Page 57 of Charming Deception

I’m focused only on her, and my heart is beating harder than it should in any mere business negotiation. I’m tense, hyperaware of her every reaction.

“No. We aren’t,” I agree. “I’ll tell you upfront that I’m not going to fall in love. It’s not what I do.”

She stares at me, and it unnerves me.

“Come home with me tonight,” I practically growl. “Then decide.” The words fall out of my mouth, hot with all the lust I feel for her.

Her gorgeous amber eyes go wide in the candlelight, and I know I should’ve worded that differently.

Really need to tamp that down.

Cole wants her home with us. I need to bring her home. Graysen wants this engagement.

I’m just trying to focus on those facts.

But I realize there’s a slight possibility I’m not thinking straight.

I haven’t had that much wine.

But there’s something about Megan that makes me question my own motives. And I don’t do that.

It’s highly confusing. Disorienting.

Maybe I’m slightly intoxicated from staring at her all night?

Is that a thing? Because it sure as fuck feels like it.

“No.” She shakes her head slowly. “I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Won’t.” She tips her chin up a little, flashing that defiant look that makes me want to drag her over my knee. “You’re a terrible distraction, Jameson Vance. But I have some pride. And I’ll be okay.”

“You deserve better than okay,” I growl.

We stare at each other for long moments as my heart pounds.

A terrible distraction.

What, exactly, does that mean?

I’m not totally sure, and it’s making my dick hard.

Finally, she sighs almost under her breath. “I should probably say yes.” She sounds strangely sad about it when she adds, “But my answer is no.”

She says it like this is some kind of ending.

But she just doesn’t know me well enough to know that this isn’t over yet.

Chapter 13

Megan

You’d think telling him no three times in one day would mean something.

I quit. I’m not coming back. My answer is no.

But Jameson just studies me across the table, with that look on his face like I’m some problem yet to solve. He even waves the waiter away with a brush of his hand when he tries to check on us.

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