Page 62 of Mr. Dangerous

"Mm hmm." I wanted to believe him, but I wasn't sure I did. Wouldn't a man like him want a beautiful, polished woman on his arm, if we ever left this littlebubble?

He tilted his head at me curiously, but before he could say anything else I moved toward the doorway. "We had better gogetLiam."

"He's not going anywhere," Rob promised, reaching out to catchmyhand.

I lifted my hands up to my shoulders, palms out, wanting to signal that his touch wasn't welcome. But I tried to put a smile into my voice. "You are such a mean olderbrother."

"Can't ruin the family dynamics now. He'd be disappointed." He followed me toward the door. "Is there somethingwrong?"

"No,"Isaid.

"Uh huh," he said. "I have pretty extensive training on reading people, and you seem like there's somethingwrong."

"I'mfine."

As they reached the top of the stairs, he said, "You can change my sheets every day if you want. You can make me breakfast, too. I want you to behappy."

"You've gotjokes."

"That time you definitelyrolledyoureyes."

I was fiercely aware of him as he followed me down the stairs, the lithe way he moved that tall, broad-shouldered body. I was also unfortunately aware of how stiff and awkward my gait was. I could have sworn I felt his eyes on me, continuing to read more than I wanted totellhim.

"We have that nice long ride in the car. I'll get it out of you." His voice was low, sexy,amused.

I reached the bottom of the stairs and started across the floor, my sneakers squeaking onthewood.

"Naomi." His voice was soft but commanding, and all the irritation I felt— and the real, old hurt— flared into stark relief at that tone. He was so sure of himself. So sureofme.

Iwhirled. "What?"

"You are mad," he said, closing the distance between us again, looming over me with his spicy scent and his gorgeous body, as if he knew what he did to me. "What is it? What didIdo?"

"Nothing," I said. "You're just aDelaney."

His brows drew together, and I was surprised by the anger those flippant words seemed to draw. "You're going to have to break that one downforme.”

I hesitated. Maybe I owed him an explanation. Maybe an apology. Maybe I should let him be mad, make him show some emotion beside lust and self-confidence.

He quirked an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chiseled chest. “Naomi.”

"Like that," I said, indicating his posture even as I took a step back. "Thinking you have the right to an answer. To say my namelikethat."

"Like what?" He scoffed. "I hate to break it to you, but Delaney or not, I'd ask what you meant. You said something that sure soundedobnoxious."

"All right, whatever. I don't want tofight."

"I don't want to fight either, but I want anexplanation."

"It didn't mean anything." I tried to smile, wanting him to stop looking at me in thatdangerousway.

“I should spank your ass until you tell me,” he said, his voice a low, sexy growl, and I felt myself go a little weak in the knees. I would have to sort out later if that was even something I wanted. But the thrum through my core saidyesplease.

I crossed my arms over my chest, mirroring his posture. Yes please, but not today. "I wasteasing."

He did not look impressed. "What is it, exactly, that makes me just aDelaney?"

"You leave your towels on the floor," Iaccused.

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