Page 63 of Matchmaking the CEO

"You think you have to pay for people's company?" I asked, stunned. "Or you’re taking pity on me?" I was getting pissed now.

"No, Jesus. That was not what I meant."

"Well, what exactly did you mean? You offered money for my company. I'm starting to get really bad ideas."

"Natalie, stop," Jake said. "I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No, you shouldn't have."

"Fine. Consider it forgotten."

"You think I'm letting you off the hook that easy, huh?" I asked. I was still a bit pissed, which was insane. Obviously I knew he had good intentions, but still, I didn't like being a charity case. "I think I'm the one who needs to put conditions on now." My tone was playful, but I kind of meant it.

"I see. You want to do this on your terms?" he said.

"Exactly."

"News flash, Natalie. I’m stubborn."

"What a coincidence. So am I."

He looked at my lips again, and before I could add anything, he closed the distance and kissed me.

I was utterly lost in him—the way he explored my mouth felt out of this world. He moved his hand from my cheek down to my neck, gently pushing my long hair back. My skin turned sensitive when he moved his fingers in small circles over the side of my neck.

"Jake," I muttered as we pulled apart. His breath was ragged. I licked my lips, rocking back and forth from my toes to my heels. I felt both his hands steadying my arms. Drawing up my courage, I opened my eyes, only to find him looking at me intently. Sometime during the kiss, I’d threaded my fingers through his thick hair. Up close I realized the dark brown was interspersed with black strands.

"I don't stand a chance, do I?" I whispered.

"Not even one."

“So, you need a guide, even though Boston is your home?"

"No, I need you, Natalie. I was just looking for an excuse."

The air between us seemed to thicken by the second. I felt his touch as if I weren’t wearing any clothes.

"Where do you want to start?" I asked.

"I'd kiss your lips first and then work my way around your whole body."

Oh my God.A small explosion went off inside me, starting between my legs and spreading everywhere.

"That was not what I meant. Where do you want to start in the city?"

He laughed. "My bad. I guess my mind is in the gutter, and you know all about it now. You take the lead on that, Natalie."

I took a step back because being too close to this gorgeous man was making it hard to think.

"Oh, I like your style, Jake Whitley. You pretend to let me be in charge, but all the while you're leading me exactly where you want to go."

There was a playful glint in his eyes. "I will neither confirm nor deny that."

"At least tell me what you want."

"Besides you?"

The explosion started again.

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