Page 51 of Undeniable Temptation

“Still think this is temporary?” His lips were against her temple.

“I don’t want it to be.” The vulnerability was hard to admit. Painful, even.

“So how do we make this work? Do we come clean or keep it quiet?”

A breath of derisive laughter escaped her lips. They didn’t even have that measly choice. “At the moment, there’s no option but to keep quiet. We’ve got Felicity and Grander to think about. If this gets out, it’ll jeopardize the publicity campaign for Slicker and inevitably extend our tour. Then there’s your divorce—”

“Forget the divorce. I won’t let Julie affect this in any way.”

“There’s also my boss. He can’t find out. Not until I come up with some sort of leverage.”

“What type of leverage are we looking for?”

She nuzzled further against his chest, wishing his heat and protection would work outside these four walls. “I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about it off and on for years and nothing seems likely to placate.”

“Talk me through it. What’s the biggest hurdle?”

Her happiness was starting to vanish, the bliss of the night before being eaten away by reality. “Everything is a hurdle, and it all starts with my contract.” She leaned one elbow on the mattress and faced him. “I’m paraphrasing, but the document says something like—any physical relationship with a client—casual or otherwise—will result in immediate dismissal.”

“Contracts can be renegotiated. You know that.”

“I do.” She nodded, her lips unable to resist the temptation to kiss his pec. “But my boss won’t renegotiate. Not without something in return.”

“Like money?”

She fought to hide a wince. Putting a price on a newborn relationship wasn’t something she was willing to do. Not only was she protective of her savings, but she was also aware of the heavy weight it would put on both their shoulders. “I wouldn’t suggest it.”

“I’d be happy to pay.”

This time there was no way to hide the wince. It was there for him to see. “No.” It wasn’t like she didn’t have the means to pay either. With no notable family, friends, or expenses outside of Reckless, her bank balance was exceptionally healthy. It was the idea in general, the Pretty Woman narrative that didn’t sit well. “I’ll think of something else.”

“We’ll do it together. You’re not on your own.” He finger-combed the hair back from her cheeks, his gaze lowering to her neck, his eyes widening. “Christ.”

“What?” She sat up straight, her body on display as she tried to see what he was looking at.

“You’ve got a family of hickies along your neck and shoulders.”

“What type of family? Conservative middle-class or devout Mormon?”

He cringed and delicately brushed her hair back to assess the damage. “Not funny,” he murmured. “It looks like I attacked you.”

“I’ll wear something to cover it.” She collapsed against him, her fingers trailing along the scratch marks and moon like symbols from her previously embedded nails. “You didn’t get away unscathed either.”

“I have battle scars?” His tone spoke of pride. “You can hide yours, but I’ll make sure to wear something that shows mine off.”

Her smile was a mere flash before her thoughts kicked in.

“What did I say?”

“Nothing.” She sat up, gripping the sheet at her chest, and reached for her nightie. “I need coffee.” She pulled the material over her head and flung back the covers. “Do you want some?”

“Sure. After I get a truthful answer.”

She pushed from the bed, considering her response. It was jealousy, tainted with heartache and sprinkled with animosity. None of which he needed to hear.

“Leah?”

She heard the rustle of the bed, then the clink of his belt and the zip of his pants.

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