Page 13 of Hold a Candle

Pauley didn’t knowwhat to think in that particular moment. Jamie’s words brought about all sorts of ideas she shouldn’t be thinking about. Primarily, about her‘unusual’requirements in a man this time around. She didn’t intend to be shy about what she wanted, nor did she intend to cast herpearls before swine, as it were. Was it too much to ask for someone who would just appreciate her private needs and not take advantage of her?

She was experienced enough to know the sexy, silver gentleman, and he was actually a gentleman, was hitting on her. The question was why. Not that she was questioning her ability to attract the male species. No, it was their motives that were always in question. What was he looking for? A one-night stand? Friends with benefits? Was he financially unstable and looking for a free ride? Or perhaps the most common one, a new live-in maid, cook, and underdrawers washer? The possibilities were endless, of course.

“Be careful what ye ask for,” she murmured with a smirk. “Ye might not like what ye get.”

“I’ll take my chances, lass,” he assured her, a smug expression on his handsome face.

She paused for dramatic effect, then she sprung a test on him. “Ye know, I do have a temper. I can put ye on yer arse if ye piss me off.”

He slowly unfolded his arms and leaned across the table, his eyes piercing as he accepted her challenge. “Make no mistake, my wee firebrand. I can just as easily put ye over my knee and light a fire on yer arse if I have to. With no regrets,” he promised.

Pauley gulped, trying to hide the intense pleasure his words inspired in the core of her being. She’d be darned if her panties weren’t feeling damp and her nipples weren’t suddenly tensing with glee. The traitorous flush creeping up her neck would squeal the affect his words had on her, but hopefully he’d put it down to her temper.

“Dominant, much?” she mocked, her fingers trembling with the death grip on her coffee cup. “Is that why yer first wife left ye?” She didn’t know anything about his past, but this was one way to find out. Maybe he was an abuser in the relationship.

“If ye want to know about my wife, just ask,” he replied in amusement. “Getting snarky with me isn’t necessary. Unless yer just looking for a spanking,” he added, cocking his head to one side as if he could read her motives.

Pauley gasped, but it wasn’t in outrage, although she desperately attempted to make it look that way. She had to grip her legs together and stifle the moan that tried to claw its way out of her throat. Throwing caution to the winds, she finally snapped. “Okay, I’m asking.”

He watched her for a few seconds, those knowing eyes seeming to probe her innermost thoughts. Then he spoke and she felt like a complete heel.

“My wife died of cancer three years ago,” he explained. “I loved her, and I’ve missed her every day since then. And no, we weren’t on the verge of divorce in case that’s yer next question. But Rhonda is gone now, and for the first time since she died, I’ve met a woman who interests me. That’s ye, Pauley MacBride.” He leaned forward for emphasis. “And I’m giving ye fair warning, firebrand, when I want something, I don’t give up easily. But if ye can say ye truly aren’t interested in getting to know me too, then I’ll quit before I’m too invested. Because I will never push myself on a woman who doesn’t want me.”

Pauley was interested, she just didn’t want to make it too easy for him. “So, in spite of yer words, ye do give up easily,” she mocked. “I can walk away right now and never have to see ye again?”

He grinned. “Only if ye can say ye aren’t interested—without it being a lie.”

Pauley opened her mouth to snark the words, then closed it again. Fuming, she glared at him. She could easily lie and make it convincing, but why? Just to win? In winning, she would ultimately be losing because she could tell hewouldjust walk away. He appeared to be a man of his word.

Biting her lip, she studied him, her mind ticking. The desire to have the last word was strong, but so was the desire to lean in close and feel his strength. She would dearly love a strong, honest, Scottish highlander to fulfill all her inner desires. Was Jamie this man?

“There’s a long stretch of road between interest and trust, Jamie,” she finally drawled. “If yer willing to chase me down that road, I’m willing to run for a while.”

Jamie chuckled. “Best put yer running shoes on, lass.”

She nodded warily, cleared her throat, and glanced at her watch. “I need to get home for that discussion with Luca.”

“Would ye like me to come with ye?” Jamie offered.

She frowned. “I’m no sure that’s a good idea just yet. Why don’t ye talk to Lucerne and Darro and feel them out before I say anything to Luca. He does love animals, so he might even be interested. At least until the danger seems to be past.”

“Aye, I understand. I’ll talk to them tonight,” he promised, his hand on her back as he escorted her through the door and outside of the pub.

Her skin tingled and felt warm where his hand rested just above the swell of her hips, although the autumn breeze was chilly in the late afternoon. She was surprised when he walked her to her car instead of splitting off and going to his. Even more so when he opened the door after she hit the unlock on her key fob.

“I’ll call ye later on tonight,” Jamie told her, holding the door open as she slid inside out of the wind.

Her eyebrow arched. “Ye sure about that? I’ve no given ye my private phone number.”

He smiled down at her, his eyes dancing. “This is where ye say ye’ll send me a text. I have yer number at work, and as conscientious as ye are, I’m sure ye check yer messages. Or I could sic Angus and the Sinh on ye. It would be faster though, if ye just sent it to me.”

Pauley couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ll just do that then, as soon as I get a minute.”

His eyebrow shot up. “Don’t keep me waiting too long, I might have to come after it. And drive careful, lass.” He closed the door and turned to stride away before she could retort back.

Pauley shook her head. Dominant and bossy. Clearly the man was deliciously arrogant, and she was already falling under his influence. She’d have to be careful with Mr. MacNamara or he might just steal a piece of her heart that she’d never get back.

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