Page 18 of Tempting the Tiger

Keair nodded. “I understand. And wild animals? Do they frighten you, Grace.”

“They could.”

He could.

He put his finger beneath her chin, lifting her face to his. “I am a shifter, Grace. A tiger. Does the thought of me turning into my animal frighten you?” His fingers slid around her throat until they cupped the nape of her neck.

“It should,” she said with a small smile. “But it doesn’t.” She looked at the fullness of his lips and the smoothness of his jaw as if he had just shaved. Had he done that for her? So as not to scratch her with the roughness of his beard?

“Good. That is very good.” His head continued to descend and finally, their lips met, their tongues tangled. They moaned in mutual bliss as if they hadn’t just tasted each other a mere half-hour before.

It was more of a kiss than Grace had ever known. Minutes later, needing to breathe, she pulled her face away, and her mouth was wet and swollen. He growled as she eased away. She chanced a look at his face and saw his lips were also wet and swollen. He drew away from her, but not far. Just far enough, she realized, for him to get himself back under control.

He lifted his hand and within seconds a waiter appeared to fill their water glasses. “What will you have to drink, Grace?”

“Water is fine.” She reached for her glass and took a long sip. It felt wonderful going down her suddenly parched throat. She realized the two men were watching her and she put the glass back down. “I don’t drink alcohol. Water is really perfectly fine.”

Keair gave a regal nod of his head. “Bourbon, straight up,” he ordered.

“Very well, sir.” The man walked away and Keair’s attention turned immediately back to her.

“I have already ordered us dinner, but if you would like to choose your own, please tell me.”

“No, I’m sure whatever you ordered will be fine.” Grace tried not to frown at the hard note in his voice. Had she done something wrong? Embarrassed him somehow? She traced the intricate pattern on the bottom of her water glass. She was starting to panic. She was so out of her league with him.

On the heels of the waiter bringing Keair’s drink, another one arrived with a plate of appetizers. Grace sighed as she saw the extravagant food. They were colorful and just the right size. She was sure it was caviar that graced a wafer-thin cracker. Pink salmon topped with dill lay on a thick slice of cucumber. They looked like they had come straight from a magazine layout. So perfect and so appealing.

Keair leaned closer, picking one up. “You say we know nothing about each other. So let’s learn, little one. This is a favorite of mine. Taste.” He held up a cracker, placing it against her lips.

She opened her mouth slightly and he stared down at her.

“More. Open for me more.” She did and he placed the treat on her tongue. He watched as she chewed and she prayed she didn't get choked. It was caviar and tasted salty. The cracker prevented it from being overpowering.

“Now, which one appeals to you?”

She pushed her hair behind her ear and picked up a wafer topped with the segment of an orange and a dusting of shredded cheese. As she lifted it to her mouth, he shook his head, wrapping his hand around her wrist and guiding the morsel to his mouth. He deliberately brushed the tips of her fingers against his lips as he took the bite.

They continued to feed each other until the plate was empty and Grace was squirming in her seat. How could the simple act of eating be so erotic? Glancing at Keair, she knew she would never experience the moment again with anyone else. The moment was happening because of him. Not because they were in an expensive restaurant eating food that cost more than a month’s rent.

No, it was his presence that made this such a tantalizing experience. He was beautiful she thought, looking at him. And his aura somehow reassured her and frightened her at the same time.

“Perhaps you would like to try some wine now?” He smiled at her as the waiter cleared the dishes.

“I’ve never had wine before.”

“Never?” One of his dark eyebrows rose.

“No.” She shrugged her shoulder. “I went to work as soon as I turned seventeen. Partying wasn’t my thing. I had to get up too early to stay out all night.”

“Why did your parents allow you to work so hard?”

“I have no parents. I’m an orphan. I was found on the steps of a church when I was a baby.” Her softly spoken words barely reached Keair’s ears, even with his shifter hearing. But he heard. He heard not only the words but the sadness they contained.

“I am so sorry, Grace.” He took her hand in his, lifting it to his mouth for a soft kiss across her knuckles. He realized this was the perfect opportunity to share some of his past, but he pushed the thought aside. Tonight was about wooing his mate. Tomorrow would be time enough to reveal all the hidden secrets he carried inside.

“You can’t miss what you don’t have.” She smiled up at him and he saw the spirit and strength that drew him to her. She was going to make a fine mate.

“Your dinner, sir.” Two young men stood at the side of the table, waiting for Keair to give them the signal to serve their food. He motioned with his free hand, keeping Grace’s hand in his other. Once they had placed their plates on the table, she gave a little tug.