rose to her shoulders by way of her breasts, “and find every sensitive spot.” His thumbs caressed her neck and throat; his lips trailed wildfire across her cheek. Alanna couldn’t breathe, his assault was so sensually precise. Her heart thudded loudly, barely muted when covered by his full palm. She could only sigh her content