Page 33 of Undeniable Temptation

“You know Ryan would do anything for a chance with you.”

“Do I? He’s not even divorced yet. And to me, it already looks like his ticket is full.” She hiked a finger over her shoulder. “Do I need to show you the video again? Or tell you how I caught him taking those women to his room when we were in Atlanta?”

“You’re not stupid, Leah. You know he feels something for you. Otherwise you wouldn’t have wasted years of your life pining over him.”

She wanted to deny him, to announce he was entirely wrong and needed to grow up. But as much as she hated admitting it, he was right. She hadn’t been able to get Ryan off her mind for all these years because there had always been a reciprocated affection in his eyes. There’d always been a hopeful spark even though he never acted upon it.

“I know you’re worried about keeping your position as our manager, but trust me, it’s gotta work itself out. The five of us are here to look out for you if shit goes south.”

There was no ‘if’ involved. Therewouldbe problems. Big ones. But her thoughts brushed over them, the slightest nudge of possibility edging its way into her consciousness after so long denying her fantasies. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”

“Talk. That’s all it takes.”

“And say what?”

“Tell him how you feel and see where it leads.” He sat and pushed from the bed. “Come on. I’ll escort you to his room.”

“I don’t need an escort.”

“Then let me rephrase—please allow me to walk you to his door because you sure as shit will chicken out if I don’t.”

Not true…OK, maybe he had a point.

Her steps were cautious as she made her way to the door and retrieved her room key from the holder. Excitement and apprehension waged war inside her chest, both fighting for supremacy.

“You might want to do up your buttons.” His gaze raked her body, from her face to her toes. “Unless that’s the look you’re going for. The skin show isn’t doing any harm, that’s for sure.”

Shit. She clutched at her gaping blouse and cringed. She was shoeless and wearing crumpled pants, her make-up would be faded, too, and her hair a mess. All she needed was a belly rounded from pregnancy and she’d be a redneck’s ultimate fantasy.

“I need to freshen up.” She turned, prepared to postpone her stupidity and was yanked into Mason’s side with a firm hand.

“Nope.” He kept pulling her down the hall. “You’ve come this far. You’re not going back.”

“I’ve walked two steps outside my hotel door.”

“Yep, and it’s good enough for me.”

Christ. This wasn’t going to end well. The least he could do is allow her to look pretty when her life turned to shit. “You’re not the most trustworthy person, Mason.” She rebuttoned her blouse, keeping up with his steady pace. “I’m going to regret listening to you.”

He met her gaze, his seriousness unsettling. “In this, I wouldn’t steer you wrong. There’s no Reckless without you. Just like there’s no band without Blake if we need to extend the tour. We’re a team, and once and for all we want to see the two of you together.”

“That was awfully sentimental.”

“I know.” He screwed up his face. “I think I vomited a little in my mouth.”

She laughed, but the humor didn’t settle inside her. She was too anxious. Too nervous and apprehensive and hopeful. The overwhelming sensations only intensified on the elevator ride to Ryan’s floor, each step toward his door a battle not to vomit.

Mason knocked hard below the room number and backed away. “My work here is done.”

“What?” She grabbed his arm. “You can’t leave me now.”

“You expect me to hold your hand?”

She glared.No. She was Leah freakin’ Gorman. But in this she needed something. Anything to stop her from running. “Please, Mason.”

He sighed and gave a dramatic eye roll. “Fine, I’ll help you out, as long as you know you owe me.”

“I know,” she muttered. And there was no way he’d let her forget.

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