Page 37 of This Baby Business
“But I don’t like lying. You should know that about me. From now on, we’re going to have to be completely honest with each other. Get that?” Both hands slid down my arms and tightened. “Even if we’re not honest with anyone else.”
I nodded, somewhat shaky but this time because he stood so close. His sensual lips were inches away from mine. They would be warm on my mouth.
“I promise. No more lies.”
“Now, what do you want to do about this fake engagement you got me into?”
“No one else has to know.”
“Asecretfake engagement?”
“The Lanes are only here for a month. How hard can it be to keep it under wraps for a few weeks?”
“So they’re the only people we’re lying to? The Lanes?”
I nodded slowly. “I think it could work.”
“This is a small town.”
“If we’re careful, no one else has to know. Or find out.”
“I don’t know.” Levi’s heated gaze lowered to my lips. “I still don’t like it. I’m not looking for a relationship right now, and suddenly I’m engaged.”
“Well, what makes you think I want a relationship? Maybe you haven’t thought about how hard this is going to be forme.”
“Yeah?”
My palms flattened against his hard chest. “You’re not exactly the easiest person in the world to get along with.”
He stepped back, lips twitching, and hooked a thumb to his chest. “Me? Why? What’s wrong withme?”
“First, you’re irritatingly punctual. Second, you throw Grace up in the air too high. I haven’t wanted to say anything before today, and I’m sorry, but it’s true. Third, you’re way too bossy.” I crossed my arms while I tried to think of more items to add to my list.
But the facts were I didn’t know him well enough to list all of his faults, of which I felt certain there were many. And another thing:I can never tell what you’re thinking. Or feeling. Or whether you feel anything at all.
“First. I was in the military so sue me if it’s still important to be on time. A hard habit to break. Second, Grace likes the throwing and I’m not going to drop her. Ever. Third, yes, I’m bossy, and I think you might like it sometimes.”
I drew in a sharp breath and went all marshmallow melty inside. “I—I don’t think so.”
He tugged me in so that my whole body went flush against his. Breasts brushed up against rock-hard pecs. Liquid legs meeting his longer ones. His hand on my behind.
“I do. You might like it when I order you to come.”
“Ha! Sorry, but I like to handle that sort of thing myself.” Too late, I realized what that sounded like. As if I drove solo all the time.
He grinned. “Give me a minute while I picture that.”
My face flushed, and I cleared my throat. “I mean, I will decide how, where and when I…you know.”
“Who’s bossy now?”
Hot damn, I was kind of bossy around him. I didn’t know why or how, but I kind of liked it. “When it comes to my body.”
“Now, would you like to know what’s wrong with you?” he asked, a too-wicked glint in his gaze.
“Not really,” I managed to squeak out. I had a rather long list of my own and didn’t particularly want to add to it.
“First, you’re afraid of me.” He tugged on a lock of my hair. “Second, you’re too emotional. Someone is going to take advantage of that. It won’t be me. Third, you’re a liar.”
