Page 69 of The Reluctant Hero

“Nope,” I reply firmly and grab the back of his head to make it a real kiss.

The surprise transfers to him as my lips hit his with a little force. I’m proud of the fact that I don’t wait for him to take control. I slip my tongue past his parted lips like I’m on a mission.

My brain is screaming at me that this is a mistake.

My vagina is saying so what?

He seems to snap awake with a vengeance. His tongue twirls around mine, trying to draw me in deeper. He leans into me so hard I’m plastered against the seat. Fingers slip into my hair near my scalp and grip to pull my head back. The slight sting of pain barely registers. My body is a livewire, and I’m ready to throw him to the ground.

“At work,” he mutters, pulling away to fall into his seat.

“Uh, get back here,” I grit out, reaching for his collar.

His hand snaps out, gripping my wrist before I can reach him. I hope he’s not that fast in everything.

“I want this. You have to know it,” he gestures down to the erection trapped underneath denim.

I’m stuck staring at it now that he’s made it obvious.

“But there’s a lot to get through first,” he tilts his head, forcing me to refocus.

My lower half takes a backseat at his serious tone. My brain takes back over as I narrow my eyes.

I thought he was determined to make me his girl. Why the hesitance now? It’s more than a little suspicious.

“There’s a few twists to gettin’ with me, and I’d like to be honest.”

That sounds like anhonestcop-out. It brings up a lot of insecurities. I glance away and shove the other half of the sandwich to him.

“Fill your mouth with something,” I glare and focus on eating.

I’m not going to embarrass myself by asking questions. He’ll either feed me more bullshit or dodge. That’s normally how this goes.

He looks frustrated as he picks up the sandwich but stays quiet as we eat.

It’s awkward as hell.

Cade

I stand at the back of the room, flirting with the hostess and any woman close by. It keeps Blake from noticing that I’m watching him like a hawk.

I don’t like him. Nothing about him screams good guy being cheated by his wife. Yet, that’s what he’s trying to sell.

This asshole is a scumbag. All the worst parts of a used car salesman combined with a handsome face.

I’d rather eat a razor blade than stay for this.

The more he talks, the more I want to cut his damn head off. Thank God Ace stayed behind.

Then again, he’s getting one-on-one time with Amanda. I might be getting the information, but I’m not having any of the fun.

When is she going to notice me? Other than glaring and calling me a dick. How do I make amends when she sets me on fire with her eyes?

I’m regretting the manipulation approach, just like Jake said I would.

As if he can read my mind, Jake glances at me with a wide, innocent smile.

Fuck him and his I told you so.

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