Murphy's Law Read Online Free PDF Page B

done everything in my power to get to know you better. Do you honestly believe I react that way often?”
    She gave an indolent roll of one shoulder—and his temper ignited with a growl. “Ashley—”
    Her chuckling cut him off. “Hey now, don’t get in a snit.”
    â€œI don’t get in snits, damn it.” He was insulted. And frustrated. And getting desperate. And he hated the way she zeroed in on his reactions. He was in a snit, blast her. But most women wouldn’t have put it that way.
    She flashed a grin. “I bet women never give you a hard time, do they?”
    Not usually, but he wasn’t about to admit it to her. “There’s been a challenge or two. But I have to admit you’re the most difficult.”
    â€œI’ve been clear about my position.”
    â€œAbsolutely.” He tapped his fingers on the tabletop. “You compliment me, admit you want me, admit to thinking of me in very involved ways, but then tell me to get lost.” His smile mocked her. “How could you be any clearer?”
    Pretending to wince, she asked, “I was too honest?”
    She toyed with him, but Quinton couldn’t tell if it was a deliberate ploy for control or a cover for uncertainty.
    That was the thing about Ashley—she was neither predictable nor common. Rules that applied to other women had no bearing on her. “You kiss me like you want to eat me alive.”
    She sighed. “Yeah, I know.” Her gaze avoided his. “That’s probably because I sort of do.”
    Shit. When she said things like that, his body just reacted. She made him insane with her push-pull rejections.
    He sat forward to twine his fingers with hers. “One way or another, Ashley, we will get together. Then you can kiss me anywhere and everywhere you want.” Before she could deny him, which she looked ready to do, he added, “But I meant it when I said I’d keep things platonic for now. I’m willing to give you as much time as you need. As long as you don’t ever think I’m filling that time with another woman—because I’m not.”
    She tested his grip, trying to ease her hand away, but when he pretended not to notice, she relaxed again.
    While he had her attention, he decided to clear up any notion she had of other women fulfilling the desire he had for her. “Understand, Ashley. You might see me with other women—”
    Her gaze clashed with his.
    â€œBut only in a business sense.” His thumb rubbed over her knuckles. “I have lunch and dinner with a lot of prospective clients. It’s part of business.”
    â€œWhatever.”
    He shook his head. “No, don’t act like it doesn’t matter. I haven’t forgotten how you reacted to Zara Trilby.” She’d immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion, which had set him back on his courtship. Zara was known for flamboyance and lots of hugging and kissing. But she wasn’t his type. “That particular client—”
    â€œDon’t worry about it. I know it didn’t mean anything.”
    â€œDo you?”
    â€œYeah. She’s dating a friend of mine now.”
    Further explanations died on his tongue. Zara Trilby was a beautiful, voluptuous, very demonstrative and outgoing businesswoman. But she was also rich as Midas, so it surprised him that she and Ashley might mingle socially. “You’re serious?”
    â€œYeah. She seems nice enough.” Ending that subject, she curled her fingers around his. “I’m just busting to know…what’s the appeal?”
    Lost to her meaning, he raised a brow. “Excuse me?”
    Gesturing between them with her free hand, she said, “You, me, this little lust-fest you have going on. I’m not stacked. I’m not gorgeous. I haven’t been all that nice. And other than a few unruly comments, I haven’t led you on, not deliberately, anyway.