Page 89 of The Puck Stops Here

She didn’t answer. She didn’t have to. He’d given away enough.

‘Do you ever think about getting married, having a family of your own?’

He laughed. ‘Seriously? You can’t tell me that’s not an interview question.’

‘It wasn’t.’

‘No? Have you asked Aiden about it?’

‘I did. But not in the interview.’

‘So it just came out in conversation?’

‘Yes.’

Could she not see how that only incriminated her further?

‘Just as curious about his love life as you are mine, hey? So either you want to get us both into bed and you’re not fussy which, or you’re lying about this not being an interview.’

He paused beside his car, effectively positioning her between him and the great big hunk of metal.

‘Which is it to be?’

* * *

Astrid blinked up at Blake’s blue eyes glittering above her and tried to take a breath, only there was no air without his invigorating scent, his heat…

‘Are you always so suspicious?’ It came out as a whisper, her body on fire with his looming large over her. ‘Can’t I just care?’

‘In my experience, people only care when there’s something in it for them. So either you want the story…’ He stroked the hair from her face and her head lifted with the motion, her lips parting of their own accord. ‘Or you want me.’

‘This isn’t a good idea, Blake.’

That’s hardly a rejection, Astrid. Think of Sissi. Think of the twin you’re supposed to get. Do this and you’ve screwed it all!

He leaned closer, his mouth a dizzying few inches away and oh, how she wanted to close that gap. Wanted to kiss him and let the heat consume her. Consume them.

‘You sure about that? Because I think this feelsverygood, don’t you?’

She shook her head, the tip of her nose brushing against the tip of his. ‘Blake…’

It was breathless, a question and a plea.

‘Tell me you want it, Astrid, and I’ll give it to you.’

She closed her eyes, tried to block out temptation, but it was no use… He was offering himself to her, a kiss that would lead to his bed… a night she would never forget.

And then his words pierced the lustful haze.People only care when there’s something in it for them.

‘No!’ She pressed her palm into the solid wall of his chest, her eyes flaring open. ‘You’re playing dirty.’

He eased back, his head cocking to the side. ‘Oh, I can get dirtier.’

‘Stop it, Blake. I know what you’re doing.’

‘I was seducing you…’

‘No. You’re pushing me away. Making this about sex and need. Because you don’t want to believe that I care. Is that what makes it safe for you? Relationships? Women?’

---