Page 34 of Choosing the right Man

“It’s more than obvious I feel something for you,” I say when it becomes clear I’m the one who needs to start this conversation.

“But you’re unwilling to do anything about it.” His words are a statement, not a question, not an accusation. He still seems utterly confident. What is he seeing that I’m not?

“I might not have the best relationship, but at one time Paul was my everything. We can get that back, but not if I do whatyou want me to do,” I tell him, hating how raw I feel about this conversation. He raises a brow, and I wait for him to speak.

“What I want you to do?” he asks.

“You know, the... uh... the affair,” I stutter, hating that he’s making me say it out loud. I know we need to have this conversation, but it isn’t easy for me. Even though it isn’t easy, we’re still able to have it . . . unlike the conversation I need to have with Paul that neither of us have been able to have.

“I’m not theonlyone who wants it,” he points out. I can lie right now, but that won’t do either of us any good.

“No, you’re not the only one. I obviously desire you. I like how you look at me. I like how it feels when you touch me; it’s been forever since I’ve had that. I like how I feel when you say things to me that make me feel desired. The only thing I don’t like in this situation is the guilt I feel at what I’m feeling.” I know I sound crazy right now, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

“What’s wrong with your boyfriend that he doesn’t see you?” he asks. He seems angry as he speaks these words.

“Nothing is wrong with him,” I defend. “It takes two to make a relationship work, and it takes two to allow it to fall apart.”

“Leave him,” Mason says with authority as if he believes all he has to do is command it, and I’ll do as he says.

“I’m not quite ready for that. I don’t know why.” I truly don’t.

“Let me show you what you’re missing,” he insists.

“I could make love with you. It could be fantastic.” I can practically feel his hands on me. My body responds: my nipples grow hard, my stomach tightens, my core grows wet.

“You can’t hide what you feel,” Mason says, his voice husky. It’s like pheromones are racing between us. How am I going to resist him?

“Why aren’t you in healthy relationship?” I ask. It’s time to turn the tables on him.

I’m fascinated as I watch the shutters close over his eyes. He’s perfectly okay with me opening up, making me feel raw, but he isn’t willing to give an inch when it comes to himself.

“This isn’t about me,” he says, his tone cold.

I laugh, and his gaze narrows. I look at him, not willing to back down. This conversation might set the tone between us for the rest of our relationship. I like working for his company, and that means spending time together. It’s important for him to know I have a backbone.

“You wanting to sleep with me is about both of us,” I inform him.

This time, he laughs. “You want me just as badly as I want you.” He hasn’t answered my question, and I know he won’t.

“So you’re telling me you won’t respect what I’m asking.” I want that message to be very clear.

He smiles. “I’m willing to give you what you want.” I take a cleansing breath.

“Then I’m telling you I don’t want a physical relationship with you.” It’s hard to get the words out of my mouth. It’s hard to get them past the lump in my throat. I’m lying to him, and we both know it. His grin turns up a notch. He stands.

Mason moves over to me, and I don’t back away as he places his hands on the arms of my chair, easily boxing me in. He leans down, his face mere inches from mine. I don’t want to desire him, but I can’t help it. My heart thunders. I look at his lips and grow damp and ready.

“Kiss me, Chloe.” His voice is a seductive purr.

“You’re not listening to me,” I gasp, the words coming out barely above a whisper.

“Then tell me to leave.” His hot breath caresses my skin, his body heat invades me. I open my mouth to tell him to go, but no words come out.

“Damn you,” I say, the words filled with agony.

Then I reach for him, my hands wrapping around his neck, pulling him to me. I can’t resist him when he looks at me with such obvious desire, when his scent invades me. He makes me feel sexy and wanted and needed. He said he was coming tonight but I convinced myself he wouldn’t. I didn’t prepare myself enough to keep my walls up when it comes to him.

“We’re both damned,” he mutters as he wrenches his mouth from mine and stands. I groan.

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