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duvet, Alana was on the verge of falling asleep. She hadn’t felt so comfortable in a man’s arms in years. Who was she kidding? She couldn’t remember ever feeling this way, and that scared the hell out of her. Dr. Ryan Lang was every woman’s fantasy, which meant probably dozens of women out there right now were fantasizing about trading places with her.
    “What’re you thinking about, gorgeous?” he asked, kissing her shoulder.
    After rolling onto her back to face him, she decided ending it now was best, before she got in too deep. “I should probably get going, Ryan. This was amazing, but…”
    He sat up and glared at her. “Don’t even think about telling me this ends here and now, Alana. I meant what I said. You’re mine now.”
    No man had ever had the nerve to say that to her before, and she had to admit his possessiveness turned her on, big time. “It would never work. You’re busy with your career. I’m busy with mine. I don’t have time for a relationship.”
    “That’s too goddamn bad. You’re gonna make time for me, for us.” Raking his hands through his tousled hair, he sighed. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to snap at you, baby. But there’s no way I’m can let you go now that I know for sure...” He paused, as though considering his next words carefully. “I’ll admit I’ve imagined what it would be like, but honey, you’ve exceeded my expectations.”
    Knowing that he still wanted her as much as she wanted him gave her a thrill. Sex with this man could easily become a dangerous obsession if she wasn’t careful. “Ryan, you could have any woman you wanted. You don’t want to waste your time with me.”
    He slid down, coaxing her into his arms. “You’re the only one I want.”
    She had no idea how this could work. As it was, she didn’t even have time to shop for food most weeks. How was she going to fit a relationship into her schedule? She worked from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. five days a week, eight hours on Saturday, and Sundays were devoted to preparing for the demanding week ahead. Even if she could carve out an hour or two on a Saturday night or Sunday, she knew that wouldn’t be enough to satisfy a man like Ryan.
    “If things were different, if my time were my own…”
    He brushed his lips against her temple. “Just give it a chance, sweetheart. Please.”
    His plea broke down her defenses faster than posturing would have, and she sensed he knew that. “I have a lot of responsibilities. My family and my employees are counting on me to turn this business around. I don’t even want to think about what would happen to my parents and my brother if I screwed this up.”
    “Tell me,” he said quietly. “What would happen? What’s the worst case scenario?”
    She squeezed her eyes shut. She wouldn’t even allow herself to consider that possibility. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
    “Too bad,” he said harshly, prompting her to open her eyes.
    Gaping at him, she said, “Excuse me?”
    “You’ve been hiding from this for too long, Alana. It’s time for you to face it like a big girl.”
    How dare he patronize her! He had no idea what she and her family went through this past year. “Go to hell,” she said, sitting up. She threw her legs over the edge of the bed, but he hauled her back against his chest.
    “You really think I’m going to let you go?” He wrapped his arm around her waist, nuzzling her ear. “We’re going to figure this out, you and me. You don’t have to do this alone anymore, sweetheart. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”
    Closing her eyes, she tried to find the strength to argue with him, but she was tired of struggling. Maybe he was right; maybe it was time to give in. Accepting his check and walking out of here knowing the dealership her father spent a lifetime building still had a fighting chance would be so easy, but her pride wouldn’t allow her to take a handout, no matter the circumstances. “I can’t accept