Page 20 of Ex-SEAL Bad Boy

“I also should add, and I know this really is not important to you, but you would be entitled to a very large fee for participating. It would definitely tide you over until you nail down your dream job – or heck, even open your own company – whatever you want to do."

As much as I want to resist, what harm can there be in at least meeting the man? Ethan is right that money doesn't trump ethics for me, but if this can be done and it's mostly above board, why pass up the opportunity?

It would allow me to see more of Ethan, which I really want to do, and maybe even act as his conscience. Maybe if it isn't as innocent as it seems, then I can try to steer him away.

I waited for a long time, considering my answer, my friend Melanie’s warning ringing in my ear, “Be careful, that’s all I ask.”

9

ETHAN

“I can walk out at any point?” she asks, looking at me skeptically.

“Absolutely.”

She nods slowly, a thin smile creasing her face. She extends her hand for a business-like handshake, but I have other plans.

I kiss her hard.

I feel a little guilty. I had played fast and loose with the facts, and Sophia was smart enough that she would eventually figure that out. I honestly do believe we are doing what’s best for the child, and hopefully, by that point, she will feel better about the whole thing.

The thin cotton dress clings to her curves in the brisk ocean breeze, and the moonlight in the clear sky gives her face an almost saintly glow.

I wrap her in a tight embrace, feeling her briefly shiver.

I hope that’s a result of the chill in the air and not due to any misgivings about my integrity.

My lips find her earlobe, nibbling lightly, drawing a playful giggle.

As my hand slides across her hip and cups her ass cheek, she moans softly, almost inaudibly.

I can feel the heat emanating from her body and her muscles tensing in anticipation.

I desperately want to take her right here, right now, but I’m bereft of options. For once, I hadn’t planned ahead for a potential encounter. How uncharacteristic.

“How about we go for a ride?” I suggest. Nodding my head towards my car.

That was usually a surefire thing for me, but I instantly feel stupid for trying such a cliche line. Sophia is too smart for that.

She surprises me with an unexpected reply. “Only if I drive.”

I let out a soft chuckle and nod as she grabs a small clutch from the railing, presumably containing her wallet and keys.

I start to head for her car when I hear her call out, “Uh, uh, lover boy. I mean, I get to drive the Aston Martin.”

“Ah, what a cheeky little minx!” I exclaim, turning toward her. “Think you can handle her?”

She replies with a middle finger. I like this version of Sophia. Maybe I’m rubbing off on her.

I toss her the keys. Hey. It’s only a car, right? What could go wrong?

She spins tires as she turns left out of the parking lot, almost losing it, but collecting it nicely and roaring off.

“Nice,” she comments over the growl of the engine. “V-8, right?”

Ah, a woman who knows cars. I like. I seem to remember when Liam and I were in high school, he liked to work on classic muscle cars with a group of friends we hung around with. Sometimes Sophia was around too and seemed to take an interest. I never thought she was paying attention.

“Yeah,” I reply. “four liter, twin turbos, about six-sixty horsepower.”

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