Diane (The Town of Pearl 6)

She was stunned as he pulled one of the stools away from the island and sat on it. He was tall. About six feet three inches with shoulder-length black hair that made him appear untamed. How badly she would love to run her fingers through his hair and make him come undone. But she was no seductress. Hell, she was a damn virgin who just happened to show a totally unrealistic side of her on broadcasted television. She felt her heart sink. Her life had become a mess in such a short period of time.

“You’re upset, and tired from your trip. I understand that, but you need to know that their feelings have nothing to do with what you did and what you were wearing in Dallas onstage.”

Even the man’s tone was hard and scary. But as she thought about his words she realized he said “their” feelings, not “our” feelings. She slowly raised her head up to look at him.

His palms were lying flat on the thighs of his jeans.

“Their feelings? So you don’t feel the same way as them?” she asked, her voice cracking on the last syllable.

His expression changed to shock a moment and then returned to serious again. He looked her over, and she could have sworn she felt his touch so deeply inside.

“I’m not sure,” he replied, and she felt kind of embarrassed. She assumed all three of them wanted her because that was what they told her at the restaurant. Did Lucas lose interest because she did the lingerie show?

He looked away from her and then back at her. “Come here,” he whispered. She didn’t know why but his tone, his expression, and his stance all turned her on and made her pussy wet.

“Why?” she asked softly. He raised one eyebrow, didn’t move his hands from their position, and stared at her.

“Come here, Diane,” he said, and she swallowed hard. She walked closer, right between his legs.

She tilted her head up toward him as he looked down into her eyes. She swallowed hard as she absorbed the sight of his black, shoulder-length hair and the intensity in his blue eyes. He was well built with lots of muscles, and wide shoulders.

“Why do you keep the clock Drake and I made you in the boutique, instead of here at your home?”

She hadn’t expected that question as she held his gaze and stared at the cute dimple in his chin.

“I spend more time at the boutique than I do at home, and I love hearing it chime, and watching the little bird come out.”

He nodded as if he accepted her reason.

He reached up and placed his hands on her outer thighs while holding her gaze.

“I like you. I’m attracted to you, but I really don’t know you. That needs to change.”

She swallowed hard. Boy, was he a real hard-ass and a man of few words.

“I don’t think this is going to work out.” She started to turn, but his large, firm hands held her in place. She felt the warmth, the masculinity of them through the thin material of the skirt she wore. Everything hummed with awareness. Her thighs, her ribs, her breasts, and even her pussy. This was what these three men did to her. They were the first men she had ever been attracted to, never mind thought about having sex with. But she just wasn’t sure why they wanted her and why now?

Was it because of the show? Was it because she was one of the few single women remaining in town they hadn’t bedded? She wasn’t certain. All she knew was that every denial, every thought of negativity she tried to place on them or their intentions was wiped out by the powerful attraction she felt. She lusted for these three men. She wanted them, but she yearned for acceptance, love, and to feel needed and desired just as much.

“There’s only one way to find out, Diane. Get to know us, then make your decision.” He caressed his hands up and down her hips, pulling her a little closer and between his splayed thighs. Her face was level with his chest in this position as she tilted her head up to hold his gaze.

“Why do you want to get to know me?”

“Because I think we’re a lot alike.”

“How so?”

He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth and then released it. She watched him carefully, and boy, did she want to kiss him. He was so good looking and so mysterious. He sm

elled incredible and she imagined hugging him to her, pressing her mouth against his neck as she absorbed every ounce of his scent. He was a god.

She refocused on his question as he seemed to just stare at her as if lost in thought. Could he possibly be feeling the same attraction? Could he be at a loss for words? Did he want her or was he just along for the ride with his brothers?

“What could you and I possibly have in common?” she challenged.

“We’re both quiet, like to keep to ourselves, and usually don’t like a lot of attention drawn to us.”

“I kind of ruined that last one over the weekend.”