Page 14 of Every Breath

“Let me at least show you around and you can tell me what you think.”

“Okay. Why not?” She placed her drink on the coffee table.

Mason stood up, taking her hand in his. Brandi shivered; she felt that same spark she felt when they first shook hands. Snatching her hand from his she backed away.

“Umm, you know what, Mason? I think I should head out.”

Disappointment seemed to wash over his face. Damned if she didn’t want to throw her arms around him.

“What’s wrong? At least let me give you the tour first. I’ll make it the quick tour.”

There was something in his eyes that she just couldn’t say no to. “Okay, but after that, I need to run.”

He gave her a dazzling smile. “Great. Follow me.” He took her hand in his again. This time, she didn’t try to release herself.

His house was really something else. It was hard to believe that people actually lived like this. As they went from room to room, she made polite comments. The house was beautiful, but it was missing a little soul. She and Damon made do on their combined salaries, while raising two young children. But they’d never lived in such luxury.

They stopped when they reached the first room at the top of the stairs. “This is my bedroom. I will understand if you don’t want to see it.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. It’s not like you’re going to try something, right?” She laughed, but in the back of her mind, she wondered how she would react if he were to make a move on her.

He opened the door and she covered her mouth. It looked like a tropical nightmare. There were tall potted plants all over the room, a leopard print bedspread, and scenes from a rain forest painted on the walls. “Pretty cheesy, huh?” he smiled sheepishly.

“If you don’t mind my being so blunt, it is a little over the top,” she admitted.

“I’m not sure what was going through Mas—my mind when I had this decorated.”

Unable to contain herself any longer, she cracked up. He smiled at her with an indefinable expression in his eyes. “You have a great laugh.” He stood in front of her.

Brandi stopped laughing. She looked up into his eyes and this time his expression came through loud and clear. Desire.

“Mason—”

“Please don’t say it. I know what you must be thinking, but I didn’t bring you into my bedroom to hit on you.”

“I know you didn’t.”

“Yet, I see the wariness in your eyes. You don’t have to be frightened of me. I would never do anything that you didn’t want, but I really have to get something off my chest.”

“What?” She knew they were treading on dangerous ground.

“At Parents’ Night, when we saw each other, there was an instant attraction. Don’t deny it! I saw it in your eyes.”

“We shouldn’t be having this conversation. I’m engaged to be married.” She turned to leave, but he grabbed her arm and spun her back toward him.

“Do you love him?” Mason demanded.

“You have no right to ask me that. Now, I will thank you to take your damn hands off me so I can leave.”

“Why are you pretending that you’re not attracted to me, too?” he demanded.

“I don’t even know you!” she protested, trying to pull her arm out of his grasp.

“That can be remedied.” And with that he tugged her into his arms. His mouth crashed down on hers with a hungry desperation that took her breath away. Brandi was stunned at first. She tried to twist away from him, but her body betrayed her. She felt tension build up from the pit of her stomach. His tongue thrust forward and her lips instinctively parted, allowing him to deepen the kiss.

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