Page 61 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

She inclined her head. ‘We agreed that we lead completely separate lives now.’

‘And yet there’s still this.’

Deliberately he stroked his finger down the side of her hand, watching her flinch and bite her lip. He knew what she was feeling because he felt it too, the sizzling tingle spreading from that point of contact, radiating through his body.

‘It doesn’t mean anything.’

‘Stop pretending, Portia. Of course it means something. It means that, whatever the rights and wrongs, we still have unfinished business.’

She shook her head. ‘No. If we ignore it, it will go away.’

Lex shoved his hands in his trouser pockets, watching the way her gaze followed the movement then lingered at his groin before slowly climbing. Just that look, and the realisation she shared this preternatural awareness, had his body hardening.

‘How’s that working for you, Portia? You’re more on edge now than you were before. It’s getting worse, isn’t it? Not better. I can read the signs.’

He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper, suppressing his own shudder of longing as he caught a drift of her scent, bluebells and intriguing woman. ‘Your lips are parted. You’re flushed. Did you know you’re leaning towards me?’ He watched her straighten and his mouth curled in a too-tight smile.

‘You’re trembling, Portia and—’ he touched her again, this time lightly clasping her wrist ‘—your pulse is racing.’ He watched her swallow. ‘Your skin’s tingling, isn’t it? Your breath is quickening. You want me to touch you. Not just your hand but—’

‘Stop!’ Her voice sounded strangled. Yet she didn’t immediately pull her hand away.

She closed her eyes, drawing a breath that lifted her breasts against her jacket. At the open neck of her shirt he saw her pulse throb, matching the frantic beat he felt at her wrist.

‘I can’t do this here.’ Her voice was raw, her eyes huge and he felt—almost—like a brute for forcing the issue. But he was only acknowledging the truth, something she tried to avoid.

Lex released her hand and stepped back, ignoring the silent howl of protest as he denied himself. He half turned away, catching sight of someone down the corridor switching off an office light.

She was right, this wasn’t the place.

About to invite her somewhere quiet to talk, he stopped. The first time he’d bought her a drink she’d walked out on him. The second time they’d spent the night in his bed, and still she’d walked away the next day.

His breath stuck in his lungs, his chest seizing.

Maybe she’s right.

Maybe the only sensible action is to separate.

Every instinct screamed against the idea. He wanted more. He wanted to slake his thirst for her, have her again and again until the unrelenting need finally faded.

But it was Portia’s choice too. If she said no, and she had, that was her right. He’d have to live with it.

Suddenly his boundless certainty faded.

Lex refused to become a man who’d pursue a woman against her wishes.

He’d intended to make her admit the truth—that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. He’d planned a weekend that would allow them time to give in to every erotic impulse until there was nothing left.

A weekend of pure indulgence, where you got everything you wanted.

But Portia said no. Suck it up and walk away.

There was a metallic taste on Lex’s tongue and a sick feeling in his belly.

‘You’re right. This is your workplace. I shouldn’t have come.’

He inclined his head, stiff neck muscles straining. One last look into those beautiful eyes and he dragged his gaze towards the exit.

In the distance two people stood in the reception area, studiously not looking this way. Too studiously. He’d drawn unwanted attention to Portia, making no secret of his interest. She deserved better.

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