Secret Weapon

She glanced at his empty plate. “Are you done?”

“I guess I am. It was delicious.”

He rose and placed his mug and plate in the dishwasher. She followed him to the sink and rinsed her own cup, then handed it to him. He put it on the rack and closed the door. Then he gazed at her and smiled. He placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her toward him, then captured her lips. She swore to herself, knowing she should have stepped away before he could lay his hands on her again. When he did that, she lost all reason. And when he kissed her …

His tongue swept into her mouth and a tidal wave of hormones swelled through her. Her arms encircled his neck and she moved her lips with his, swept away in the passion.

He drew back and gazed down at her, his intense blue eyes searing through her.

“This morning was incredible.” He brushed his lips against her temple, sending tingles dancing down her spine. “I’ve dreamed of being with you like that for so long.” He nuzzled her neck. “It was everything I’d hoped for. And more.”

His hands stroked down her back, then cupped her behind and pulled her against his body. An incredible bulge pressed against her pelvis, and her insides quivered as she imagined that big cock of his gliding into her again.

But more than that, her heart melted at the thought of him stroking her with his big masculine hands. Feeling the tenderness of his touch as he explored her body, as his lips and mouth aroused her in sweet and loving ways.

His hands glided away, then found the buttons of her blouse. He unfastened one, then the next. Anxiety warred with excitement. She stilled his hands.

“I … uh … sorry, Sloan, but … I have plans. I really have to get going.”

“Can’t you cancel?” He sent her a devilish grin. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

She had no doubt about that, but she did not want to mislead him by giving him the idea that they could settle into a relationship with just the two of them. It wouldn’t be fair to him.

She drew away. “No, I’m afraid not.”

Disappointment glazed his features, but he released her. Feeling like a total bitch, she walked toward the doorway. “I have to go get ready.”

“Can I give you a lift somewhere?”

She glanced back at him from the doorway. “No, that’s okay. Thanks.” Then she hurried to the bedroom, wondering if he’d still be there once she’d finished changing.

* * *

As Sloan stood at the door, he drew Janine into his arms and kissed her again, not wanting to leave, but she drew herself from his embrace and stepped back.

“So what are your plans this afternoon?” she asked.

“Well, a buddy is moving this weekend and I told him I’d help him unload the truck. He should be ready in a few hours.”

“That’s great. Maybe I can meet him sometime.”

He didn’t know whether to take that as a hopeful sign that she thought it might work out between them—and she would start meeting his friends—or if she meant that she’d like to add his friend to her harem of men.

“Maybe. I’m more interested in when I can see you again.”

“Well, I can set up something for next Saturday, if that works for you. Jonas won’t be in town, but Derek could probably join us.”

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s not what I had in mind.”

“Oh? And what did you have in mind?”

He smiled and stroked her cheek. “Just the two of us would be nice.”

She sighed and gazed at him like one might a child. “Sloan, I told you right up front that I’m not interested in an exclusive relationship.”

“One date doesn’t mean we’re exclusive.”

“But you’re not talking about one date, are you? You’d like every date to be just the two of us.”