Page 41 of Undeniable Temptation

“Don’t kid yourself. You knew I’d never hold up my end of the bargain.”

His breath tickled her neck, his chest deliciously hard and warm behind her. She wanted to be annoyed, wanted to be able to muster a growl, only her smile was too rebellious. The happiness too intense. Ryan was here. In her room. His arms around her, inspiring perfection, bringing her dreams to life. But the higher he took her, the harder she had to fall, right?

“You’re going to be late.” She turned in his embrace and stared back at eyes that were idolizing her. “Again.”

“Is that code for—I need time to obsess over what we just did?”

He knew her. Knew her so well. “Maybe.”

His lips kicked. “You’ve got thirty minutes. We can catch a ride to the stadium together.”

Thirty minutes wouldn’t be enough. Thirty years didn’t seem adequate. She needed to strategize and come up with an infallible plan to make this work. A plan she’d unsuccessfully strived to create for years, and now had to achieve within minutes. “I’ll be there.” As soon as she showered, changed, and found some Valium. “The lobby in thirty minutes.”

“We can figure out how to tell the guys while we’re on the road.” He kissed her forehead. “Don’t look so horrified. It’ll be fine.”

Chapter Eleven

He knewthirty minutes would be a long time for her to obsess. He even expected her text—I’m running late. I’ll have to meet you there.It was a typical Leah blueprint. Especially when he was involved. She wanted to keep her distance until she planned every single step in their path forward.

He didn’t have time for that. She had her strategy, and he had his. Only problem was, his involved smothering her into submission. Which was why he ended up standing outside her door, waiting until she was ready to leave.

“Damn it, Ryan. What are you still doing here?”

“Waiting.” He started down the hall after her, hanging back a little to take in the full effect of her tight pin-skirt. “I thought you were going to be late.”

“I am.” She glanced at her watch. “Two minutes.”

He chuckled to himself. “You didn’t think I could wait two minutes?”

She cleared her throat and continued to the elevator, pressing the call button harder than necessary.

“So where are we at?” He was teasing, which again, was all part of the plan. “Have we reached the pinnacle of anxiety, or are we still waiting on a lower wing?”

“I’m not anxious. I’m in work mode.” She entered the opening elevator, rested against the back wall and met his gaze. “I’m trying to tally up my to-do list. For example, once I reach the stadium I have to have a stern discussion with the security team about who they let on stage during performances. And then I need to chastise the rhythm guitarist about arriving late to sound check. Again.”

“Chastise?” He entered the elevator, left barely a foot between them, and leaned in to encroach on the perfection of her personal space. “That sounds like fun.”

Her lips twitched. “Cameras, Ryan.”

She stared him down, the barely visible flames in her eyes making it hard to concentrate.Shit. This was harder than he thought, especially in the groin department. After a lifetime waiting to get here, he was finding it difficult to focus on anything other than kissing her. Everywhere.

“Did you speak to Felicity?” She slid out of reach, her focus now on the elevator buttons.

“Yeah. Not before she told Hannah, but they’re both going to keep quiet.”

Her eyes closed briefly. “I hope we can trust them.”

We. One word. Two letters. The statement was remarkably changing. They were a couple. At least as far as he was concerned. “We’re holding a major secret of theirs, too. They’re not going to want to risk discovery either.”

“Fingers crossed.” The elevator doors opened and she pounded out the distance toward the lobby doors, the authoritative tap, tap, tap of her heels seeming to strengthen her. Their escort to the stadium was parked outside. The black van with tinted windows kept company by the driver and one of their security team who stood at the open back door.

He ignored the few screamers as they walked outside and indicated for Leah to get in the back of the van before him. “Ladies first.”

She rolled her eyes and lowered her head to climb in, giving him a phenomenal view. Normally, she sat in the front. He didn’t think she realized her mistake until he was sliding along the back seat beside her.Rightbeside her.

“Would you like the window seat?” She drew out the words as if he had a learning disability.

“No, I’m good.”

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