She wasn’t easily swayed. She shrugged her shoulders. “It’s biology. And abstinence—” She winced. “I didn’t mean to say that part about being abstinent. That’s personal. Private. None of your business. Please don’t speak right now.”
The scarlet in her cheeks deepened.
After spreading goat cheese on a piece of baguette, he eased back in his chair and gave her his best, wickedest smile, teasing her just a little. Although the fact she hadn’t been with anyone since her husband’s death reminded Broderick of how much she’d cared for the other man.
He moved his neck from side to side to work out a sudden kink.
The knowledge also reminded him that he was on the right track with his plan for something more serious with her. She preferred sex within a relationship.
“Really, don’t say a word.” She buried her face in her hands, then fluffed her hair and returned to her wineglass. Glenna’s next swig seemed full of determination.
Silently, he held up his hands.
She threw a pillow from the neighboring chair at him. “You know I’m attracted to you, but you made it clear in the hot tub that nothing is going to happen,” she said boldly. “I don’t know what your angle is, but I’m not into game playing. You’ve only served to remind me why it’s unwise to act on those feelings, especially with all that’s going on.” She made a gesture that seemed to suggest she was talking about all the general chaos of their lives.
For him, that chaos wasn’t insurmountable. If she wanted to opt for a no-holds-barred discussion, he could handle that. In fact, he welcomed the challenge of sparring with her.
“I walked away earlier because I wasn’t sure you’re ready. Am I right?”
Her eyes narrowed and she scratched under her topknot in a gesture he was beginning to realize was her nervous twitch. A poker “tell” that she was rattled.
“Maybe. But you could have said all of this out there instead of just strutting away like the lord of the manor.”
“I could have, but you tempt me, lady. In spite of my very best intentions, you tempt me.”
“I guess that’s a compliment.” Her throat moved in a long swallow. “Things are difficult and complicated here. I’ll admit that. It would help if you weren’t so smart. So charming. So damn hot.”
The way she spit out the words, they didn’t sound much like compliments. Still, he grinned.
Broderick grabbed another handful of berries. “I’m glad you feel that way. Those should be good things, because you’re one helluva sexy lady. I’m pacing myself. You’re worth the wait.” He finished his white wine and popped a berry in his mouth.
She pursed her lips, shaking her head. “That still doesn’t answer the question of how we’re going to work together and be in the same family.”
He scooted his chair closer. “What if we work together, at the office, and take Fleur with us?”
“What do you mean?” Her brow furrowed. Glenna downed her last bit of wine, then licked her lips. Driving him mad.
He needed this to work.
“You don’t want to get married again. You’ve said as much. I’m devoted to my job, but I want a steady relationship.”
“Just not the commitment?”
He nodded. “I don’t want my heart stomped by someone too upset by the hours I pull, and I sure as hell don’t want to go through what my father went through when Mom died. So let’s give this a try hanging out together. Seeing where the attraction takes us.”
Broderick tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Let his other hand graze her knee ever so slightly.
“You’re serious? You’re not just hitting on me for a one-time deal?” Glenna leaned into him, her voice soft.
“I’m very serious. Look at this as the most important business decision of our lives. We’ll be together, connected. Then whoever turns out to be Fleur’s new parent, we can help the other.”
Her blue eyes searched his. “You really mean this.”
“Can you think of a good reason why not? Let’s decide now.”
“Whoa. You’re asking us to make this kind of decision right now, this fast.” She held up her hands, shaking her head until that topknot slid to the side, threatening to fall altogether. “That’s crazy.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” He slid a berry between her lips. “Think on it.”
Her throat moved in a long, slow swallow. Yes. He was making significant progress.
He eased back. “Now let’s get to work on the last set of financial quarterlies.”
* * *
Kota had limitless energy, or so it seemed to Glenna. For the past hour, she’d played fetch until her arm grew weary. Kota dashed into the snow, a sleek black line of ambition. Then he’d bound back to Glenna, practically prancing with the ball wedged between his teeth.