Ah, that was better. Feeling much more in control now that she was covered from neck to shin and it was no longer noticeable that her nipples were erect, she slid from the mattress and stood before him. Even though a respectable six feet separated them, she had to brace her knees to keep from backing up to put more distance between them.

There were dozens of questions she wanted to ask him-about his life, what he’d been doing for the past five years-but a quick glance at the wall clock indicated she had no time to socialize before meeting her client. In fact, she’d have to move if she didn’t want to be late.

“When will the pictures be ready?” she asked, proud that she didn’t sound as breathless as she felt.

“The proofs should be done within a week. I’ll call you when they’re finished.” He rested his hands on his Levi’s-clad hips, and Mallory pretended her peripheral vision wasn’t working. Pretended she didn’t notice how his splayed fingers seemed to point toward his groin. Pretended it wasn’t obvious how great he looked in those jeans, which, based on the fascinating fade patterns, were old favorites. Of course, she’d also seen him wearing a suit and tie and he’d looked mighty fine in that, too. She suppressed a feminine sigh of pure appreciation. He was just that sort of guy-looked great no matter what he wore. Actually, as she well knew, he looked great wearing nothing at all.

“Earth to Mallory…you okay?”

She blinked. “Uh, yeah. Fine.” She took two jerky steps back, toward the dressing room where she’d left her clothes. “I’d better get dressed.” With that she turned and walked swiftly across the room.

After emerging five minutes later, feeling much more in control now that she was fully clothed, her sexy lingerie folded in her shopping bag, she made her way to the front of the studio. Adam stood behind the counter, writing on a pad next to the phone. When her heels clicked on the ceramic-tile floor, he looked up. Their gazes met and Mallory’s footsteps nearly faltered.