Page 65 of From London, With Love

“No,” I say again, with little conviction.?

“I know because I watched your breath hitch in your throat just then when our hands touched, and I felt the heat radiating off you. I know because your voice is doing that thing it did last night when I had you repeat those four words to me. I know because?—”

“Okay, okay, I get it.” It’s still baffling how full of himself this man is. I can’t fault him on his observational skills though, unfortunately those are finely fucking tuned.

“Look, at the risk of sounding arrogant, it wasn’t exactly rocket science to figure out what you needed last night. But apparently that’s a lot more than the men in Australia can say. I’m merely offering a simple way for you to understand what you like and need in order to get the most out of sex.”

I contemplate this for a moment. As annoying as it is, Carter’s not wrong. He did have me figured out far quicker than anyone else I’ve been with, and certainly far quicker than my ex.

Even so, he must have some sort of ulterior motive. The man could, and does, get any woman he wants. Why me?

“What’s in it for you?”?

“I get to taste you again.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.” Carter leans further over the centre console and snakes one hand along my jaw. “You’re delectable, and it’s addictive. I’d go down on you right now if you’d let me.”

My thighs clench. Is it awful I’m considering his offer? God, ofcourseit is.?

“Carter, you’re my boss. I can’t imagine HR being too thrilled if they found out.”

“I own the company, love. Who’s going to tell me no?”

“You really are a dick.”

“Is that a yes?”

“I really don’t think it’s a good idea.” I’m lying through my teeth. The more I think about it and replay last night’s orgasm, the more I want to say yes. “I live with your sister, remember? I can’t imagine she’d take this well.”

“You what?” He looks as though he’s been slapped, mouth agape, eyes wide.

“I live with Mia. And Harper. I figured you knew, but I’ll take your stunned mullet expression as a hard no.”

One brow raises dangerously high, the space between them furrowing deeply. “I haven’t the slightest idea what you just said, but no. I didnotknow that.”

I slap a hand over my mouth to stifle the sharp laugh, but I’m not fast enough to hide it from him. “Sorry, cultural differences and whatnot.”

This makes him smile, even if it resembles more of a smirk than anything. “I’d hardly claim cultural differences when it’s England and Australia. But in relation to your living arrangements, I’m not concerned. Why would she need to know?”

“She’s one of my best friends; there’s no way she wouldn’t find out. I don’t keep things from her or Harper.”

“She’ll probably find it a little strange to begin with, but I think you need to give Emmy a little more credit. She’s incredibly open-minded.”

It’s still so strange hearing Mia referred to as anything but Mia. I’m not doubting he knows his sister, probably better than I do, but he didn’t see how the conversation went the other night.

“It’s not that I don’t think she’s open-minded enough. I think it’s a super weird situation to put her in.”

Carter grabs my hand, cupping it between both of his. “Look, I completely understand where you’re coming from. Idon’t doubt that eventually she’ll come around to the idea of us, but it’ll be weird for her for a little bit. But right now, this isn’t about her. It’s about you, and whether this is something you want.”

Man, that was a solid speech. I’m running out of reasons to say no.

“It’s notnotsomething I want.” I attempt to pull my hand away, feeling shy, but Carter tightens his hold. “Plus, it would be purely physical. It’s just sex. It’s not as though we’re a couple.”

“I didn’t know you had such a dirty mouth. I’ll have to explore that more next time.”

I give him a stern look, brows knitting together. “Hey, I haven’t agreed to your insanity yet.”

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