Rescuing Diana by Linda Cajio

almost love-sick until Adam was bragging to his brother that she was signed, sealed, and delivered. And then she had every right to turn around and sell her game wherever she darn well pleased.
    Never get angry, she told herself with smug satisfaction, just get even.
    Glancing at her watch, she moaned when she realized it would be nearly five hours before her drink with Adam—if he showed up. She dismissed the doubt. He’d show up. Under the circumstances, he probably wouldn’t be able to stay away.
    She grinned. If he thought she would mention the offer from Starlight Software to him, he’d better think again.
    Still, it would be long hours before they were to meet, and she wondered if she should go back home. She didn’t want to fight the traffic, but she had no idea how to fill the time. Then she chuckled to herself. She’d told the receptionist she’d be shopping.
    So she’d go shopping.
    A little before six that evening Diana walked into the Oakland Towers’ lobby. Immediately she spotted Adam already waiting by the elevators. In his gray pinstripe suit, he looked like a no-nonsense but very virile business executive. She remembered his sensual tutoring of the night before in a rush of sensations. And she remembered his betrayal of the morning. Her steps faltered and she fought the urge to turn around and run. Drawing a deep breath, she steeled herself to facehim, when he caught sight of her and waved. He hurried over.
    “Hello, Adam,” she said as he drew near her. She gave silent thanks that she actually sounded normal. Her stomach was churning, her chest was heaving, and her body was unnaturally stiff. She couldn’t believe her physical reaction to him was stronger than ever, especially after the morning’s revelation.
    “Hi,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I missed you earlier at the office. I really would like to have shown you around.”
    She forced herself to smile. “I would have enjoyed that.”
    His voice grew deep. “I wanted to call you this morning—”
    “I’m almost glad you didn’t,” she broke in, her own voice low. She edged away from him as unobtrusively as possible. “I wanted to surprise you by taking you to lunch. Unfortunately, I forgot you had to go to Richmond on business.”
    She sighed silently, grateful there had been no betraying awkwardness on her part. Somehow, she hadn’t panicked, and had even managed to sound almost flirty. The worst had to be over now. She hoped.
    Adam gazed at Diana’s lush mouth. He wanted to kiss her, to carry her away and finish the lesson of the night before. He wanted to ignore his honor, but couldn’t. Diana needed time. If only her mouth didn’t look so soft and moist. Suddenly he noticed she was wearing lipstick … and eye shadow. And a sweater that outlined her magnificent breasts. Diana had always seemed like anEve to him—natural, innocent, and earthy. So why …?
    He hid a grin, realizing she had dressed up, put on makeup, for him. There was no need. She was fine to begin with. Still, he had to admit he liked the enhancements.…
    As he continued to stare at her mouth, Diana nearly did panic. Was her pale pink lipstick crooked? Too heavy? Downright clownish? She prayed it wasn’t. The lipstick had looked okay in the bright lights of the department store’s ladies’ room. So had the mascara and light blue eye shadow she’d applied. In fact, they had looked barely there. Maybe the makeup clashed with the pretty silver-and-blue designer sweater she’d purchased. She’d only wanted to look a little more sophisticated, not ridiculous.
    “I like that sweater,” Adam said, slipping his arm around her waist. “Shall we go have a drink now?”
    She nodded, relaxing at the obvious sincerity in his voice. Evidently her little impromptu changes were having the desired effect. She decided her plan was moving along quite nicely, despite her initial setback. All she had to do was keep a layer of detachment between herself and Adam.