Page 309 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

“How do you always know the right things to say?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

He shrugged. “Observation . . . and time. I can educate you on those qualities. Or anything you’re curious about.” A wicked smile formed on his lips, and several sexual scenarios popped into my head.

My face heated. “I’m sure you can.” When he took out a tray with an assortment of already sliced vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, I offered, “Let me help you with those.” My offer reminded me of his proposal to help firm my mid-section.

“Sounds good.” He tossed me a smaller apron with an artwork of various cartoon knives with the message: The Finest Cut.

“We’re making our own pizza for dinner.” He placed a pile of dough on a plate.

“I thought you didn’t cook.” I watched him knead the dough.

“This isn’t cooking. I wanted to make something with you. So pizza it is.”

I piled one pizza with cheese, mushrooms, spinach, and green peppers. The second pizza had a combination of meat and vegetables.

He leaned over to peek at my creation. “Yours looks prettier than mine.”

“That’s because I like to arrange things. Like how I arrange flowers.”

“It’s all gonna be one big mess in my tummy anyway.” He showed off his two pizzas piled with meat and vegetables.

Kain put the pizzas onto a rack in the oven. He opened a bottle of red wine and poured each of us a glass. He tipped his glass to mine. “To new beginnings.”

“Yes.” I sipped as I debated whether I should ask him the question that floated in my head or not. Why not, right? I was in his home having a second date with him. If I wanted this relationship to go any further, I had to be honest. I had to get all the doubts off my chest.

I took another sip of wine for courage and blurted out, “Why do you want to be with me?” The wine warmed my throat and tummy, settling my nerves.

Kain put his wineglass on the counter and tipped my chin up. “What kind of question is that? You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. When I first saw you, I wanted you. I’ve never believed in that kind of thing. You know, love at first sight. But when I saw you, a powerful emotion gripped me.” Warmth bloomed as he cupped my face. “It got stronger every time we were together. I guess you fulfill me in a way no one else can. It’s hard to explain.”

I pursed my lips. “You’re a wealthy and handsome man. Women would line up to be with you.”

“They do.” He shrugged.

At first, I thought his reply came from an inflated ego, but it was more of a casual statement that didn’t want recognition or approval. The serious expression on his face held my gaze, making my heart jump with excitement and anticipation.

“They don’t have the pull that you do. I’m not interested in them. I want you.”

Of all the choices he had available to him, he chose me. For some stupid reason, the comparison to his cars popped into my mind. I wasn’t an accessory, though. A car could be replaced, and I was irreplaceable. I had more self-worth than a machine. Did he see me like his prized cars? Or was I worth more?

I had been working on myself long enough to know where I stood. Where did I stand with Kain?

“You’re a confident man who knows what he wants.” I touched his dimple and ran my fingers over the stubble on his chin. “And I’m a confident woman who knows what she wants.” Courage sparked in me. “Am I worth more than your Maserati or Porsche, Killer Move?” I gestured to his apron. My statement was edged with sarcasm and truth. But he wouldn’t know which one I really meant, would he?

“Way more. There are many cars at the dealership. But there’s only one of you.”

His eyes flashed with desire, lust, and all the delicious ingredients that aroused me. I slid off my stool and came to stand between his legs. There was something very sexy about a man wearing an apron. I untied his strings and stripped the apron from him. He did the same with mine.

Kain wrapped both arms around my waist, yanking me to him. His palms landed on my buttocks, kneading. Fully aware of those powerful hands, I steadied my breathing. His intense eyes drew me closer, like there was a secret world in his eyes he wanted to show me. Only me.

Squeezing my ass, his mouth crashed to mine, taking and taking. This wasn’t the gentle kiss we shared before. This was power, urgency, and possessiveness all stirred together. Tingles ran up and down my spine. I moaned, and his tongue swept in, claiming mine. Our tongues sparred—and I surrendered to him, falling into his embrace, allowing his hands to do whatever they wanted. His talented hands stimulated my every nerve.

He gathered up my dress, discovering my body. Heat sparked wherever he touched me. “I’m having you tonight.” He dropped kisses down the column of my neck and settled in the valley of my shoulder. I leaned to the side, giving him more access.

I loved the way his stubble tickled and tantalized at the same time. “I guess pizza will have to wait.”

At the mention of it, the timer on the oven beeped. Kain cursed. “Be right back. Don’t move.”

He turned off the oven, took out the hot tray with an oven mitt, and tossed it on the countertop by the oven. Then he whirled back to me and yanked off his knit top.

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