Page 36 of Just the Wrong Twin

“You’re bad.”

“Nope. The consensus issweet.”

She studied him, her gaze bright. “If you stay, I promise no emotional downloads or heartfelt confessions.” She kissed her fingertips and touched them to her heart.

Nate was surprised by how badly he wanted to hear that download.

Nobody could mess him up like Sonia, that was for sure.

“Then why the invite?” he asked

“I’d worry about you driving late.” She smiled. “That’s what friends do, isn’t it? Look out for each other?”

Friends. A good choice of word and not an accidental one. It had been chosen to reassure him and it had worked. Nate nodded. He could live with being friends. And staying would be a lot better than driving at night, or sitting in a hotel room watching a movie alone—even if his curiosity wasn’t satisfied.

“They listen, too,” he reminded her.

Sonia nodded. “I know. But it was so good. I was really enjoying myself and your company. I don’t want this to be the closing note since we probably won’t see each other again.”

“Me neither,” he said. “Although I have to wonder if you’re just trying to avoid paying up,” he teased.

Sonia went to her purse, pulling a ten from her wallet and handing it to him. That meant she was only a step away, close enough that he could smell her body lotion. It made him remember the taste of her skin and the feel of him against her. His gaze dropped to her mouth and he thought about kissing her one last time.

He should have taken the money and run.

But Nate didn’t.

He stepped closer and Sonia didn’t retreat.

“Double or nothing,” he said, reaching for her.

“What do you mean?”

“I know one good way to get the mood back.” Nate put his arm around her waist, placing the container on the counter. Sonia nestled close, smiling up at him. “I’m wondering if I can convince you to make that sound again.”

She blushed and stuffed the bill into the back pocket of his jeans. “Or we could finish the wine.”

Nate didn’t actually care what they did. He wasn’t going to acknowledge his own urge to defend her, in case Katia or some other trouble showed up. Another glass—or two—of wine with Sonia and some sleep was a practical choice, whether there was more sex or not. Another half a dozen of those bone-melting kisses wouldn’t be a bad thing either.

The bottom line was that Nate didn’t have it in him to walk out the door and leave her alone when he knew she wanted his company.

Call it a weakness.

He was in.

“I should check the car first,” he said, watching Sonia’s eyes light with pleasure. “Is that a legal overnight parking spot?”

* * *

Nate would stay the night.

Sonia was so glad. She wanted to get back to that celebratory mood and go their separate ways on a high note. She knew she’d remember this night forever. The last thing she wanted to think about was Katia and some fabricated crisis. If anything hit the fan in future, she’d deal with it then.

Tonight, there was Nate—and maybe another orgasm.

Just because they were friends didn’t mean there couldn’t be more benefits.

Once had become one night, which might include one morning. It was all good, and Sonia would have no further expectations. It was just sex—great sex, but no more than that. She’d almost messed it up by mentioning her past, but she wouldn’t do that again.

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