Page 63 of Kiss an Angel

She could almost see his relief and that hurt her even more. Not that she wanted to be pregnant, because she didn’t. But neither did she like it that the mere idea repelled him.

He plowed his fingers through his hair. “I get a little crazy when this subject comes up, but I can’t help it. I don’t want to have children, Daisy.”

“There isn’t any need to worry. Amelia sent me to her own doctor a couple of weeks ago.”

“That’s good. I can’t begin to explain how strongly I feel about this. When I say I don’t want to have children, I mean I don’t ever want to have them. I’d make a terrible father, and no child deserves that. Promise me that you won’t get forgetful with those pills.”

“I wouldn’t do that. And, frankly, Alex, I’m getting a little tired of being treated as if I’m incompetent.”

He checked his side mirror and pulled back out onto the highway. “I’ll use condoms until next month when you’re safe.”

She didn’t like the way he took it for granted that she would continue sleeping with him. “I’m not sure there’s going to be any need.”

He glanced over at her. “What do you mean?”

“You’re acting as if what happened last night is going to happen again.”

“Trust me. It’s going to happen again.”

His smugness offended her. “I wouldn’t be too certain of that.”

“Don’t try to pretend you didn’t enjoy yourself. I was there, remember?”

“I’m not pretending anything. It was wonderful. One of the most wonderful things that’s ever happened to me. I’m simply telling you that your attitude toward lovemaking leaves a lot to be desired.”

“What’s wrong with my attitude?”

“It’s irreverent. Take your vocabulary, for example. The words you use. They’re definitely irreverent.”

“I don’t believe this.”

“Lovemaking is supposed to be sacred.”

“It’s supposed to be dirty and sweaty and fun.”

“That, too, I suppose. But holy.”

“Holy?” He regarded her with disbelief. “How can somebody who grew up around a bunch of social parasites and drugged-out rock stars be such a prude?”

“I knew it! I knew you thought I was a prude, but you weren’t honest enough last night to admit it.”

“Now I get it. You’re deliberately trying to make me crazy. No matter what I say, you’re going to get mad at me, aren’t you?” He gave her a sideways look that further aggravated her.

“Stop trying to be cute. You’re too mean to be cute.”

He cocked his head and, to her surprise, looked genuinely hurt. “Do you really think I’m mean?”

“Not all the time,” she admitted. “But most of the time. You’re definitely mean most of the time.”

“Anybody in this circus will tell you I’m the most fair-minded manager they’ve ever worked for.”

“You do seem fair-minded.” She paused. “With everybody but me.”

“I’ve been fair with you.” He hesitated. “Maybe I wasn’t fair the night they had the cake party for us, but I was surprised, and—that’s no excuse, is it? I’m sorry, Daisy. I shouldn’t have embarrassed you like that.”

She studied him, then gave a small nod. “I accept your apology.”

“And I wasn’t mean last night.”

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