Page 17 of Her Billionaire Bargain (Kensington Square)

“That was a close second.”

“Rich, powerful guy. He offered me the world. I was dazzled. My parents are amazing, and it never occurred to me he’d be anything different than they were. Did I mention I was young? My first big decorating job.”

“How young?”

“Eighteen.”

“Ouch. He’s an old fucker.” He looked up at the ceiling. “I can be polite, I swear. I have manners somewhere down deep. My cock just doesn’t know it. But all is calm on that front there.”

I didn’t know whether to laugh, to feel relieved or dismayed that apparently his attraction to me had already been tempered. Not that it was a surprise. I’d been obnoxious enough to turn anyone off. “You’re refreshingly honest. I hate men who play games. Well, anyone who plays games.”

“Definitely not me. Preston always said it was a wonder women wanted to go out with me since I always said upfront I wasn’t looking for anything serious.”

“In general, that’s an after-going-to-bed statement.”

“Not for me. I’m not into being stalked. Or hurting anyone’s feelings if it can be helped. Better everyone knows the score right off.”

“I agree.”

Subtly, he shifted toward me on the coffee table. “You’re upfront like that too?”

“Hardly. I don’t date.” Just as subtly, I shifted away. “It’s different when you have a kid. You can’t bring people in and out of their lives who won’t stick around. Not that I want anyone to stick around,” I added hastily. “I’m perfectly happy alone. I have Berry and my family and good friends. I don’t need anyone else.”

A frown line appeared between his brows, something I already recognized as a tell that most likely an inappropriate comment was coming. Not that it was a leap. At least half of what he said bordered on improper.

Why didn’t that bother me as much as it should?

“How old are you? If I may ask.”

“Twenty-seven. You?” Why was I asking? Why did it matter?

“Thirty in September.” His jaw locked. “I gotta say, your devotion to your girl is admirable.”

“She’s the most important person in my life.”

“Yeah. Admirable.” He rubbed at the hole in the knee of his faded jeans, molded to his long legs and curved along parts of his anatomy I shouldn’t have ever noticed in the first place. Too late now. “But you’re young. There are…needs. Right?”

I wasn’t blushing. Nope. Even if that telltale burning sensation in my cheeks indicated otherwise. “I’m not overly interested in that aspect of life.”

“I’m so sorry.” His genuine contrition made me laugh again, hard enough for Bob to lift his head and open one dark eye before grunting and rolling over to flop on his notable stomach.

“I see why you get so many chicks.”

Somehow he was making me as loose-lipped as he was. But it wasn’t only my words that were flowing easily. The tension in my shoulders had drained for the first time in what felt like forever.

“You do? Because gotta say, none of this,” he waved a hand at his house and at himself, “is showing me at my finest hour.”

“You’re charming and a straight shooter. I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“Me neither. Anyone like me. Or like you.” He cocked his head, a shock of his blond-streaked-brown hair flopping into his disturbingly green eyes. “Is that a good thing?”

I had to grin. “A couple hours ago, I probably would’ve said no. Now? I’m beginning to think it just might be.”

FIVE

My new decoratorhad not quit. She had not stormed out in a fit of pique—well, after the first time. Better yet, we spent the bulk of the day together going over every nook and cranny of my ridiculously large home while she made copious notes and asked questions and offered suggestions when my answers ranged from, “I don’t know what I want, just not this,” to “how about you pick stuff and I’ll veto if necessary.”

And instead of glaring at me, she laughed more often than not now. I didn’t know what had caused that change in her, but I liked it. I especially liked the way her brown eyes glowed from within when she was passionate about a topic—in this particular case, wall hangings and bathroom fixtures—and how her cheeks shone that alluring peachy-pink when I agreed with her.

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