Page 65 of Unleashed

“It’s nothing,” I replied, though a pang of guilt twisted in my stomach. I had given Slade hope, and now I wasn’t sure I could fulfill it after the kiss we just shared.

“Do you want to go to dinner with me tonight?” Michael asked, his voice hopeful.

“I’m not sure,” I said hesitantly.

“You’re not sure? What does that mean?” he pressed.

“I was supposed to have dinner with a friend.”

“A male friend?” Michael inquired, his tone revealing a trace of jealousy.

“Does it matter?” I retorted.

“I guess not. You mentioned you’re not dating anyone,” he said.

“No, I’m not,” I clarified.

“You can say no. We could catch up for Sunday brunch at The Diamond Square if you like. I go there every now and then.”

“Just us?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“Yes, unless you’d like to bring Erika. I’m sure my brother Lincoln would find her intriguing.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” I said, considering it. “I’ve been trying to get her to settle down, but it might lead to questions.”

“Would that bother you?” Michael asked.

“You don’t know Erika. She’s relentless. If she senses something, she won’t stop until she’s pried everything out of me. Maybe it’s better if we keep it between us.”

“Does that mean you won’t go with me?” Michael’s voice held a touch of disappointment.

I wanted to go with him, more than he knew. But I needed to get my head together. I had two men who wanted me and I wasn’t sure I wanted to give a commitment to either one.

“No,” I said firmly.

“I wish you would. I like your company.”

“You like more than my company,” I countered.

“Okay, I admit it. I like kissing you, and if I may be so bold, you have a beautiful ass.”

“What about Monday?” I asked, trying to shift the focus.

“What about it?” he replied, puzzled.

“We have to work together. This is moving faster than I anticipated.”

“Then you’re fired,” he joked, though his eyes were serious. “I’ll give you a year’s severance so you can decide if you want to date me or not.”

“You would fire me just to date me?” I asked incredulously.

“I’d rather not, but if you think we shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, then I have no choice.”

“Jerk,” I mumbled under my breath.

“Excuse me?” he asked, his tone playful.

“I didn’t say anything,” I replied quickly.

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