The Room - A Sensuous Experience

realized he was coming for her—no toward her. That was wishful thinking on her part.
His eyes had already zeroed in on her and hadn’t wavered. He seemed to move like a predator hunting and stalking as if she were on deck for a tasty treat. As he came closer, Robyn’s nerves were out of control. Her stomach completely bottomed out. Her heart stopped beating, then changed its mind. It decided to beat wildly as if it were going to burst out of her chest.
When he was only inches away, a smooth baritone voice sailed through the air. “Eva, I wanted to come over and personally tell you that I think you’ve outdone yourself.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
“Thank you, Maxwell, and thanks for calling my office earlier. It was so good to hear from you, and I’m absolutely positive my company can plan the perfect New Year’s event for your team.”
Maxwell. He certainly wasn’t Larry. This man made the hairs on Robyn’s body stand up. Robyn didn’t realize she was gawking until Eva gently nudged her in the ribs. Slightly embarrassed, she plastered on a smile. Damn! Scrumptious was an understatement. His black suit was custom. It fit his broad chest and shoulders to perfection. Unlike some others, he didn’t wear a tie. The top two buttons of his crisp white shirt were open. It contrasted nicely with his sun-kissed hair and tanned skin. He stood confidently with one hand in the front pocket of his dress slacks and a drink in the other.
While he’d spoken to Eva, the intensity of his brownish—no, they were greener than brown, eyes were trained on her.
Forget the knife; someone would need a buzz saw to cut then tension in the air. Eva’s eyes darted from her friend to him. She attempted to ignore whateverthehell was hanging over all of them. “Robyn and I worked really hard to make sure everything was perfect. She handled all of the interior design.”
“Ahh, Robyn, no introduction is necessary.” Maxwell extended his hand to Robyn. “Her reputation for her interior design precedes her.”
Her throat was thick. She looked at the outstretched hand for a moment, wondering if she should shake it. Nervous that there was some kind of magical powers that would cause her to make a fool of herself, made her hesitate. Finally, she placed her hand in his. He took it, but instead of shaking her hand, Maxwell brought the back of it to his lips.
He placed a soft kiss on her tender skin. Those lips were warm, firm, and could seriously do some damage.
She shivered.
Robyn was so shaken by his presence that she still hadn’t uttered a single word.
His smile grew as if he’d known he’d unnerve her. “I haven’t had a chance to see all of the house. But, from what I have seen, you deserve every bit of the accolades you’ve been given.”
Robyn finally found her voice. “T-thank you.”
“No need for thanks when I’m just stating facts.”
“Again, you’re much too kind.”
“Since I’m in need of a designer for one of my homes in California, think I can convince you into giving me a tour?”
Maxwell’s smile was dangerous. It created a push-pull desire within her to do anything he asked. The feeling was strong, and she was smart enough not to get into situations with men where she wasn’t the one in control. She spit out the first excuse that came to mind. “I’m not sure the owners would approve, since I haven’t given them a walk-through, and unfortunately, I’m currently not taking on any new clients.”
Eva butted into the conversation. “I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. After all, this is an open house, and I think you are probably the only person who could answer all of Maxwell’s décor questions. Didn’t you say that your team in New York was great? Even if you couldn’t personally handle Maxwell’s account, I’m sure someone there could.”
The innocent mask on Eva’s face was priceless. They were tag teaming her, and Robyn didn’t like it.
His warm hand still held hers. Maxwell put just enough pressure on it to remind her. “I do have quite a few questions.”
Eva’s head bobbed up and down profusely. “Yes! Robyn, please take Maxwell on the VIP tour. I would show him around myself, but I’ve um . . . got to . . . um . . . talk to someone.” Briefly, Eva placed her hand on top of theirs, ensuring Robyn and Maxwell’s hands stayed connected. She planted her palm at the center of their backs before giving them a gentle shove. “Make sure you show him all of the rooms.”
Robyn half turned to give her friend an evil eye that could have melted an iceberg. This was a bad idea for more reasons than one.
Maxwell released her hand but only for a moment as he held out his arm for Robyn to grasp and asked, “Shall we go?”

Chapter 4
Maxwell and Robyn strolled down a long, dark hallway that took them into a second great room. They hadn’t spoken since they had left Eva’s presence. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts.
“I feel a little less claustrophobic in here.” Maxwell broke the silence. There were several guests in the area, but it wasn’t nearly as crowded as the main room. “Thanks again for showing me around.”
“Thank Eva. If it had been left up to me, I would be at home in bed sleeping.”
“I’ll make sure to send her a bouquet of roses. If for no other reason than the visual you just conjured up.”
She smiled. Maxwell was flirting. She should keep her distance.
“I’m sure her husband would really