Takes the Cake by Lynn Chantale Page A

thing—”
    “Or sex.”
    He chuckled, and she returned his smile. “Touché.”
    “Which was really fabulous.” Liz held her hair from her face when the wind blew across. Though she smirked, her eyes were serious. “But that’s not all I’m about. I don’t want to get in too deep with you if it’s not going to lead anywhere. We’ve been down that road before and there’s more to life than sleeping with someone because of a cute face and a smile.”
    Keegan cradled her cheek, caressing the fullness of her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. Her warm breath whispered against his skin and he longed to feel it elsewhere on his body. “I realize that. We should do this properly. Go out on a few dates, because you mean more to me than just a warm body and a cute face with a smile.” That earned him a grin.
    She curled her fingers around his wrist. He relished the warmth of her hand on his skin. “Why now? What’s changed? You used to be the center of attention.”
    “Broke my knee and tore all the major ligaments during the last match of the season. When that happened, I learned who my true friends were and realized how much of a fool I’d been. You’d been there for me during the hard and good times, and I never acknowledged how much you meant to me.” He lowered his head. “You are the only woman who has made me forget all rationale and just live in the moment.”
    “So what do we do now?”
    “Stay with me.”
    She shook her head. “I’ve got work.”
    “I know, but afterwards. Come to my room.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “I’ve never been surer about anything else in my life.”
    “Okay, but it will be late.”
    “I’ll be waiting.”
    * * * *
    Liz paced the short expanse of hallway before Keegan’s door. His earlier admission gave her hope that maybe this time—just maybe—he would be there for the long haul. Yet she didn’t want to set her hopes too high. They’d been through this before—where she’d built dreams based on the promises Keegan had made to her. Where had all those promises and dreams gotten her? Alone and pacing in front of his door, wishing their relationship had been different. If she let him in this time, she didn’t think she could survive that type of hurt again.
    With a sigh, she brushed a curl from her face. She’d taken a few moments to freshen up and change her clothes. Every time he’d seen her, she was always in uniform, and since this was a conscious decision, she thought a nice sundress would be appropriate. She smoothed a hand down the knee-length skirt and adjusted the V-neck bodice. This time, she wouldn’t sneak out. She adjusted the strap of her overnight bag on her shoulder and lifted her hand to knock on the wood. The door opened.
    Keegan stood on the threshold, linen shirt open, the snap on his black slacks undone. She allowed her gaze to travel the length of his body, sucking in a breath when she caught sight of his erection straining against the material of his pants. She returned her attention to his face.
    “You seem happy to see me,” she greeted, a hint of humor in her voice.
    “Oh, very. For a moment I didn’t think you’d actually make it here.” He grabbed her by the hand, led her inside, closed the door, and then took her bag. “What’s this?”
    “Things I’ll need for the morning. I didn’t want to sneak out, run down to the guesthouse, and then hurry back to the kitchen.”
    He set the bag on a nearby chair. “No need to worry about anyone seeing you. This is my wing of the house, and even with all the guests, no one is here.” He twined his fingers with hers. Liz stared at her smaller digits tucked next to his, and being with him now felt so right. “You look amazing.”
    “Thanks.” She tried not to preen at his compliment. He’d noticed her dress.
    “When this is all over, I’ll take you on a proper date. I’ve always loved seeing you in a dress.”
    She ducked her head as a flush crept into her cheeks. “Yes,