Seven Nights of Sin (Penthouse Affair #2)

“You know . . . you’re inexperienced. With a woman who’s been around the block, it’s more okay to play a little fast and loose, because she knows what she likes and doesn’t like, and she won’t be afraid to call a time-out.”

“But I did tell you to stop,” she fires back, crossing her arms over her chest. “Doesn’t that prove I’m capable of holding my own?”

I would laugh at her trademark resolve if I weren’t rapidly approaching exasperation. “I’m trying to apologize for not treating you better.”

“I know. And I appreciate that. I just need to know you see me as an equal. I don’t want you handling me with kid gloves. I agreed to this”—she waves a hand as she searches for a word—“arrangement of my own free will.”

“Even a casual partner still deserves to be treated right.”

She nods slowly, like she’s confused over my choice in words.

I tip my head toward the celling and draw a deep breath before meeting her eyes again. “So, would you like to go to dinner with me?”

She stares back at me for a moment before softening. “Yes. That sounds really nice.” Her expression turns the tiniest bit mischievous. “But it’s still not a date, right?”

I keep a poker face. “Right.”

“Just wanted to make sure. I’ll get dressed,” she says, then heads into the bathroom to get ready.

I should feel better having gotten that apology out of the way, but somehow I don’t. I only feel more confused.

• • •

the Thames, we share platters of native Cornish oysters on the half shell and roasted vegetables and a variety of

doesn’t feel at all like

It’s nice. Relaxing, even. With a

ever think of restricting her to my bed—she’s too valuable an asset to

“Someday we’ll be worldwide.” I smile, taking the last sip of my wine. “An Aspen property

her glass

the flow and joke, “Sure, why the hell not?

she

good to see her laugh, to laugh together with her. When was the last time I felt so good? Probably right before I found that fucking Genesis stuff in her bag. The worst of that is behind us now . . . but still, I can’t deny it was a useful wake-up call, pulling us apart before we got too entangled. Too

the reality of my life bringing me back down to earth. “On the other hand, I really need to start trimming back my hours.

right? If you find good

my chin. “Maybe. Easier said than

want to spend more time with them, and I’m not even their parent.” She gets a weird look on her face. “Sorry,

about you? How’s your family?” She rarely mentions her father—one of the many things we have in common—but she lights up beautifully when the topic

“He keeps talking about this guy. Every time we talk, it’s Elijah said this, Elijah did that, or oh

“Are

just might see.” Toying with her last bite of dessert, she asks way too casually, “Speaking of relationships . . . do you think you’ll ever be looking

challenging me. Like she always does. “I don’t see how I

why I avoided the question instead of just saying, No, I’m not looking for some big romantic love affair. For some reason, I’m reluctant to shut her down cold. Even though I really should, because there’s

getting by with the two ladies who need more of my time than I have to give at the moment. It would be foolish

cards for solutions.” She