Bad Kitty

as me? Both years? Then why didn’t you say something at the office? Why didn’t you want more?”

“Why didn’t you?” she challenged.

“I wasn’t here—”

“But you didn’t say anything when you came back either.” Before he could answer, she sighed and glanced away. “And neither did I. I was afraid, I guess. I didn’t want to create drama at work and I suppose I thought you weren’t that interested.”

He touched her cheek, stroking her delicate skin. “Man, were you wrong.”

She looked at him, lips trembling. “Your turn.”

Strangely, her show of nerves bolstered him. And it was long past time for honesty. “I thought you didn’t realize it was me. I mean, I hoped you did, but I didn’t know. And I couldn’t just—”

“Ask?”

“I should have, but I didn’t want to hear you say you wanted East.”

He swallowed over the lump in his throat, studiously avoiding her eyes. As happy as her declaration had made him, he felt like a chump. Since when did he lack confidence? Sure, East was successful, but so was he, in a different way. But it wasn’t just about money. East had a polish he never would.

“I want you.” She sat up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hugging him tightly. “Can’t you tell?”

Forcing himself to meet her gaze, he smiled. Her eyes were soft, almost dewy. “Yeah, I can.” He picked up her hand and kissed each of her fingers. “I’m an idiot. Can you forgive me?”

“Nope, sorry.”

“Huh?”

“Only way you’ll get forgiven is if you earn my forgiveness.” She waggled her brows and gestured to the floor. “I still have my whip, you know.”

He grinned and tugged her into his arms, capturing her mouth in a lusty kiss. God, it felt good to kiss her and know she knew exactly who she was kissing back. “Yeah, well, maybe I’ll submit to your whip, bad kitty…if you submit to mine.” He did his best Halloween-worthy evil laugh, and she giggled, wriggling in his hold as he kissed the daylights out of her. As it fucking should be.

She tore her mouth away, panting. “Wait. I do have one question.”

“Shoot.”

“What the hell is going on with your brother and my best friend?”

Patrick laughed. “So that Julie chick’s your best friend? The one he spent Halloween with, both damn years.” He stopped, frowning. “Christ. Seriously? The twin thing kicked in again? Man, that gets old. We always do the same damn thing, even not planning to. It’s like we share a brain.”

“You have the bigger half.” She flicked her tongue playfully over his lips. “Bet you have the bigger everything.”

“No wonder I like you so damn much.” Grinning, he pinned her beneath him on the bed, his heart giving a bump when she wrapped her legs around his waist. They fit together perfectly. “You’re going to go out with me, right?” he whispered between kisses. “On a real date, with real verbal foreplay before we have very real sex?”

Then hopefully they’d have another real date, and another, and another…

“Yes. Of course.” Her lips curved. “Actually, you can take me out next week to celebrate my passing my real estate licensing exam.”

“Really?” He tucked her hair back, his pride overflowing in his voice. “You passed? That’s amazing! Congratulations.”

“Well, I haven’t taken it yet. But I will pass. So you’re taking me out to eat. Okay?” she asked, her tone fierce. He loved a determined woman.

“Hell yeah.” Laughing, he nibbled her earlobe, enjoying her shiver. “Anywhere you want, my sexy real estate babe.”

She wove her fingers through his hair, pulling gently. “Let me take the test first, then I’ll decide.”

“Does that mean I have to wait until next week to take you out?”

“No. Today’s good, too.” She patted his butt before giving both cheeks a good squeeze. “Though if I’m being honest, I’d really rather stay in…”