Page 54 of Square Deal

She shook her head. “I plead the fifth.”

“Fine,” I appealed. “Tell me about your inner bad girl and why you don’t let her out. I mean, don’t get me wrong—you in those damn skirts and heels is every man’s wet dream, but the other night when you told me you went out with your girls, I couldn’t stop myself from imagining what you wear to go out.”

“I guarantee that I don’t dress like the ladies you see in all the clubs you go to.”

“That’s not a bad thing.”

“I’m not your type, Lawson,” she said, looking up at me, over her shoulder. “Don’t start thinking that I am.”

I stared at her mouth. The way her pink cupid’s bow drew out at the sides into a devilish smirk had my heart beating like a hummingbird.

“I don’t know about that.”

Her eyes dropped to my mouth, and there was a hitch in the gentle rise and fall of her chest. “I think we’re edging dangerously close to feelings territory,” she whispered.

“I think I want to know you, Hannah Jane.”

“You’re thinking with your dick,” she retorted.

I shook my head. “Not this time.”

Hannah’s lips brushed against mine. Her breath trailed along my jaw. I ghosted the pad of my thumb along the pout of her lower lip.

A knock at the door interrupted us.

“Housekeeping!”

Her eyes turned to saucers. “It’s Kristin,” she panicked. “She almost caught me the last time.”

I pecked her lips and swung my leg over the chaise. “I got it. Wait right here.” I padded into the room, closed the balcony door, and pulled the curtains closed. “Just a second,” I called out.

I wrapped a towel low around my waist, hiding my boxers. I unchained the door and opened it just a crack.

A young lady I remembered seeing at Luca’s wedding stood on the other side next to a housekeeping cart. “Good morning, Mr. Lawson,” she smiled. “Mind if I freshen up your room?”

I was going to say yes and let her in, but then I saw Hannah’s purse sitting on the entryway table.

Sure, there were probably thousands like it, but women had an uncanny sixth sense for mischief—especially where friends were concerned. Kristin would catch on, and I didn’t want to spook Hannah.Not when I felt…

I forced that thought away and replaced it with the one feeling I could count on. Nothing. I didn’t feel a damn thing. I did not let myself feel feelings for anyone.

“If I could just get fresh towels, that’s all I need,” I said quietly, glancing over my shoulder, pretending there was someone in the bed who I didn’t want to wake. “Late night. We’re just catching up on some sleep.” I winked.

“Of course.” Kristin smiled as she pulled a stack of towels from the cart. I didn’t open the door any wider, forcing her to pass them through the crack.

I grabbed my wallet from beside Hannah’s purse and pulled out a one-hundred dollar bill. “Appreciate it,” I said, handing her the tip.

Kristin’s eyes widened. “Oh, my goodness, I—I didn’t even clean your room. That’s very generous, but?—”

I wasn’t used to people refusing tips. In the circles I ran in, itwas expected, not appreciated. “I insist,” I said, putting the bill in her hand and curling her fingers around it. “Have a nice day.”

The door closed behind me as Hannah slipped in from the balcony. Her face was kissed by the cold air.

I set the towels in the bathroom and stalked toward her. “I have the room for one more night,” I said, settling my hands on her hips.

“I should get going.”

“Where do you have to be, Han?”

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