Page 24 of Beautiful Distraction

Slowly, he lifts off the sofa, stretching up to his imposingheight. “What do you mean?” He steps closer. I want to run, but instead, I findmyself strangely enthralled by his green gaze, his stunning eyes keeping mecaptured on the spot.

“You wanted us gone,” I say. “Why the sudden change?”

“I’m still torn about this.” He shrugs. “But I knowyou’llchange my mind.”

The abrupt shift in his tone doesn’t escape me. He’s gonefrom broody and serious to mischievous in the blink of an eye. I can’t figurehim out. I can’t keep up with him.

“I won’t do anything to change your mind,” I say.

“Why’s that?” His fingers curl around mine and press themagainst his chest, right where his heart is. His pulse thuds rhythmicallyagainst my fingertips. “I’ve never disappointed.”

His tone is so hoarse and erotic, I feel the urge to jump astep back.

The double meaning in his words is subtle, but there’s nomistaking it.

A few seconds alone and we’re drifting back onto dangerousterritory. My heartbeat speeds up, and excitement courses through me.

I don’t know the guy, but he has this knack of getting undermy skin in a hundred possible ways, when all I want to be is the epitome ofZen.

“So you say,” I mumble under my breath.

“Try me.”

I blink in succession. No one’s ever propositioned me likethis.

It’s so damn hot, I almost say yes.

But only almost.

A one-night stand is not my style. Not because I don’t enjoycasual sex. I just like all the other things that come with a steadyrelationship, like falling asleep in each other’s arms and waking up to a hotsession of morning sex.

For some reason, Mr. Sex On Legs doesn’t strike me as theguy who’d sleep over, and most certainly not someone who’d let you fall asleepcradled in his arms.

“I wouldn’ttryyou if you were the last man onearth,” I hiss, but for some reason, my low voice doesn’t convey the disgustfor cheaters and arrogant jerks I’m trying to go for.

“You’re so ready for me, I could have you panting my name inseconds. I bet you’re soaked down there.”

Who says things like that to a stranger?

I yank my hand from his fingers and push him away, withoutmuch success. “I bet you think being obnoxious is part of your charm.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“There’snothingcharmingabout you.”

“Obviously you haven’t seen me naked yet,” he says.

He’s so arrogant I can’t bear his ego anymore.

He inches just a little bit closer, until I can catch thetantalizing scent of his aftershave. He smells so good I want to wrap my armsaround him, close my eyes and inhale his scent until it’s all that fills mymind…and anything else that needs to be filled.

“Your bedroom’s upstairs. It’s the one with the animal printbedspread.” He leans forward, and for a moment I fear he’ll kiss me. My gaze isglued to his enticing mouth, and my lips part involuntarily, ready to grant himall the access he might want. His lips brush my cheek as they trail their wayto my earlobe, his hot breath making my skin tingle. “It’s also convenientlysituated next to mine. Tonight, when you switch off the lights, I want you toknow that I’m going to be jerking off to your picture in my mind. It won’t bethe first time.”

F.U.C.K!

My air supply is cut off as I stare at him like an idiot.He’s done it before? When? How?

I wish I had the confidence to ask him to let me watch.Instead, I find myself muttering, “You’re such a creep.”

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