Bargaining with the Boss (Honeybrook Love, Inc. 2)

"So, was it true?" Natalie asked as they bolted from the studio. He'd called to have her car driven home. Tonight, he was taking her to his place and keeping her there for a solid week before they dared get out of bed.

"Which part? Loving you? Yes, that was true."

"No, the stuff with Debbie and the party."

"Yes...and no." He helped her into the car, closed the door, and then slid into the drivers seat all while deliberating what to say next.

"Go on," she prompted.

"Well, I had intended to see Debbie that night to make you jealous the way you made me jealous with Franco."

"Which was unintentional, by the way—"

"I know, I know," he shrugged her off. This was a new, truthful start for both of them and he didn't intend on being sidetracked quite so soon. "Anyway, it turns out that Debbie just wanted to talk to me about business. She's sick of everyone thinking she's an airhead, so she started her own company."

"Good for her."

"It is," he nodded. "But just because that's

what ended up happening doesn't mean I'm off the hook for my actions. I know that now and I—"

Now it was her turn to interrupt. "I was never mad about Debbie. At least, not really."

"So why didn't you come to the police station? Why didn't you call me or?"

"Well, at first it was because I didn't want to talk about what happened to me with Dominic. I couldn't bring myself to tell the story again and put myself through a trial, so I thought when he made bail, I'd have to skip town and hide out, hoping he wouldn't find me again. I didn't want to drag you into all that. It wouldn't have been fair to you."

"But what about when you decided to go on the show?"

"Well...I had a plan, but I don't want to tell you."

"Why not?"

"Because it's dumb."

"Come on, tell me."

She sighed. "I was going to come into work with a contract for you. I have it all typed up and everything. The bargain we initially agreed to, all signed, sealed, and ready to go."

"That's so sweet."

"It's dumb."

"No, it's perfect."

He pulled into his driveway, but let the car idle as he leaned back and took her in. "So, what was in the contract?"

"It doesn't matter now."

"Oh, but it does. If I only get five nights with you, I want to make sure they're the best five nights of your life."

She placed her finger on her chin, pretending to think. "You know, somehow, I think I missed that part. I'll have to amend it."

"Don't you dare." He turned the engine off, then leapt across the console to pin her into place. Slowly, he dropped kisses along the length of her throat until his lips finally met hers.

The kiss was just as gentle as all the others, but it still felt like something more. Something substantial and heartfelt and warm. It went on for what might have been an eternity, and then Natalie broke away and said, "Okay, okay. Unlimited nights."

"And mornings and afternoons?" He nibbled her earlobe and she arched into him as she nodded.