Page 27 of Negotiating Tactics

“I would hope you believe it, because it’s true,” he said.

“And I’m supposed to believe your words?” I said.

“Look down, Alex,” he said, his voice rough.

I did, my gaze tracing his broad shoulders, muscular chest, chiseled stomach, and I couldn’t miss what he meant.

It was right there, nestled behind those track pants, all nine inches of it, I guessed anyway.

I had always been shit at math.

My entire body flushed with heat, but I shrugged. “So, what? You got a hard-on? Congratulations.”

That earned me a little half laugh, but he turned serious again. “Well, now that we’ve established that I do in fact want you…can you explain what that was?”

“We haven’t established anything except you’re capable of achieving an erection. That has nothing to do with me,” I said.

That got me a real smile this time, one that showed another that peek of the dimple hidden by the day’s stubble.

I couldn’t stop myself from imagining the way that stubble would feel against my skin, the scrape of his face against the inside of my thigh…

I looked away quickly, trying to clear my head before I went on. “I doubt it. But if the room’s that important to you, I’ll move my stuff,” I said.

“Alex, this isn’t about the room. Now answer my question,” he said.

I stared up at him again, feeling my brow furrow. “Why are you asking these questions?”

“I like talking to you,” he said.

Something told me there was more there, but I didn’t know what and couldn’t conceive of how to ask.

“You like me? You don’t even know me,” I said.

He tsked, and then stroked his thumb across my lips. “Wait. I didn’t say I like you. I said I like talking to you, and I definitely want to fuck you,” he said.

I laughed. “I appreciate the honesty,” I said.

“As I said, big brain. Smart enough to recognize what’s important,” he said.

“Yeah, telling the truth is paramount.”

“So tell me yours,” he said.

As he spoke, he grabbed my hand and led me to one of the living rooms.

This one had a television and a sectional that was huge enough to accommodate Noah and me.

He settled me down, planting me directly on his lap and settling me over that nine inches I knew would invade my dreams.

And for reasons I didn’t understand, I let him.

“I’m guessing this has something to do with those zero orgasms?” he asked.

“Oh God,” I said, rolling my eyes and then closing them, wanting to kick my own ass for saying that.

Noah tsked and rubbed his thumb against my cheek. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Like I said before, you just need the right man for the job,” he said.

“And you think you’re him?” I said.

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