His face was hard with a steely expression. So stark and mysterious, yet slight laugh lines and a shadow of dimples were present. The contrast was beautiful.
“Can something like this really be kept a secret?”
He leaned forward and skimmed the inside of my knee with his hand, stopping right when he hit the hem of my skirt.
“You tell me, Amy.”
I bit my lip because I was ready to surrender anything. I had already agreed to his wishes. But he was wrong about one thing. Last night when he’d found me at the bar, he’d said he’d thought I’d made up my mind about him the night he proposed this arrangement. In fact, I’d made up my mind about him the moment he’d first kissed me at the gala. Governor Roman Reese was more than a hardened politician, and the darkness flickering behind his eyes was only the beginning.
“Is there anything else we need to go over?” I said.
“You understand that my privacy is sacred to me. I’m trusting you with much of it, and we—”
“Are together,” I said.
He nodded.
“I understand.”
“And you agree?”
I thought of Lauren. Thought of all the kids who had called the crisis line. Thought of how many were out there now, suffering in silence with nowhere to
go, their family members having no idea where to take them for help. My stomach instantly hurt.
“Yes. But I want your word that you’ll help me with this center, and that sex isn’t an expectation and won’t affect any part of this arrangement. Whether I’m talking to you naked or not.”
He looked almost…impressed. “The only time you’d have to disrobe to speak with me would be if you chose to discuss this arrangement. Unless you’d prefer to talk to me naked regularly, in which case, I have no objection.” His gaze zeroed in on my mouth, and I zeroed right back in on his. “I have already drafted a proposal in the state budget stipulating funding for New Beginnings. I will also support the anti-drug campaign and introduce you to people with a lot of influence and money who are looking to donate.” His gaze ran the length of my body. “And as I said before, sex isn’t part of this deal in any way. It’s a choice.”
“Okay, then.” I breathed. “What about my terms?”
“Your terms? Didn’t you just state them?” Before I could answer he unleashed a sexy grin. “You mean your terms regarding more of this ‘real me’ you saw at the gala.”
I nodded.
“You’ll have to give me specifics, Miss Underwood. Because I’m happy to give you more…” His fingers, which had been drawing small circles around my knee, slowly trailed higher, disappearing beneath my skirt. My breath hitched.
My eyes drifted shut; I couldn’t stop them. The fire’s warmth licked my skin while Roman’s touch seared me in an entirely different way. It made me want to strip down and feel the heat of both over my entire body.
“There is something about you, Amy,” he said musingly. “I won’t deny that. Won’t tell you this is purely a game, because I think about that night too. Think about you. How you clung to me. From your sexy mouth to your sweet little moans. I replay our kiss. Over and over.”
“How do you do this?” I whispered.
“Do what?” His voice was a growl and while my eyes were still closed, I felt him move closer.
“Enthrall people.”
I heard him shift his weight and felt his breath skate across my lips. He must have been kneeling in front of me now, but his fingers never relinquished their station on my inner thigh. I refused to open my eyes. Couldn’t. Because once I did, I wouldn’t be able to look away.
“It’s part of the job,” he whispered. “Making you want me above others.”
His mouth brushed slightly over mine, barely making contact. I wanted more. Needed it. Instinct took over and I did the only thing I could. Snaking my tongue out, I tasted the seam of his lips. A low growl came from him, but he didn’t pull away.
“You’re good at your job, Governor.”
“And you are not what you seem, Miss Underwood.” He nipped my bottom lip, and a zing of pleasure shot through my entire body. “Open your eyes.”
I instantly obeyed, as if helpless not to. Cupping my neck in both palms, he leaned back to look at me. “Do you feel forced to be here?”