Chapter 172

• The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, spilling Howard and Charlotte into the hushed elegance of their penthouse floor hallway. Moonlight streamed through a narrow window at the far end. Howard's arm was already circling her waist, his large hand splaying possessively over the curve of her hip as he drew her close, the heat of his body chasing away the night's chill.
• Before she could catch her breath from their roadside kiss, he spun her gently but firmly, backing her against the cool wall with a thud that echoed their racing pulses. Charlotte's hazel eyes sparkled up at him, a playful smile curving her lips—radiant, teasing, alive with the thrill of the chase she knew was coming. Howard loomed over her, his piercing blue gaze darkening with hunger, one hand braced beside her head as he leaned in, lips hovering inches from hers.
• She ducked at the last second, twisting free with a breathless laugh, her fingers brushing his chest in fleeting defiance before she darted toward the penthouse door. "Catch me if you can," she called over her shoulder, her voice a melody of giggles and challenge, skirt swirling around her thighs as she ran.