Ribbon of Steele: A Romance of Suspense by Jq Allan Read Free Book Online Page A

shared with Nicole. She wondered if she had shared too much for a first date.
     
    Mackenzie returned, and for a moment, they looked at each other smiling. Lizzie felt a warmth radiate over her body under his gaze.
     
    "Can in interest you in dessert?", said a voice from behind her. She was momentarily startled as she again hadn't even noticed James enter the room alongside Mackenzie.
     
    Man, that guy needs a bell or something.
     
    She quickly regained her composure. "I hear the chef has made special dessert preparations, so yes I would be delighted."
     
    "Very good," said James with a small smile. "Dessert is served in the parlor whenever you are ready."
     
    Mackenzie joined Lizzie in front of the fire. The glow of the fire gleamed in his eyes. His large shoulders stretched the fabric of his shirt.
     
    "Shall we?", Mackenzie asked.
     
    "Can I ask you something first?", Lizzie asked Mackenzie as soon as James had left. "You're not afraid to cook. You're not afraid to say what's on your mind. You know business, and you have amazing taste in art. You know what my fears are. Is there anything in this world that scares you?"
     
    Mackenzie laughed. "You mean other than Lizzie Fox?"
     
    Lizzie smiled as he continued. "Speaking my mind has gotten me into more trouble than it's worth Lizzie, and trust me, I can't cook. I can only take credit for the dessert, but I do appreciate the compliment." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I don't ever fly. It's a long story, but I spend a lot of time in boats and with Dizzie. That's probably my biggest fear."
     
    She shared a small smile with Mackenzie. She got the sense that he had just told her something that not a lot of people knew, and it made her feel even closer to him.
     
    "I would love for you to try the dessert," said Mackenzie. "I hope you're not disappointed." Mackenzie smiled and touched Lizzie's arm as it rested by her side. He moved his hand slowly down her arm until he was touching her hand. He leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. His lips were soft, and left her wanting more . Please tell me he is planning on doing that again . He gave her hand a squeeze before motioning his head towards the parlor door.
     
    As he escorted her through the large arched hallway separating the dining room and parlor, he placed his hand on the small of her back. His touch sent a lightning bold through her spine, and she took a quick draw of breath . I hope he didn't hear that.
     
    The parlor was lit by a large roaring fire. Looking up, she could see intricate carvings on the wooden ceiling. The room smelled like rich leather and a spice she couldn't place. In front of the fire was a large leather sofa with an end table on either side. On each side of the table stood a tall glass. They looked to be filled with a rich chocolate mousse.
     
    "Cocktail?", he asked.
     
    "Yes please," she replied. She was suddenly nervous . Is this the end of the date. Was that a goodbye kiss? Am I going to have a drink and dessert and then go home ? She didn't want to leave. She sat on the leather sofa as Mackenzie poured two drinks from a large buffet table sitting on the opposite side of the room. He walked to the sofa, handing her a small glass filled with dark red liquid. She took a sip. The liquid had a deep chocolate and raspberry flavor that immediately warmed her insides. Mackenzie sat on the sofa next to her and took a sip of brown liquid from his tumbler while staring at the fire. She watched him as the flames were reflected in the deep brown of his eyes. He turned to look at her. This time, she didn't make any attempt to hide her staring. She looked directly back at him. After what seemed like minutes, he reached blindly behind him to place his cocktail on the end table without breaking his gaze. She did the same. He rose from his seat and she did the same, never unlocking eyes.
     
    He reached out his hand and she took it. As his large hand wrapped around hers, he slowly pulled