Simply Sinful (Simply 1)

“Excuse me?”

“You don’t want to arouse the guy; you want him in and out as fast as possible. You want to convince him you want out of the business, not that you’re looking to be hooked up with his next client.”

“It’s an outfit most women wear every day.”

“You’re not most women,” he muttered. “Now do this one thing for me. You don’t want that kind of reaction from the guy.”

“I didn’t think.” Not about anyone’s reaction to her outfit but Kane’s, and she’d already gotten what she wanted.

“That’s the point. You’re taking this whole meeting too damn lightly.”

“If you’re talking about the clothes, I’ll change.” Kayla wasn’t one to argue with reason, no matter how bossy the command sounded.

Besides, this was her golden opportunity. Her one chance to have Kane see he could be emotionally involved without harmful or, worse, fatal repercussions. Everything rode on this meeting turning out as planned. She would follow his advice, but she would also show him that she could stand on her own.

“But if you’re talking about attitude, you ought to take a lesson. Will obsessing over the meeting change the outcome? You prepped me and I’m ready. I’ll be mic’d, and I know you’ll be as close as possible. I’ll be surrounded by protection.”

“And you don’t move from your seat. Either he wants the books or he doesn’t. You got that?”

“Considering you told me at least ten times, how could I forget? Relax, Kane. Take a lesson from me.” After her initial panic last night, she’d realized nothing would alter fate…whatever it held. Somehow, the knowledge eased her fear and helped her remain calm. “I can’t control the future,” she told him. “But I

can enjoy now.”

He threaded his fingers through hers. The comfort she found in his touch amazed her, as did the strength of her feelings. She’d only known him a short time, but it was enough.

“Is that what you’re doing?” he asked. “Enjoying now?”

“What else?”

“Changing before my eyes.” He tugged on her hand and she drew closer. Their bodies aligned until she felt his weight and heat pressed intimately against her. His arms wrapped around her waist, moving her into the V of his legs. His erection hardened and grew against her stomach. A harsh groan escaped his lips, telling her he was unbearably aroused.

At that moment, she knew she could have one last time with him.

His hips jerked forward, and she swallowed a moan. She licked her dry lips. “You tempt me, Kane.”

“Only fair since you drive me out of my mind.” His lips lowered, capturing hers. This kiss wasn’t urgent and out of control; it wasn’t slow and determined with seduction as the result. His tongue delved and played inside her mouth, devouring, arousing…remembering for the future.

Kayla had no doubt. In Kane’s mind, this was goodbye.

* * *

She ordered a drink from the waiter, as planned. Kane breathed a sigh of relief. He’d heard her loud and clear through the mic she wore. Now he settled in to wait.

Five after twelve, and the lunch crowd had all taken their seats, fellow cops with big appetites and good instincts. He’d still rather be inside himself rather than listening from the manager’s office just outside the dining-room entrance.

“It’s time.” A male voice interrupted Kane’s train of thought.

“Actually past time. I’ve been waiting since twelve, like you said.” The edge in Kayla’s voice was unmistakable. Relax, sweetheart.

“Change of plans. I can’t stay long.”

“Too bad,” Kayla said. “I…I just ordered a drink, and I was hoping you’d join me.”

Perfect, Kane thought. Keep him talking and keep him in the restaurant.

“Not that you don’t tempt me, honey. You do. Hell, with a body like yours you’d tempt a monk, but I’m in a rush, so…maybe some other time.”

“That might be possible if I wanted to continue the business—which I don’t.”