Now he takes a step closer, and with his finger traces the contour of my collarbone. His exploration continues along my shoulder and over to my bra strap, which he tugs into view—bright magenta lace. What can I say? I have a thing for fancy lingerie.

“What—what are you doing?” I stammer.

Eyes all dark and intense, Lucas says, “Just testing a theory.”

Lucas’ hand lets go of my bra strap and rises in a slow caress to cup my cheek.

“And now what are you doing?”

“I’m kissing you, like any sane man would at the end of a great date.”

Lucas’ mouth is on mine in a heartbeat, leaving me no time to reply. I don’t even try to pretend I’m not all-in for the kissing. I dive right in, sinking my fingers into his soft hair and pressing my body to his.

Without the ticking clock of an elevator ride, I have no idea how long the kiss lasts. But it’s almost definitely an indecent amount of time. And I’m a little ashamed to admit that, when Lucas finally pulls back, I want more. So much more.

From the way he’s looking at me, it’s clear we’re on the same page.

Why didn’t we go to his house?

“Would it be too soon to ask you on a second date?” Lucas asks.

I smile. “No.”

“How about tomorrow? Or is that too soon?”

“It’s not, but… Sorry, this week has been a nightmare for me.” I put my hands forward. “It’s not an excuse; I really have a ton of work to do. I should hire a paralegal to help me out, but I’m the worst at delegating. Even for the smallest things.”

“Relax,” Lucas says, unperturbed. “I’ve waited this long. I can wait for another week.”

“What do you mean, you’ve waited this long?”

“Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been trying to woo you for a while now.”

“Really? How?” And then something clicks in my brain. “Is that what the donuts were about? I thought the sweets were a professional courtesy.”

“None of my other clients get a hand-delivery of their favorite breakfast, I can assure you.”

I can’t stop the huge, silly smile that parts my lips. “Bribery and attempted corruption of an attorney-at-law! You’ve been terrible, Dr. Keller.”

“Is that a ‘no’ to more donuts and vanilla lattes?”

“Well, a girl has to eat…”

“Especially breakfast,” Lucas adds. “It’s the most important meal of the day.”

“Right, I’m basically forced to say yes. But can we make it an early breakfast? I’m swamped with casework all week.”

“Deal,” Lucas says. He leans in closer and whispers, “Good night, Vivian,” before he kisses me again.

***