Page 17 of Enchanted Hero
She cleared her throat. “Um, yeah. Then I snapped the picture, but I forgot about the mirror. I didn’t realize it showed…”
“You.” The temperature soared to solar levels. “Did you get it all off?”
She resisted the urge to fan herself with her fingers. “My clothing? Wasn’t it obvious?”
“Yes, it was.” His eyes blazed. “I meant the ink.”
Oh. My. Goodness.“Of course.”
“There’s a little on your back.”
“What?” He pointed to a sliver of skin between her skirt and shirt. She looked in the mirror, to a blot of ink she had somehow missed. She rubbed it, but it extended too high to completely reach. “Would you mind helping me?”
What had she asked?
For a moment surprise shone, but fiery satisfaction followed, as he moved forward. She should’vestopped him, yet she couldn’t move, could barely breathe as he splayed his hand on her back, warm and strong and powerful. Though not an intimate spot, the mere contact brought desire deep in her belly, heat and raw need. Somehow his touch was almost familiar. “I think I got it.”
She cleared her throat, fighting the desire threatening to consume her. She couldn’t let him affect her like this. “You need to stop getting so close.”
“Weren’t you the one who asked for help?” She flushed as he inclined his head. “The person who sent the picture?”
Goodness, did he think she meant to send it? “That was a mistake. A horrible, horrible mistake.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course! I know you’re busy with a thousand socialites.” His nostrils flared as she clamped her mouth shut. Why had she said that? Technically, he hadn’t done anything inappropriate. As he pointed out, she’d sent the photograph, asked him to touch her. And now she kept imagininghisnaked body covered in ink.
“I see.” His voice was dark, low. “Did you send that picture to anyone else?”
Did he actually think she would? She shook her head.
“Good. Make sure you don’t. Let’s put it behind us for now.”
For now?She opened her mouth to argue, restrained herself. The best way to move past this would be to agree. But she would not end up his, not physically, not emotionally, not in any way. Of course, she’d said the same thing about her company. He’d stolen that. Would he steal her next?
“You’ll need to work next weekend.”
More time with the disconcerting man?No way.“I’m sorry, but I’m busy.”
He ignored her refusal. “Stone Holdings is one of the main sponsors of the big county fair, and the organizers have invited us to take part. I’ll need you Saturday for the ceremonies and the charity black-tie ball.”
The ridiculous temptation to say yes fired. “As I said, I won’t be able to make it. If it’s any consolation, several million women would happily take my place. I don’t even have a black-tie dress except the one I wore to your ball, and I wouldn’t risk someone recognizing it.”
“I’ll take care of your gown.”
“You want to choose my dress?” She lifted an eyebrow. “You don’t even know my size.”
His gaze penetrated her body. “I know your size.” As heat flared, he stepped closer. “Miss Lacey, are you certain you’re all right?”
“Perfectly fine,” she managed the utter lie. She cleared her throat. “But as I said, I won’t be accompanying you to the fair.”
“So you’re willing to accept the consequences of breaking our contract?”
“Are you serious?” She straightened to her (not so) towering height and pointed a finger at his (oh so) expansive chest. “That is ridiculous, and you know it. My job description does not include working all hours. I will not let you bully me.”
Instead of providing an immediate apology, the man only looked amused. “I’m no bully, but I am in control.”
“No, you’re not,” she snapped. “Why should I go with you?”
