Page 18 of Some Like It Hops

My lips twitch on a smile. Griffin focuses on my mouth and the air grows thick between us. I take a step toward him. He’s dangerous as hell and I’d be smart to stay away.

He closes the distance between us quickly, caging me against the wall with his arms. “Let’s go somewhere.”

His tone ignites something deep inside me, and, for a split second, I almost say yes.

His nostrils flare and he licks his bottom lip. I want to sink my teeth into it.

“It’s the middle of the day,” I whisper.

“And?”

“And I barely know you.” It sounds like a bullshit excuse even to my own ears.

His eyes narrow briefly. “Then get to know me.” His gaze flicks back and forth between my eyes. “Spend the afternoon with me.”

I want to. God, do I want to. But I shake my head.

His eyes tighten briefly. “Go out with me Friday night, then.”

I cock one eyebrow. “Was that a demand?”

His eyes close on a long blink, then he leans forward, bringing his face close to mine. Too close. “Pleasego out with me Friday night.” He searches my gaze. “You’re not like any woman I’ve ever met, Charlie. I’d really like it if you’d allow me to take you out on a proper date.” The words are forced through gritted teeth, like he’s either annoyed with having to be less barbaric about his invitation, or…

Or his desire for me is as strong as mine is for him. And getting harder to ignore.

I tilt my head. “You haven’t had enough of me yet?”

“Enough of you?” Griffin slides one hand up my neck, cupping the base of my head. My skin blazes to life, all sensation rushing to meet his palm, and my head tilts back easily, my lips just a fraction away from his. “I’m just getting started.” He leans forward and—

I panic.

“I’ll have to check my schedule.” I quickly duck out from between his arms and rush outside, the warm afternoon sunshine doing nothing to cool the fire in my veins. My belly is tight with want, and it takes everything in me to walk to my car without turning around and running straight into that man’s arms.

But this is Griffin Lane. As much as I might want him, I can’t ignore the blaring truth: he wants me for one thing, and one thing only.

My warehouse.

Chapter Ten

Griffin

I haven’t been able to get her off my mind since we met, but even more so since she left in such a flustered hurry after our too-brief meeting at Fast Lane. Charlie haunts my thoughts, keeping me off task throughout the day, then using that smart mouth creatively in my dreams all night long.

With a frustrated groan, I adjust myself and swivel my chair around to look out over downtown. I’ve been in L.A. most of my life. I’ve fucked centerfolds and actresses, heiresses and influencers, wannabes and has-beens… never in my thirty years has a woman gotten as under my skin as Charlie Harper.

And she hates me.

Or, well, she hates Fast Lane, which is basically me.

But she did finally agree to go out with me again, which means I have a chance of changing her mind. She made quite sure to clarify that tonight isn’t a date, but the chemistry between us is undeniable, and she may be strong, but no one’sthatstrong.

She can call it whatever she wants, but I have the sneaking suspicion we won’t be able to fight the attraction much longer. Then, once I get her out of my system, I can focus on growing Fast Lane again. I haven’t accomplished shit all week, thanks to thoughts of Charlie, and she already cost me that warehouse, so she’s definitely not good for business.

I know she still probably thinks I’m going to try to buy that property from her, and, frankly, I should. It’s a prime location and the potential for expansion is undeniable, but I’ve acquired a lot of things in my life and the excitement of acquisition isn’t nearly what it used to be.

And, it’s got nothing on the way I feel when I’m with Charlie. The way she speaks to me, that easy banter, her smart mouth… she’s got me filled with more anticipation than I’ve felt in years.

I shut down my computer and close the door to my office, then pop into Brad’s. “Hey, buddy, I need your help.”

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