Page 32 of Seductive Secrets

When James looked up, Callum was glaring at them. Never one to cower, James glared right back, daring him to say something. After a few moments of glaring, Callum looked at Angela. Something in her expression immediately softened the Scottish aristocrat’s features and he seemed to nod his approval, rejoining the conversation about tomorrow’s activities.

An hour later, everyone was exhausted. Marco and Chloe were the first to depart for their bedroom. “We’ll see everyone in the morning.” He paused to glance at Angela and James, seemed about to say something, but a touch from his wife and Marco obediently followed her out of the room and up the stairs.

Kasim and Rosalee went next. Kasim was a bit more direct. He actually opened his mouth to speak, but his wife stopped him by saying, “Sleep well everyone!” and literally dragged him out of the room as well.

Dash and Callum didn’t appear inclined to leave. In fact, Dash walked over to the kitchen table and booted up one of the computers. He was typing away on the keyboard, apparently oblivious to the world.

Angela looked at her hand that was laced with James’ and wondered if he wanted to be with her tonight. She didn’t want to sleep alone, but having avoided romantic relationships for so long, she wasn’t sure how to ask him if he wanted more of what they’d shared this afternoon.

“Do it,” Callum blurted. “Ask him.”

Angela’s eyes widened. “Ask him what?”

Callum rolled his eyes and stood up. Marco and Kasim had already cleared away the pizza boxes. Callum grabbed his empty beer bottle and took it over to the recycling bin. “Just ask, Angela. You’re so brave about everything…well, except stuff like this.” Then he left, shaking his head as he went.

Apparently, Dash wasn’t as oblivious as he appeared because he chimed in as well. “Just ask him already.”

James sighed and stood up, then pulled her to her feet as well. “It appears that we need to have a conversation. But perhaps we could do it in private?” He jerked his head towards the stairs. “Away from men who would rather beat me up than allow me to lure you into a bedroom.”

She couldn’t help laughing because that was such an accurate description of Callum and Dash’s attitude. James led her into her bedroom and closed the door, then released herhand so that he could cross his arms over his chest as he leaned against the door. “What do you need to ask me?”

Angela took a slow, deep breath. “Well, since you are already in here with me, the question is sort of moot.” She lifted her eyes to his and asked, “You’re going to spend the night with me, right?”

“Absolutely.” He pushed away from the doorway and took her hands in his. “Is that what you wanted to ask me?”

Angela nodded, looking down at their intertwined hands. “I’m great at legal issues. But I’m not so great at relationships. At least,” she sighed and looked up into his blue eyes, “not romantic relationships.”

He lifted her hands and kissed her knuckles. “I understand. I wish that the reasons for your hesitancy were different. But I understand.”

She blinked. “What do you understand?”

“I get why you don’t trust men.”

“I trust men,” she argued.

He shook his head. “You trust Callum, Dash, Marco, and Kasim. But they aren’t really men. Not in your mind. They might be male, but they were never romantic partner potential, correct?”

She squinched up her nose. “Not ever.”

“And the relationships you’ve had in the past. The romantic ones. What’s the longest time you’ve stayed in a relationship with a man?”

She thought about it for a moment and shrugged. “About three months. Give or take a couple of weeks.”

He nodded as if contemplating that. “So…tonight?”

She drew in an unsteady breath. “I’d like to spend the night with you.”

He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Why me?”

“Why you, what?” she asked, pressing her hands against his chest.

“Why are you interested in me?”

She licked her lips, and looked away to hide her expression. “I don’t know.”

He sighed and kissed her forehead. “Yes, you do. But I can be patient.”

Angela was startled, but before she could ask him what he meant by that, he kissed her, his hands efficiently divesting her of clothes until she was completely naked. He took the time to strip off his own clothes, then joined her on the bed.

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