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her future husband.
    The conversation had left Aria frustrated. The more she’d tried to find out about Grant, the more he seemed like an enigma.
    Nothing she’d seen or heard had prepared her for seeing him in person. A shiver ran through her. His features had an old-world ruggedness and his shoulders were impossibly wide. He was more masculine than she’d imagined, more commanding.
    “Welcome to New Mexico.” His voice was deep, friendly, reassuring, making her insides turn somersaults.
    Her immediate, consuming attraction to him surprised her. “Grant Kingston, I presume?”
    “At your service.”
    Even around successful, handsome men, Aria had always been completely confident. Until today. “I didn’t expect you to come yourself.”
    “I’m the only Bonds employee in Los Alamos. You know Julien wouldn’t have allowed me to send anyone else. And after everything Julien said about you, I was anxious to meet you. And I’m glad I came.” He smiled.
    The full power of its seducing effect smacked her. A feminine part of her melted in instinctive recognition. The sensation was as unusual as it was unwelcome.
    “I’ve heard a few things about you, too.” And it had made last night’s sleep more than a little restless. If her guess was right, she wouldn’t rest any easier tonight.
    He extended his hand.
    She slid her palm against his and found his hand big, his touch warm, reassuring. Nothing could have prepared her for the impact he’d had on her.
    Grant held her hand a bit longer than socially acceptable. Maybe it was because of what Julien and Svetlana had said, but she was very much aware of Grant’s strength and power. Aria’s heart thudded, and she pulled back her palm so she wouldn’t be tempted to stay forever.
    He was smiling, but she thought there might be something slightly predatory beneath the welcome.
    Aria lowered her sunglasses.
    Since they stood so close, she noticed how deep and blue his eyes were, reminding her of an arctic lake. And damn, he smelled good. She inhaled the scent of his leather jacket, certainly, but there was more. Musk was layered in, along with the crisp rawness of the outdoors.
    Mostly, he radiated power and confidence. To make things clear to both of them, she added, “Thanks for having me. I can’t imagine you’re happy about having an unwanted houseguest.”
    “Turns out I might not mind it as much as I thought I might.”
    Each word had been dragged across sandpaper. For a moment, just a wicked moment, she imagined him whispering her name as he unfastened her shirt.
    Aria shook her head to clear it. No doubt she was attracted to him, and he’d made it clear it was mutual, but that didn’t mean anything. She was a professional businesswoman, and she had never slept with anyone she’d worked with. She wouldn’t allow Grant Kingston to be the first…even if she had to constantly remind herself of that fact. “I’m good at taking care of myself, so you won’t need to go out of your way to entertain me. I’ll be a good houseguest.”
    “I’m sure you will.”
    An airport employee removed Aria’s one big suitcase from the jet and hauled it toward the SUV.
    “Can I help you with your briefcase or the other bag?” Grant asked.
    “Actually, the duffel is for you.”
    “For me?”
    “Svetlana asked me to give it to you. She said it’s a gift from Julien.”
    “In that case, I’ll definitely take it. God only knows what’s in it.”
    “Oh? You’ve made me curious.”
    “I’ll guarantee it would scare the boots right off your feet.”
    “Now I’ve got to see.”
    “No doubt whips, chains, handcuffs.”
    “You’re not serious.” She looked at him, unsure whether or not he was joking. And if he wasn’t, what then? “Handcuffs?”
    “Do you always rush into danger?”
    Her pulse missed a beat. “Is that what I’m doing?”
    “Yeah. Consider yourself warned.”
    Was that a statement or a dare? She shivered, and not from the cold, but rather