A Cowboy for the CEO

Chapter 27: Hungry Like a Wolf

She spun around to face him. "What is it with you and your . . . um, your stomach?" she stammered as her eyes focused on the body part she was scolding. Although Hank had managed to put on a pair of gray sweatpants, he was still naked from the waist up.

He put an arm on the open fridge door, blocking the path for retreat. "So you're only looking in there because it's more interesting than what's on TV?"

"Touché." She grimaced and slipped under his arm. "But you're the one without any proper food in his house."

"That's why I keep these around." He closed the refrigerator and pulled out a stack of takeout menus from a drawer. Spreading them on the counter, he motioned for Ali to sit on the other side. "Pick whatever you'd like. And while you're doing that, can I get you something stronger than water?"

She sat on one of the bar stools, placing her elbows on the counter and intertwining her fingers. "I'm not much of a beer drinker," she admitted, resting her chin on her hands.

"Sacrilege, but I guess I'll let that slide," he joked before pulling on a handle that revealed a pantry. It was the only spot in the kitchen Ali hadn't checked—she was afraid the bi-fold door would make too much noise—and it turned out to contain a small wine fridge. Hank passed over the first two bottles he examined, finally settling on the third.

"Will this do?" He showed her a California Chardonnay, and Ali nodded.

After uncorking the bottle, Hank poured a small amount in a glass, held it by the stem, and carefully swirled the golden liquid around until it coated the sides. He examined the effect and took a sip, swishing the wine in his mouth before swallowing.

"You look like you know what you're doing," she said, holding back a smile.

He set the glass down at the obvious sarcasm. "You don't think I do?"

"Well, not you in particular, but I've always been dubious about all of this." She pointed to the open bottle. "I mean, you're going to say it tastes like wild strawberries mixed with dark chocolate and just a hint of cinnamon, which is the most ridiculous thing ever."

"All right," he said with a nod while filling the glass halfway. "Let's see you give it a try."

Ali expected him to hand over the wine so she could have a taste, but instead, Hank drank that as well. Pushing the empty glass aside and leaning over the counter, he reached for her chin and drew her to him. The kiss was warm and sweet and tangy at the same time, filling Ali with longing while making her entire body tingle. Not wanting it to end, she let out a small groan when he drew away.

"So? What's the verdict?" He crossed his arms and appeared very pleased with himself.

She touched her lips with the tip of her tongue. "Pretentious smart-ass with a little . . . What is that? Peppermint?"

Hank threw back his head and laughed. "Right on all counts, including my mouthwash."

Ali sighed. "Darn it. I thought I'd miss and get another try."

He leaned forward and kissed her again. "Any time you want, gorgeous."

She giggled. "I thought you were hungry."

"Oh, I am, in more ways than one," he said with a grin. "But now that you've reminded me, you should get back to these." He patted the untouched menus.

"You really do have a wide variety of tastes," she observed, flipping through well-worn pamphlets consisting of everything from Southern barbecue, pizza, and Chinese to Lebanese, Thai, and even sushi.

"For food, maybe." He rubbed his chin contemplatively. "I'm quite selective in other areas."

Feeling her face flush, Ali pretended to ignore him. Instead, she turned over another menu. "Wow. This bakery delivers pie?"