Page 82 of Mr. Flirt

“Me.” I took a step forward. “And you can’t keep saying that this thing between us is nothing.”

She squinted, and I had to catch myself from chuckling. I think it was her best attempt at an evil eye. “Then what is it?”

“You know as well as I do that we have a connection. We had it that first night we met, Lucy. It’s what made me want to tell you everything in that lousy ballroom of the hotel.”

“I’m only interesting because you can’t have me.”

“Don’t do that, Lucy. You know you feel it too.”

Silence weaved between us.

“You said it yourself in the article. You’re not looking for love, and love certainly isn’t looking for you.” She licked her bottom lip, and my body instantly responded.

“That was before I met you, Lucy.”

“You’re falling in love with me?” Her eyes stayed cool. “Try lust. I’ve seen it with my clients time and again.”

“I’m not your client, Lucy. Life isn’t always stitched into black-and-white litigation.” I shook my head. “I’m falling for you, Lucy. I don’t know what that means for our future, but I know if you refuse my offer tonight, we’ll never know.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I can’t keep seeing you if it’s just to prep you for other guys, and I can guarantee you that no other man would treat you as well as I would.”

“You’re sure about that,” she said dryly.

“Surer than anything, Lucy. Let me have a real chance with you.”

Lucy let out a thoughtful sigh. “And if I say no?”

“I’m canceling my end of the agreement. I can’t see you any longer. It’s not fair to me, and it’s not fair to you.”

Her jaw clenched. “Was it something I did last night?”

I laughed. “It’s probably more what we didn’t do.”

She frowned. “How so?”

“We’re managing to do everything under the sun except sleep with one another.” I pressed my lips together and drew a breath, knowing this next statement could go either way. “And I believe it’s because you’re scared.”

“Ha. Scared?” Lucy coiled her fingers at the bottom of my shirt and tugged me over. “I’ll take you right here to prove you wrong.”

I smiled, shaking my head. “You are such a lawyer. Always have to have the last word. Always have to be right.”

“Thank you,” she hummed, letting go of my shirt. “But that’s quite a stereotype.”

“Like you haven’t done the same to me?” I prodded. “I’m the eternal party boy, right? It’s impossible to fall for a single woman? Have feelings? Stop messing around?”

“You said it yourself,” Lucy said, pointing at the table where I spotted the magazine.

Damn it, Winter. Why did I take your advice and do that spread?

“That’s not what I said at all.” I shook my head. “Listen, it sounds like this is all too much for you. I came here and said what I had to say. Take it or leave it.”

I knew I had to stand my ground with Lucy. I didn’t want any more meaningless romps with her because every single one of them meant something to me, and I realized that last night when she left.

I also figured out that there was a reason we weren’t going to that next step.

It meant something to her too.

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