Page 13 of One Steamy Night

We shall see?Had he actually said that? In that case, now was the time to show him the door. Easing from her chair, Nadia said, “I think you should leave now, Jaxon.”

He glanced down at his cake. “I haven’t finished eating.”

“Then I suggest you take it with you.”

He stared at her for a minute and then said, “I’m sorry if what I said upset you. However, it’s my belief that honesty is the best policy.”

Nadia stared at him and then she eased back down in her chair, totally confused. Although she hadn’t gotten to know Jaxon as well as the others in her family had, at no time had she assumed he wasn’t operating with a full deck. Until now. Therefore, she decided to use another approach.

“When did you decide you wanted to marry me?”

“The moment we were introduced.”

Now she’d heard everything. “You honestly want me to believe that?” she asked, chuckling, finding what he’d said totally absurd.

“I don’t see why not when it’s the truth, Nadia.”

Nadia would admit to feeling something when they’d first been introduced as well. However, she would call it what it was. Lust of the worst kind. She then thought about what he’d said. If he’d been taken with her from the first, why hadn’t he approached her before now? The only reason he was here was because she had called and invited him to dinner. He’d even admitted he’d been in town a while, yet he hadn’t looked her up. So how was she supposed to believe he was interested in her to the point of intending to marry her? That made this entire thing even more outrageous.

“That was truly delicious.”

She blinked and glanced down at his plate. It was clean. He had eaten all of his cake. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“I’ve enjoyed everything about this evening with you, Nadia.”

She drew in a deep breath, refusing to get baited. Standing, she said, “I had a rather interesting and enjoyable evening with you. Now it’s time to call it a night.”

“When can I see you again?”

She shrugged. “Not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why? Because I told you of my future plans for us?”

He was frustrating her to the point where she wanted to stomp her feet. “There are no future plans for us, Jaxon. I am absolutely sure of that.”

“If you’re so certain of it then there should be no reason for me not to see you again, right? Dinner will be on me the next time. You pick the place.” He then he stood as well. “I know it’s a workday tomorrow for the both of us. I’ll be seeing more land.”

“So you are in town for that purpose?”

He smiled over at her. “That’s one of them, yes.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, while I’m here I hope to get to know you better.” Then he changed the subject by saying, “I’ll help you clear off the table.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“It is for me. I’ll even roll up my sleeves and wash the dishes if you need help.”

“I don’t. And you don’t have to help clear off the table.”

“You sure?”

“I’m positive.” What she needed was for him to leave. Now. She couldn’t think straight with him around. And she desperately needed to think. Do an instant replay and a total reevaluation of everything he’d said, especially the part about his future plans for them.

“Okay, if you’re certain, Nadia.”

“I am.”

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