She turned to look at the sculpture again. She really should not accept it, but oh, it was so lovely, so translucent, a thing of absolute beauty. She would buy a table just for it. She had seen one in the antique store she favored. A pedestal-like table with carvings etched into wood.
He held his breath as he watched her battling with herself.
Finally, lifting her gaze to his, she gave him a curious look. "Why? And what do you expect from me?"
"I think it suits you and I only expect a drive. I want to show you something."
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Like what?"
"Are you always this suspicious?" he chided. He had the feeling that he had won this round and had every intention of winning the next.
"What do you want, Dean?"
"You remember my name." Closing the gap between them, he took her hands in his. "You fascinate me."
"That will soon pass." He was making her uncomfortable, but not in a bad way. He was movie star handsome and that was the problem. The pale blue cotton shirt he had on was stretched across broad shoulders. He was also wearing a lightweight black leather jacket that gave him a rakish look and was stunning against his blonde hair and tanned complexion. And his smile was melting her heart.
"I told myself that too." He held her hands when she tried to pull them away. "Come for a drive with me, Catherine. I give you my word as a gentleman that I will not do anything you do not approve of."
Her tapered brows lifted. "Gentleman?"
He grinned at her, white teeth flashing. "As a man, then." Lifting her hands to his mouth, he brushed his lips over her knuckles. "Just a ride along the country road. I really want to show you something."
She should tell him to leave and take his expensive gift with him. It was the prudent thing to do. But standing here with him inside her tiny living room, the magnetism she had felt when he stood next to her at the gallery was already pulling at her.
"All right," she murmured. "Let me grab my jacket and put my shoes on."
*****
"Want the window up?" he called out as he made the turn that would take them to the private road.
"No. The breeze is wonderful," she said with a laugh as she wound the coil of hair around her wrist to keep them from flying all over her face. "I love spring," she confessed as she peered out the window. "The scent of rain in the air, the flowers blooming and the way everything looks so green and promising." She slanted him a look. "What's your favorite season?"
He had to think about it for a minute, as he had never considered it before. "I think fall. All the different colors."
She nodded as if she approved of his answer.
They lapsed into silence for a few minutes before he made the turn. "Here we are."
"Where is-- Oh!" One hand flew to her throat as she stared at the scenery spread out before her.
He had taken them around a winding path that led to a slight incline. And below them, the blanket of land with its profusionof flowers made for a breathtaking view. Towering trees -- she could identify sturdy oaks and redwoods as well as some willows -- stood majestically as if on guard duty. An ancient-looking bridge arched over a stream, the clear water meandering gently over smooth stones.
"What do you think?" Releasing his seatbelt, he unhooked hers. Shoving the door open, he came around to open her door. Taking her hand, he led them closer to the edge.
"I think this must be what paradise looks like." She was so enraptured by the view, she did not object to the fact that he was still holding her hand, fingers twined through hers. "What is this place?"
"The site for a rustic cabin or picnic area." He felt the calm weaving its way through his body and was amazed at the ambivalence. He felt contented with her and at the same time, he wanted her in his arms and his mouth on hers. "Collier Trust entertains on a wide scale, and we often have people coming from all over the world. More than that, we sponsor a lot of sporting events. This place is best known for its fishing and unsurpassed beauty." He pointed out a clearing in the middle. "Soon the construction will be starting to build the log cabin. Something rustic, nothing fancy, so as not to take away from the natural beauty of the place."
She nodded, eyes scanning the surroundings. "Is that an antler? It is! Oh, I wish I had brought my phone with me."
"I have mine." Fishing into his jacket, he located it and pressed his thumbprint to unlock it before handing it to her.
The thought occurred to him that when she shook his hand free, he felt bereft. That was ridiculous, he thought angrily.
He waited while she took several pictures, her voice dropping to a whisper when several more deer joined the stag.
"If you punch your number in, I can send them to your phone."