But the ultimatum was coming. It was only a matter of time. And if that morning was any indication, it would be soon, possibly even tonight. She knew it was selfish of her to want to hold on to him as long as possible, but she couldn’t help it. She was an addict and Hudson Chase was her drug.

Allie closed her eyes and tried to calm her erratic breathing, but it was no use. Not knowing what to expect when the doors slid open had her heart accelerating with each passing floor.

The musky scent of flowers washed over her the moment she stepped off the elevator. At least two dozen long-stem roses filled a vase on the round, dark wood table that sat in the center of the foyer. She paused in front of them, her fingers gently cupping the velvety petals of one of the deep red blooms.

“Good evening, Miss Sinclair,” Hudson said. He was in the dining room, lighting the last of the crystal votives that lined the center of the table.

As she drew closer, she realized there were candles adorning nearly every surface. Their flickering light reflected off the wall of glass and lit the entire room in a soft glow. Her eyes drifted back to the table set with white linen, fine china, and crystal goblets.

“This is beautiful, Hudson. What’s the occasion?”

His gaze met hers and his mouth curved into a shy smile. “My way of apologizing for being an ass.”

“You cooked dinner for me?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.

He chuckled. “Don’t give me too much credit. I’m not much of a cook, and since I extended my housekeeper’s impromptu vacation, you’ll have to settle for something out of a delivery box.”

“It smells amazing.” Allie set her purse on the back of the couch. “Where’s it from?”

“Spiaggia.”

She frowned, glancing at him over her shoulder as he helped her out of her coat. “Spiaggia doesn’t deliver.”

He looked down at her with a smug grin stretched across his face. “For the right price, anyone will deliver, Alessandra.”

“You know I would have been happy just ordering a pizza.”

“I know, but I’m trying here.” Hudson draped her coat over the couch and placed his hand on the small of her back. The gesture, so simple and yet so intimate, sent a shiver up the length of her spine. “Come, sit.”

He guided her to the table and pulled out her chair. She sat, unfolding the linen napkin and placing it in her lap. Her mouth watered as one by one he removed sterling silver domes from a half dozen plates of food. It was far too much for just the two of them. As she watched him she realized the table was also set with at least eight different glasses of wine.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I went ahead and ordered the tasting menu.” He leaned down and his voice deepened as his lips grazed her ear. “I want to learn what pleases you.”

Allie felt her face heat as all manner of erotic images filled her mind. “I believe we’ve already covered that.”

“While I do know your taste,” he smirked, “I want to know what you like.” Hudson took a seat in the chair next to hers and picked up his knife and fork. “First we have Mediterranean sea bass with marinated Nantucket scallops.” He sliced into the tender fish and then paused with a perfect bite suspended in midair. “Allow me?”

“I can feed myself,” she began to protest.

“That’s not the point. Open.”

Feeling slightly foolish, she obliged, opening her mouth and allowing him to feed her. “Mmm . . .” Was that caviar with a hint of lemon? Her eyes drifted shut as she savored the mouthwatering bite. “That’s delicious.”

Hudson lifted a crystal goblet of a white wine and held it to her lips. “The restaurant pairs it with the 2010 Gavi.”

“It’s wonderful,” she said after sampling the white wine. As Hudson moved the sea bass aside, she was suddenly aware of the soft strains of classical music wafting from the speakers mounted flush with the ceiling. “I didn’t know you liked Tchaikovsky.”

“It serves more as background noise. To be honest, it all sounds the same to me.” He drew another plate closer. “A particular favorite of yours?”

“Absolutely. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is doing a limited engagement of his Fourth Symphony right now. I had hoped to go, but they’re sold out.” She watched him prepare the next bite of food, ravioli in cream sauce. “Aren’t you going to try any?” she asked when the fork once again hovered over her lips.

“Not yet. I enjoy watching you eat.”

She managed to swallow the pasta before rolling her eyes at his comment. “Surely it’s not that exciting.”

“More than you know.” His gaze was dark and penetrating. “The way your lips wrap around the fork. The noises you make. Your eyes fluttering shut as if memorizing every taste.” Hudson’s words were more intoxicating than the wine, and as he raised the next glass she realized her lips were already parted in anticipation. “Try it with Corino’s 2007 Barolo.” His eyes never left hers as she sipped the garnet-colored wine. When she finished he cocked his head to the side. “More?”

“Yes, please,” she said, her breathless reply revealing a desire for more than just wine.

He offered her another sip before moving the ravioli aside and reaching for the next selection. “Spiaggia is known for their perfect risotto.” His lips curved into a wicked grin. “Firm in the mouth and creamy on the tongue.”

Oh, this could be fun.

She licked her lips and saw him pause momentarily as he lifted the next forkful. His jaw fell slack as he eased the bite into her mouth, keeping his eyes focused on her lips as she slid the risotto off the fork.

When she was done he offered her a sampling of yet another red wine. She sipped it slowly, relishing the warm, full-bodied flavor. A small drop remained at the corner of her mouth and she gently wiped it with her finger. He inhaled sharply as she pressed her finger to her lips, letting her tongue swirl around the tip before drawing it into her mouth. She moaned in quiet appreciation as she sucked the last bit of wine from her fingertip.

Hudson moved quickly, surprising Allie by locking his hand on the back of her neck and dragging her mouth to his. His lips were demanding against hers, kissing her as if he had to. As if her mouth churning with his was the only thing keeping him alive.

“Ah, God Allie,” he groaned, deepening the kiss as his tongue swept over hers in firm, lush strokes. He gripped her around the waist and lifted her out of the chair as he stood. She raised her arms, her aching breasts rising and falling against his chest as her fingers weaved into his hair. His hands slid down her back, cupping her behind and urging her against him, every hard inch of him straining to get closer as his body pressed the length of her.

She was vaguely aware of movement; an arm sweeping out, the sound of dishes and silverware crashing to the floor, and then the table was at her back. “You’re making a mess,” she panted against his mouth.

“Fuck the mess,” he growled. His body arched over hers as he kissed and licked his way down her throat. “I’ve been thinking about this all day.” He dipped his head and his teeth caught her nipple through the fabric of her blouse. She gasped as he tugged hard, the sensation echoing through her core.

Hudson shifted fast and smooth, sweeping Allie’s panties down her legs before dropping to his knees. He lifted one leg over his shoulder, spreading her wide, and dragged his tongue up the heart of her. She raised her head and heat pulsed through her veins as she watched him move between her thighs. There was an intensity in the way he consumed her, as if driven by an overwhelming need to give her pleasure.

He gazed up at her with dark, hungry eyes. “I could spend hours between your thighs.” His tongue fluttered across her sensitive flesh. “Teasing you . . . tasting you.”

She groaned, half afraid he planned to do just that. The stubble of his beard was rough against her skin as he continued his relentless torture. Licking, nipping, sucking. Her head dropped down with a thud and her leg flexed, urging him closer as her stiletto dug into his back.