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and the woman holding his hand had his body revved into overdrive. He hadn’t been this aroused in... Well, ever.
    The throbbing in his slacks made him want to shout his elation to the heavens. It had been months since he’d been with a woman. Even then he’d never dated a lady anywhere near as sexy as the exotic dark-eyed beauty before him. Why would a woman so beautiful bid on a man at an auction? More than that, why was she single at all?
    “Would you like to get a drink at the bar in the ballroom and take a stroll in the garden?”
    Sharon’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts and brought him back to the present.
    “I would love to. Please, lead the way.” He and Rizzo followed her to the ballroom, never taking his hand from the small of her back. He couldn’t help it. He had to touch her.

Chapter 4
     
     
    The bartender greeted them with a smile, seemingly relieved to have something to do. “What can I get for you?”
    Mark gazed at Sharon. “What would you like?”
    “I’ve already had champagne, so I think I’ll avoid mixed drinks.” She turned to the bartender and asked, “Do you have white wine?”
    “I do. I have Chardonnay, Pinot grigio, Sauvignon blanc, and my personal favorite, Riesling.”
    Mark watched as Sharon gave the bartender one of her heart-stopping smiles. “Riesling, it is.”
    His inner macho man bristled, which shocked him. Don’t be a jackass. She smiled at him. So what. Don’t be one of those controlling idiots who act stupid every time his lady smiles at another man. Uncertainty pushed its way into his mind, and he pushed back. His therapist would be proud.
    His lady, he liked the sound of that.
    “And you, sir? What can I get for you?”
    “I will take a Riesling, as well.”
    Mark’s heart stuttered when Sharon took his hand and smiled up at him as the bartender busied himself pouring wine. See, her smile meant nothing. She wasn’t flirting with the bartender. His reaction was completely out of character for him. Maybe it was the insecurities he’d developed since losing his leg? Whatever it was he was nipping that behavior in the bud.
    Mark looped Rizzo’s leash over his arm to free up his hands. He handed one glass to Sharon and took the other. He couldn’t wait to get her alone in the garden. As he opened the patio door for her, he saw arousal flare in her eyes. It was apparent, she not only found him attractive, but also appreciated his gentlemanly manners. Opening a door for a woman, or pulling out her chair at the table, could be like walking through a field of landmines. Many modern women were offended by his southern, old school manners. He was pleased Sharon wasn’t one of those women.
    The sweet, yet, citrusy perfume of blooming magnolia trees floated toward them on a warm balmy breeze. Mark, with Rizzo as his shadow, followed Sharon into the night and smiled to himself. This incredible woman was as interested in him as he was in her. That was definitely a good start. Thank god, Rizzo was trained to stay by his side leash or no, because he wasn’t paying one iota of attention to maintaining his dog.
    She looked at him seductively over her shoulder and extended her hand. It was in that moment he realized he was experiencing the cliché of love at first sight. Was that even possible? Obviously, it was. He was head over heels for Sharon and they had only spent mere minutes together. He took her hand and prayed she didn’t break his already fragile heart.
    Sharon was thrilled. Not only was Mark handsome, he was a true gentleman. She was so pleased her fated mate was everything she’d ever wanted in an ideal man.
    “Come on, let me show you the wonderful gardens they have hidden back here,” she said as he took her hand. “There is a magnificent fountain further on, and the flowers are beautiful.”
    “Not as beautiful as you.” The tone of his voice made her look at him. His eyes were focused on her, not on the gardens.
    Sharon blushed for the first