Page 13 of Auction Time
“What are you doing here?” I asked. The words fell from my lips uncontrollably.
This was a public place. Anyone could come here, even him. The man who asked me if I liked the sound of being in his bed wearing nothing but my fiery personality. The damn thought burned my cheeks up all over again.
“Come to see you,” he answered, stepping closer. I stepped backward.
“Why?” I raised my brows.
He turned his smile up a notch. “Well, don’t you have that article to write about me? Thought I’d give you my schedule myself. It would help us catch up.”
“Catch up?”He made that sound like we were old friends.
“Of course, plus I’m still waiting for an answer to my question.” He turned his smile up several notches, bringing out the dimples in full force. “I’m really interested to see what fiery looks like in my bed.”
I glared at him. This was really odd. He’d been hanging around town for the last three months, and sure, there was the article, but there had been no talk of the article the other night. Or, before.
“What’s this sudden interest in me, Cole? Did you wake up one morning and suddenly realize that I exist?”
He chuckled deep and heartily. “Nope, saw you from week one.”
“Week one?”
“Yup, at the cinema with your cheating beloved.” He nodded. “I figured I’d give you time to grieve after that bust-up in the restaurant before I make my move. Couldn’t have you thinking of that asshole while you’re with me. So, here I am.”
I bit down hard on my back teeth, stunned to silence. This was unreal, and I looked at him not knowing what to say to that. I didn’t think I’d ever come across anyone so blasé and blatant. He just spoke whatever was on his mind.
“No.” It was the simplest word to tell him.
“No?Again? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that word so many times in one week. You do realize that’ll just make me want you more, right?”
“Cole, I think you hit your head or something. In fact, I’m gonna say I’m pretty sure you did. Maybe someone hit you with a football, or a truck, but you and me, we aren’t this. We aren’t these people. I am not your type,” I pointed out. It seemed like he’d forgotten.
“I never told you that.” He smirked.
I tensed my jaw to keep the frustration bottled in. “You didn’t have to say it in so many words. Throwing a person out tends to say a lot.” I nodded, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in my voice and my expression.
“You were sixteen. You think I wanted my ass in jail?” He grinned.
That wasn’t the reason why. I’d seen him at school with many girls in my year the same age as me. It was pointless to entertain this madness any longer.
The best thing to do was be polite for the sake of business then walk away.
“Whatever…” I waved my hand, dismissing him. “How about I contact your PA and schedule a proper appointment to meet. The meeting shouldn’t take long. My office is just down the corridor.” I pointed toward the corridor adjacent to us, but he wasn’t looking.
He was looking at me instead. His gaze hadn’t left me.
Now he was shaking his head. “Not here. How about somewhere more casual? ” A cunning smile inched across his sensual lips.
My breath stilled. “Like where?”
“Leave it with me. I have a perfect idea.” A deep chuckle that verged on to menacing fell from his lips and I got that taunting sensation again.
Never could figure him out. He was smiling but I was pretty certain whatever this idea was could never be good.
The smile reminded me of way back when. Usually the smile meant there was something dead in my gym bag, or my locker. It meant Gage might have called him out on something or there was just some damn thing and I’d get the rough end of the stick.
“What is it?” I demanded. This was shit. Me getting so worked up with anxiety.
“You’ll just have to see.” His voice held that air of seduction again. Paralyzing and amplified with the intensity of his stare and those eyes.
