Page 23 of Mr. Scandalous

“I notice you didn’t set him straight about the little sumpin’ sumpin’.”

“Look, it’s all part of my public persona.” Alec flashed her his most charming grin, but she wasn’t buying it. “It’s just business. My fans like to think I’m out there getting action twenty-four-seven.”

“What aboutmyreputation?”

He had a feeling he’d just stepped into one of those no-win situations. How had he let his happen? He should have set Jeff straight, but his macho ego had landed him squarely in trouble.

“I’m sorry. It was wrong of me to let Jeff think you and I were having an affair. I do apologize.”

Her expression softened a little. “Apology accepted.”

“But I’m not going to lie to you. The reason I didn’t set Jeff straight is because Iwantto take you back to my apartment and spend the rest of the afternoon making love to you.”

“Would you now?” She arched a quizzical eyebrow.

“There’s just one thing…”

“Oh?”

“I can’t promise you anything.”

“Not even an orgasm?”

“Actually, sweetheart, I can pretty much guarantee an orgasm, but that’s about it. What I meant to say is that I want you. I find you incredibly attractive and I’d love to get to know you better, but I’m a confirmed bachelor. Commitment isn’t in the cards for me.”

She said nothing. Just stared.

Alec gulped. “In fact, as you just witnessed, my livelihood is based on my image as a single guy, so if you’re looking for something long-term I need to know now before we start down this road. I like you too much to hurt you.”

“You certainly think a lot of yourself, don’t you?”

“What?” He startled.

“You think I’m some gushy groupie who can’t wait to steal your underwear for a souvenir and doodleI heart Alecall over my notebook?”

“No, that’s not what I think of you at all. I’m saying this badly. What I mean is that I’m open to a mutually beneficial sexual relationship if you are. A no-strings-fling.”

Mentally he groaned as he heard the words come out of his own mouth. What was the matter with him? Normally he wasn’t this inept at seduction. Something about Eden caused him to stick his foot in his mouth at every turn. If she slapped his face right now, he wouldn’t blame her.

In fact, when she leaned across the table toward him, he flinched.

But she didn’t slap him.

Instead, she reached over and plucked a stray thread that had transferred from her red sweater to the lapel of his black jacket.

“Too late,” she whispered and rubbed the red thread between her fingers.

“Wh-what?” His eyes widened.

She just sat there smiling.

He laughed nervously. “Well? What do you say? Want to explore this chemistry between us?”

She paused for the longest moment, sizing him up, that red string snared between her index finger and the pad of her thumb. Just when he was about to beg her to say something, she cleared her throat.

“Hmm, I don’t think so.”

“No?” Damn, why did he have to sound so disappointed?

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