Page 31 of The Fun Part
“Hmm.” I hate to admit it, but I’ve failed Sutton for years, letting her stagnate. All she does is take care of Dad, work, and take whatever scraps of time her stupid boyfriend spares for her.
Mackenzie smiles like she knows she’s won. “And that’ll also be nice for you to have family in town. I’ve been wanting to bring Sutton into a larger role for a while now but not while she’s remote.”
Sutton idolizes Mackenzie as a businesswoman. It could be good for Sutton. And I wouldn’t mind having her around. She idolizes me too.
I take a moment to admire Mackenzie in profile while she passes a slow car, from her cute upturned nose to her soft cheek, long hair, and her sexy body in a snug sweater and jeans. She’s so beautiful.
I put on my most casual tone. “Okay, but I’d like to put kissing back on the table. It’s only natural in a couple.” And my kisses have been known to melt this woman into a puddle of aching need. It’d be nice if I wasn’t the only one dealing with aching need.
She purses her lips, considering. “Okay, but only in public. Also, I’ll touch you frequently, and your job is to enjoy it and not reciprocate.”
“You seem to have mistaken me for a eunuch.”
“A what?”
“Not having—never mind. Look, I’m all for you touching me wherever and whenever, but you can’t expect me not to reciprocate. I’m not dead. Understand?”
She gives me a sideways glance. “You want sex?”
“I want reciprocation.”
“Private reciprocation.”
“Public’s fine.”If that’s what you’re into.
She’s quiet again. I can almost hear the wheels turning in her brain.
I lower my voice to a husky tone that usually gets results. “Mackenzie, am I free to reciprocate touching frequently?”
“Mmm…yes.”
“Then I agree to your terms.”
“I can see why you became a lawyer.” She powers down her window. “I’m so hot. Isn’t it hot in here?”
I hide a smile. “Sure.”
She turns the vents toward her and shifts the heat to cool.
Aw, hell. Pride be damned. “I’ve missed you,” I admit.
“In your bed.”
“In general.”
She powers the window back up. “You only knew me in your bed. Just be honest.”
I clamp my mouth shut because I’m dangerously close to admitting how much I think about her—too much—and trying to argue that we’re good together. Somehow the more she pushes me away, the more I realize how much I want to be with her. Is it the chase? I’ve never been so off balance with a woman.
“It’s just a game, Cal, okay?” Her voice rises to a panicky pitch. “Can you play the game? If not, we should shut this down right now.”
Easy. Take it slow. I recognize that panic. It’s the moment before you bail. Been there.“I can play the game.”
“Good.”
For now. She has no idea about my competitive streak. I play to win.
8
