When she didn’t respond, he opened the glove compartment and took out a small, gift-wrapped box. He held it a moment before offering it to her. She sat staring at the gift as if it were a time bomb ready to explode. Her hand trembled as she reached out. When her fingers made contact with his, she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out. Taking the box from his hand, she turned toward the door.

“Open it first,” he appealed.

“Parr—no.”

“Please.”

Her nervous fingers clumsily removed the bow, unwrapped the paper, and peeled the tape from the outer box concealing a small jeweler’s box. She lifted it out. Nestled on a bed of white velvet was a flawless ruby strawberry, glowing like a crystal flame.

“Do you like it?” He wanted to touch her, hold her, and never let her go.

“It’s beautiful,” she gasped as she gently lifted the delicate gold chain, the jeweled fruit suspended daintily from it. “Where did you find this? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I had it made just for you. A perfect strawberry for my . . . for the most beautiful strawberry blonde in the world.”

“I can’t—I shouldn’t accept it. What will Bobby Jo think?”

“This is something between us. It has nothing to do with my brother.”

“Oh? But I’m going to marry your brother eventually.”

“I know,” he acknowledged, trying desperately to control the sensual yearning that threatened to consume him.

“I have to go in now.”

He leaned toward her. She didn’t move. She wanted to encourage him but knew she didn’t dare. He desired her. That was obvious, but he’d made it very clear that an affair was all he offered.

“One sweet strawberry kiss,” he implored. “Just a good-bye kiss that won’t mean anything to either of us tomorrow.”

She didn’t say yes or no to his request, and thus allowed him to decide for her. He took her face in both of his huge hands and looked at her in the shadowy darkness. His lips brushed her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, her chin. A wild, overwhelming desire coursed through her body like liquid gold into a waiting mold.

“I’ve never wanted a woman so badly in all my life.”

He knew it was wrong to admit even this much of his true feelings, but passion overcame his better judgment.

“Then kiss me. Really kiss me,” she breathed.

His lips touched hers gently, coaxing a response. She wanted him, body and soul. Wanted him in a way she had never known existed. He swallowed the sound of her moans, his tongue sliding between her lips, seeking entrance. He pulled her against him and she clung to him, wanting more.

“Open your mouth for me. Let me in.” His voice persuaded her.