Stanton Box Set

He narrows his eyes. “Stay the hell out of my head, Natasha. I didn’t come here to be psychoanalysed.”

“What did you come here for?”

“I told you, to apologise.”

“Is that for my benefit or your conscience?”

“Stop it, you’re doing it ag

ain.”

“Doing what?” I snap.

“The psychology shit,” he frowns. “Just forget it.” He puts his coffee down on my table so fast it spills. “I knew there was no point.”

Oh shit, he’s going. I have to stop him.

“Josh wait, I’m sorry. I’m just really mad at you.” He stops and turns.

“For what?” He puts his head on an angle.

“I saw you last week at the strip joint.” He rubs his chin again, ah my first sign he’s uncomfortable. I’m really not playing fair—I’m totally psychoanalysing him.

“Tash, what were you doing there?” His voice has gone soft, cajoling.

I look at the ground in embarrassment. “We were there to spy on Bridget’s boyfriend, never in a million years did I think I would see you.” He nods as he listens. I stay silent, trying to gather in my head what to say next.

“Natasha, I’m single,” he murmurs.

“I know.” I’m starting to feel emotional. Cut it out, crybaby. “Would you have gone up the stairs if you had known I was there?”

“You know I wouldn’t have,” he says gently.

“Josh, I can’t handle you being so aggressive towards me.”

He nods. “Me neither. I’m sorry. I’ve been acting like a prick.”

I smile and he smirks back in return.

“You have. You can take me out to breakfast to apologise if you want.”

He frowns as he looks me up and down. “I might just take you pyjama shopping too.”

“What’s wrong with my pyjamas?” I smirk.

“Nothing if you live in a nursing home.” He does wide eyes to accentuate his point.

“Give me ten minutes,” I smile. He nods and flops onto the couch.

Ten minutes later I am showered and in my room hyperventilating about what I am going to wear. Alluring and sexy without trying hard is a fine line, one that I have to execute to perfection. Shit, where are my favourite jeans? Damn it, in the dirty washing basket. It doesn’t pay to be lazy. I settle on a pair of faded worn blue jeans, a slouchy white T–shirt that hangs off one shoulder, white thongs and a wad of chunky gold bangles. My chocolate–brown layered hair that is midway between my shoulders and elbows is loose and my makeup is natural.

“Ready?” I ask as I head into the lounge room where he is waiting. He smiles and nods. His eyes scan me up and down, his jaw ticks and he gently cracks his neck. Hmm. As he stands my heart jumps a beat. Dear god, he really is divine. He is wearing dark green army–style cargo pants and a black slimfit plain T–shirt with a V–neck. I can see every damn muscle in his arms. His big blue eyes lock onto mine and I feel it impossible to look away. The sexual energy beaming from his body is demanding attention from mine. His dark tanned skin and square jaw only highlight his big beestung lips. Everything about him is silently screaming sex to my body. My stomach flutters with nerves. How in the hell am I going to get through breakfast without jumping him? Bridget is right—he does smell fucking awesome. I made myself a promise years ago, that if I ever had a chance to spend time with Joshua again, I would be nothing but totally honest. Can I really do this? Never again in my life am I going through the disappointment in myself for lying to him. I couldn’t bear it. He smiles.

“Let’s go then.”

“I’m nervous, Josh.”

He stops and turns to me. “Nervous,” he repeats on a frown. I nod again. “What about?” he gently asks.