“I accept that.”
“So, what do you expect the exchange between us to be?”
“I want you. You want me. It is entirely mutual.” In his mind, it needed no further definition.
“And not mercenary.”
“In no way mercenary. On either side. I want you for more than arm ornamentation.” Though some might call his dead-on rush at her knowing the relationship could only last a matter of weeks mercenary, he did not consider it that way. Relationships never lasted longer than that for him and he had done nothing to encourage her to expect anything different.
In fact, he had emphasized the temporary nature of his previous affairs and while she had not liked his blunt view of them, she had not argued that aspect to them.
“And I am not looking to spend your money or for you to advance my career.”
“See? Nothing cold about it.” He had caught on rather quickly that was important to the aqua-eyed beauty before him.
“Definitely not cold.” She smiled.
And he had to stifle a growl of desire. Scorching heat was a better description of what was between them.
A growing erection pressed against his tailored slacks while his hands itched to touch her silky, golden skin.Want was a tame word for the feelings crashing through him. Hecraved that too kissable mouth, hungered for it like a man starved. Heneeded to taste her delectable lips…and everywhere else.
He did not like this needing. He had to get her to bed soon to gain control of the wayward feeling. He did not respond this way to women. Ever. It took more than physical beauty to draw him. Yet he could hardly claim to know Amber as well as he usually did a woman he wanted to bed. Though each moment spent in her company revealed an intelligence and charm that increased the aching desire in his sex. And there was no denying that he wanted to bed her. Very soon. Over and over again.
She put her hand on the doorknob. “I’m going to go take my shower.”
“I will catch up on phone calls while you are getting ready. Do not rush yourself.”
She smiled and nodded.
He pulled out his cell phone and dialed the investigator to see if he had anything more and refused to question why he would do so when he had other more pressing calls to make.
Miguel was talking to an associate in China when Amber walked out of the bedroom. Several years of training not to show emotion during business negotiations were all that prevented him from embarrassing himself.
“You look breathtaking,” he mouthed while the Chinese businessman on the other end of his phone call rattled off statistics none the wiser.
Her golden highlighted hair hung down like a curtain of spun silk framing her exquisitely shaped face. She’d donned another dress, but this one was the same color as her eyes and clung lovingly to her slim curves, accentuating both how very tiny she was for her height and how deeply feminine.
Her feet were encased in delicate gold sandals that added a good three inches to her height. She’d been wearing flats earlier. It pleased him that she’d dressed up for him.
Her jewelry looked like it had been designed by Aztecs. It was an interesting choice and spoke of a woman not afraid to draw attention to herself. Which made perfect sense considering the profession she was in, but he still liked the evidence of her confidence.
He’d never found timidity attractive, not like some of the other men in his family who seemed to thrive on the different kind of chase. Give him a lioness over a kitten anyday.
Enchantingly, Amber blushed. “Thank you,” she mouthed back.
He nodded, not taking his eyes off of her though he did manage to return part of his brain to the business discussion. A very small part.
Amber crossed to the mini bar and poured herself a glass of bottled water. She turned to him, lifting her brow in question.
He shook his head. He’d already raided the drinks fridge and finished off a bottle of water and a small Coke while making his phone calls.
She drank her water while he talked to the other man, seemingly indifferent to the fact that he was otherwise occupied. He liked tha
t, too.
Most women he’d dated were impatient with his need to conduct business at odd hours and sometimes inopportune moments. He finished up the call and then flipped his phone shut. “Thank you for your patience.”
“No problem.” She smiled. “I’m glad you weren’t in here pacing the room waiting for me to finish getting ready.”