Naughty, Naughty Prince Charming (Charming 1)

He didn’t blink. His response was immediate. “I know,” Logan assured her. “What I don’t know is why you ran out on me that night.”

Abruptly pushing to her feet, she moved as if to retreat. No way, he thought. He wasn’t about to let her run. He followed her to his feet, his hand snaking out to grab her shoulders. After this, he’d leave her alone if that was what she wanted. But here, now, he deserved answers.

She glared at him. “Please let me go. I came here to make things better, not worse. I do need this job. If you let me stay, I won’t say a word to anyone about that…night. Professional and personal belong in two different places. I know that.”

His eyes narrowed. “Do I not deserve answers, Lucy? That’s all I ask for. Just answers. Really, one. Why did you leave without saying a word?”

She shook her head doggedly. “It’s the past.”

He eyed her keenly. “What are you afraid of Lucy?” She swallowed but didn’t respond, in fact, he could have sworn she swayed toward him. He pushed a bit harder. “Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”

Her chin tilted up in defiance, their eyes locking. “Why does it matter?” She tugged at her arms. He held her easily. “Let me go, Logan.”

He shook his head. “Please answer, Lucy.”

Eyes locked, they stood there, staring at one another, the potency of their attraction raw and alive. And then suddenly they were kissing. Lucy’s soft curves pressed against his, their tongues sliding together in red, hot passion. Her hands settled on his chest even as his flattened on her back. With each second that passed, he confirmed what he’d known was true. This woman made him crazy. Made him want and want and want beyond explanation.

He didn’t want to ever let her go again. “Lucy,” he murmured against her mouth. “You shouldn’t have left me.”

“I had to,” Lucy whispered against his lips.

Before she could say more, he claimed her mouth yet again. He needed just one more rush of that flavor so uniquely her, yet, he forced himself to draw back after only a few strokes of his tongue. He tilted her chin up with his finger, making her meet his gaze. “Why? Why did you have to leave like you did?”

Her voice held a tiny little quiver. “It’s hard to explain.”

“Try.”

Her response was silence. After several long moments, he brushed his lips over hers. “I want you,” he told her huskily. “Tell me you want me, too.”

She stiffened, her hands moving to his waist. “It’s not a question of want, and you know it. I don’t think you would believe me if I told you I didn’t want you.” She swallowed hard before continuing. “I can’t.” Lucy paused. “No. I won’t sleep with my boss.”

Logan opened his mouth to protest. Understanding how she felt, he wanted to reassure her there was no pressure. Yet, he hated for their unique circumstances to shut down something special. He opened his mouth to say as much when a knock sounded on the door. He cursed under his breath. Where in the hell was his secretary? She wasn’t supposed to let anyone by without announcing them first.

Staring down at Lucy, he said, “We’ll finish this conversation later.” Then he released her because he had no choice.

Lucy ran a hand through her hair, clearly trying to compose herself. “I’ll let whoever it is in as I go.”

Logan watched her leave because, again, he had no option. They were at work and this thing between them was abnormal. Professionalism had to dictate their actions.

But no way was this over.

Chapter Nine

Her life was hell.

That was what rolled through Lucy’s mind as she entered her apartment that evening. Finding it dark, she wondered how her mother was doing. Having moved only a few doors down, her mother seemed happy. But Lucy missed her. Privacy wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

Alone was very…well, alone.

Dropping her purse and keys on the entrance table, she headed straight to her bedroom. She flung her shoes off, mumbling as she did. Once she had comfortably donned a pair of boxers and a t-shirt, she stuffed her feet into her fluffy blue slippers.

Her next stop was the kitchen. After a long few moments of staring into the contents of the refrigerator, she grunted and slammed the door shut.

No way could she eat. Unless…chocolate. She had a stash. It might make her feel better. Making a bit more money these past few months had allowed a few luxuries. Not many but some. Chocolate had been the big one she loved.

Heading back to the bedroom she walked to the closet and flipped the light. She had a small chest inside where she kept her stash. A few moments later, chocolate in hand, she headed to the bed and flopped down. Remote in hand, she hit play. It had been months since she’d watched “Red Hot Secrets” but still she’d taped the episodes. Maybe a several-hour marathon was needed.