By the time we get through the four showrooms, Dmitri's trunk is full. We stop at a cafe for a late lunch. "Where are we taking everything, kotik? My place or your brother's house?"

My heart hammers in my chest. "I'm probably going to be working all night getting things together. I know you wanted to order materials today. I'm sorry I haven't given you any recommendations yet."

Dmitri picks up my hand and traces the lines in my palm. "It wasn't realistic of me to expect that. We have time."

"We do?"

He grins. "A few days, max."

"No pressure," I mumble.

He checks me out, and my body aches. I should be used to his ogling by now, but it only makes me hotter. He drags his finger down my arm to my elbow and back up, accelerating the pounding of my blood. "Why don't you work at my place?"

Heat flies into my cheeks. "I'm going to need a few days, not a few hours."

A smug expression fills his face. "I'll stop at Vivian's, and you can pack a bag."

I bite on my lip.

He moves his chair closer and puts his arm around me. "I want you in my bed. Do you want to be?"

"What if I disappoint you?" I blurt out then cover my face in embarrassment.

He removes my hands. "How would that be possible?"

I turn away.

In a low voice, he asks, "When did you last sleep with him?"

"Why?" I ask, focusing on the rain hitting the pavement outside.

"When I ask a question, I want answers. Just like if you ask me something, I will tell you."

"The beginning of the year. But I'm pretty sure he was with several women since then," I mutter.

"Your ex is a fool."

Maybe I'm bad in bed.It's the thought that's plagued me for almost a year. I tried so hard to please Mitch, but nothing worked. The more I tried, the more he rejected me.

Dmitri makes me look at him again. "You should not put up with that, kotik. A man who goes looking for other women when he has you and doesn't worship you, is not a real man. He's definitely not the one for you."

"What about your girlfriends?"

Dmitri scowls.

Why can't I shut my mouth?

"Let's get something straight. I am not your ex. I don't go looking for others when I am with a woman. Cowards cheat. I am not one."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." I shut my eyes.Why do I have to ruin everything?

His lips brush against mine, and he parts my mouth open with his tongue.

I respond to him, kissing him back with everything I have until the waitress clears her throat and puts our food down. "Do you need anything else?"

He pulls away, doesn't look at her, and continues to stare at me while I try to catch my breath. "Thank you. We're good."

She walks away.