Page 33 of Perfect Pitch

Mitch slowly spins me in his arms. One arm bands around my back and the fingers of his other hand tip up my chin. “My instincts tell me you’re a very special woman, Austyn.”

I flush with pleasure from his words.

“It’s like someone plucked you from my secret wish list and created you. You’re beautiful, quick-witted, talented.”

I start to return the compliment when his arms contract. “Why did you say yes to tonight?”

“Did you not want me to?”

“I did. I’m truly glad you did.”

“I’m beginning to question my decision at the moment,” I warn him.

He chuckles before his face becomes contemplative. For long moments he appears to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. Finally, he sighs out a question, “Did Trev tell you who I work for?”

“An investigation firm.”

“Are you sure he didn’t name my client specifically?”

“Very. Besides, what would that have to do with anything?”

“For you? For your future plan? Quite a bit.” He leans down until his face is the only thing I can see in my vision. The peripheral fades away. The power in his green eyes is mesmerizing.

“Why would you say something so ridiculous?” I snap.

“Because people want what they want and they’ll do anything to get it.” He smiles crookedly. “Even spend time with me.”

“That’s insulting, not to mention self-disparaging.”

“That’s reality. And while I hope you’re not using me to get to my boss, there’s a small part of me that can’t help wondering if you are.”

I gasp when he jerks me to him. His lips brush against my forehead tenderly. Then his words chill me to my core. “A man can be a prick—take what he wants and walk away. Yet, one night in your company and I find I can’t be that man, Austyn.”

“Who says I’d let you take anything from me, Mitch? Especially since I haven’t asked for one damn thing from you,” I fling back acidly.

Wearily, he informs me, “People always do.”

“I’m not some people.”

“Then what happens next?” he wonders.

“I’ll show you.” I slide my arms from around his waist and step back. I walk about ten feet away before turning and finding him still in the same spot, fists clenched at his side. We stare at one another without speaking for long moments. “This had potential until about five minutes ago.”

“Austyn.” Just my name but filled with regret.

Without another word, I turn and stride away intent on finding a cab to carry me back to Fort Washington. It’s not even midnight and I already feel like Cinderella running away from the ball.

But unlike her, I’m no one’s damsel in distress.

* * *

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Conversation starter: What is a trendy color for girls in the 5-10 range? I’m trying to find a gift for a birthday present.

—StellaNova

I toss and turn in my bed until I roll over onto my side and wrap my arms around the keyboard body pillow Fallon mailed me from Asheville a few weeks ago. Missing her, I make a mental note to text her about my date with Mitch in the morning.

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