Page 76 of His Addiction
“Okay. Then it’s not a date. Just two people eating food and talking,” he insisted, his smile more playful than ever. “We can talk shit together, right?”
Shannon shook her head, keeping her gaze low, knowing full well that if she looked him in the eye, she’d give in.
“Best not.” She shrugged. “I’ve got so much on right now. Working on the yard and at Coffee Kicks takes up all my time.”
An infuriating, confident grin tugged at his lips. Those damn lips and that sexy dimple had her chest full of flutters again.
“It’s just food.”
Her rules had a purpose—work hard, stay dedicated, and one day she’d have enough cash to buy Trixie. And nothing would get in her way.
“Like I said?—”
“You need to eat, don’t you?” He ran a hand through his hair. “Or do you survive on fresh air and horse hair?”
His eyebrows lifted in challenge, amusement dancing in his eyes, as that cocky, irresistible grin spread across his face.
She clucked her tongue and smirked. “Don’t be an asshole.”
“Would you have dinner with me if I wasn’t an asshole?” He pulled up his boxers.
A flicker of dread flooded her. The thought of never seeing him again stung more than she wanted to admit.
“Jamie.” She shelved her hands on her hips. “I start work early every morning.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty.” He took a step closer, his fingers tilting her chin up, locking his dark, suggestive stare with hers. “We’ll eat and then I’ll drop you home.”
Her palms pressed against his solid chest, drawn to his heat but leaving just enough space for her mind to catch up. Tilting her head back, she sighed and pretended to be unphased by him.
Shannon wanted to push him away, wanted to keep her life in order, but the pull to him was so damn strong. She couldn’t afford to be distracted now.
Not when she had plans that didn’t include men like him. But why did he make her feel so god damn needy?
“Let’s see how I get on,” she said, her voice softer, but still holding firm.
“So, that’s a yes?”
“It’s a maybe.”
Jamie chuckled, low and knowing. “It’s a fucking yes, Shannon.”
He dipped his face to hers and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple in a gesture that was almost too tender for a dominant man like him.
“I need to get dressed now.” Shannon brushed past him, her body tingling. “How about you text me on Friday to confirm? I’ll let you know if I can make it at that point.”
“Right.” Jamie leaned in a fraction, his grin widening as he spoke, his voice smooth and commanding. “I don’tneed confirmation, Shannon. I’ll pick you up, and we’ll enjoy dinner, whether you’re ready or not.”
His tone left no room for argument, though the charm never left his eyes.
Her gaze dropped, lingering on the red fabric that stretched across his hips. The bold colour caught her off guard, and she couldn’t help but notice how well they fit him.
“Nice boxers,” she said, folding her arms in an attempt to mirror his casual stance, though her tone was more amused than serious. “They’re as bold as you are. Seems like even your underwear craves attention.”
“You want to wear them today?” He smirked. “They’d be comfy when you’re riding Trixie again.”
Heat swept up her neck. “That’ll be a no.”
“Come on, love. Wear them today,” he coaxed, his voice dropping to a playful yet commanding tone.
