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and asked her about the article she was writing. As she told him what it entailed, he listened closely before asking why she didn’t write more in her blog. She shrugged, “Why? Do you want me to write more about the deli?”
    “Well…we could use the exposure around here. I have an ad running in the local paper but every little bit could help. You could always journal about the difference it’s making with your health.”
    Her eyes narrowed before they shot to his, “I don’t write about my condition, Rich. Too many of my clients have access to my blog. If they found out…”
    “…they would think you’re trying to improve yourself.”
    She stubbornly clenched her teeth, “How would you know? You’ve probably never had anything wrong.”
    Knowing by her tone that he wasn’t going to get anywhere, he nodded, “Okay, Candice, but you’d be surprised.”
    “I don’t want anybody’s pity, Rich. I’ve had enough of that.”
    An awkward silence hung between them before he glanced at her, “You know, women normally don’t run from me. I have to admit…”
    He trailed off when she started shaking her head, “I can imagine with your looks that women fall all over themselves—like Liz—to get introduced. Don’t worry, I’ll try not to cramp your style.”
    He sighed, “What I was going to say, Candice, is that you are a challenge in many ways.”
    “Can we just keep this platonic?”
    “I don’t think platonic involves kissing.”
    “Exactly. So why did you even take us there?”
    With a sigh of resignation, he nodded, “Look, I don’t want to argue. I find you extremely attractive. That’s why I kissed you, Candice.”
    He immediately rose and threw a hasty goodnight over his shoulder before leaving her on the sofa. Well aware that if she wanted a cigarette, she’d have to knock on his door, he left it open as he crawled into his bed. Her eyes widened at the prospect of having no control over her ability to smoke when she wanted but she went into her bedroom as well.
    After tossing and turning, unable to shake the need for a cigarette, she groaned and climbed back out of bed. Her bedside clock read almost midnight. She crept into his bedroom, wondering where he kept them. Remembering him opening the bedside drawer, she eased it open but jumped when he grabbed her wrist.
    Before she knew it, her back hit the bed and he was straddling her. Cocking an eyebrow, his face hovered over hers, “Remember…no kiss, no cigarette.”
    His mouth slammed onto hers, driving every thought out of her mind. Forgetting her craving, her fingers thrust into his hair as her mouth responded with a world of need. This time, he tensed and broke the kiss. Checking himself, he turned to get a cigarette for her.
    She quietly studied him, wondering at his fast withdrawal from the kiss. She suddenly realized a weapon of her own, “Can I have two in case I wake up in the middle of the night?”
    He glanced back, discovering a knowing little smile, and swiftly turned the tables, “You’d have to sleep with me for two.” When her eyes widened, he said, “We can put a pillow between us. That way, you won’t have to wake me up again.”
    She stared at him, trying to see if he was trying anything funny. When his face remained neutral, she reluctantly nodded, “Okay.”
    A peculiar look flew over his face before he grinned and moved toward her, “What are you waiting on? If you don’t hurry up, I might change my mind.”
    She scrambled off the bed, hurrying down the hall toward the patio. As she savored the cigarette, her eyes widened at her bravery. Meanwhile, Rich thrust his hand into his hair and mumbled to himself, “What the hell are you doing here?”
    He hadn’t lied when he’d said he was attracted to her; she was like kissing a live wire. The minute she’d resisted him, he was hell-bent on wrecking her mind and body. One thing he found irresistible was a grounded woman who lacked ego. She was the epitome and