Page 35 of Moonstruck Kiss

“What are you thinking?”I ask.

“If you must know,” Joey says with a theatrical sigh, “I’m considering if it’s a good idea to act on our attraction for each other. I’ll just be lying if I don’t admit to that. But it’s not an easy decision.”

Suddenly, I’m nervous. Are we on the same page here?

I clear my throat.“Joey, um, I heard you talk to Emory about a fling only. You’re not thinking about anything more than that, are you?”

She stops her pacing to stare at me before bursting into laughter.“You think I’m considering you as a long-term proposition?”

Relief flows through me at her reaction.“Well, you seem to be tossing so many arguments in your head for something that’s just casual.”

She drops on one of the chairs scattered about.“I think we should just forget it. Forget what you heard me say.”

“Why? I’m discreet, I’m not gonna be an emotional clinger, and I’m gonna give you so many toe-curling orgasms that you’ll regret not starting our fling earlier.”

A disbelieving laugh comes out of her throat.“I don’t think so.”

“Iknowso on all counts.”

“Cocky again, are you?”

“Because I have reason to be.”

“So confident.”

“Want me to prove it?”I tease.

Joey bites her lip, contemplating for a long moment. Then she shakes her head. “Even forgetting about our history, I don’t see how it’s a good idea. If I’m gonna have a fling, I’d rather it’s with someone who doesn’t present…complications.”

“Complications?”

“Yeah. You’re practically a Mooner, albeit temporarily. I’m not looking to fool around with someone who’s from around here. Too complicated.”

“But I’m not from around here. I live in Manhattan and I’m going home in three weeks.”

“Your child is my student.”

I lift both shoulders. “Same argument. He lives in Manhattan and is going home in three weeks.”

“Our parents are good friends, our families do business together, and most important of all, there is a lot of attention on you in this town. They see us together and tongues will wag. I’d rather not have to explain anything. Sorry, but as much as I do think you’re hot, it’s a no for me.”

My lungs expand with disappointment. I understand where she’s coming from, though. Just a couple of days ago, she hated my guts. I can’t possibly expect us to go from enemies to lovers in such a short time frame?—

Well, a part of me disagrees with that. I know that in my case, she pushed my buttons so hard because I was so captivated by someone who irritated the hell out of me. Now that we’ve more or less kissed and made up, only the attraction remains. And, hell, it’s blazing like wildfire.

“Hey,” Joey says, “even though we won’t have a fling, I’m sure we’ll end up being good friends by the time you and Ollie have to go home. So, mate,” she stands and pats my shoulder, “let’s get to work, shall we? There’s heaps to do.”

As Joey gives me instructions on how she wants the barn set up, one thought looms large in my mind.

I have three weeks to convince her that having a fling with me is not a bad idea. It’s not only in my career that I have dogged determination?—

Oh, fuck. I just remembered the upcoming contract with Teews.

She’s right. It’s too damn complicated.

“But you know what, Slick?” Joey gives me a coy smile as she sashays to me and hands me a long-sticked broom.

“What?” I ask, captivated yet again by everything about her.

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