In Too Deep (Man of the Month 10)

"Selma told me you'd come on board. Surprised the hell out of me, but then I overheard you just now with Megan..." She trailed off with a shrug. "Guess you're doing favors for all the girls."

For a moment, he simply looked at Selma. Then he chuckled and said, "Yeah. I'm probably crazy for doing it, but it's not like I can turn either of you away."

"You're a lifesaver," she said. "And doing this so last minute is particularly spectacular of you." And then, without thinking about it, she put her hand on his shoulder, leaned forward, and brushed a quick kiss over his cheek. He smelled like a forest after a rainstorm, fresh and clean, and she lingered a moment, thinking that there was something comforting about the scent of him and the strength she felt beneath her palm.

Maybe this was a stupid thing that she was doing, but in that moment at least, she was glad it was Matthew who was going into the fray with her. Because if nothing else, she was certain that he'd hold her close, play the part, and catch her if she stumbled.

She pulled away, feeling gooey and a little shy as she smiled weakly at him. "Anyway, thanks. I'll load you up on all the info about everyone during the drive tomorrow. Three hours to Dallas should be plenty of time for us to make up and memorize our story. So I'll come get you at nine, okay?"

Chapter Five

Matthew was awake by five. By seven-fifteen, he'd gotten in a two-hour workout, including a three-mile run along the river.

By eight he'd finished breakfast, and by nine he'd run out of things to do except worry.

Which pretty much put him back where he'd started, as he'd been worrying--or, more accurately, he'd been kicking himself--since Hannah cornered him in the bar last night.

Not that the actual cornering had been unpleasant.

On the contrary, the sensation of being near her had been spectacular. He'd felt it--felt her--humming through him. Like he'd walked too close to a transformer, and his body had begun to buzz from the electricity in the air. He'd wanted to touch her simply to find out if sparks would shoot from his fingers. And when her lips had brushed his cheeks, it had taken all of his effort not to turn his head and taste that sweet mouth.

She'd made an impression, all right. She'd fired his senses. Struck a nerve.

Whatever you wanted to call it, she'd done it.

Which probably explained why he'd agreed to participate in this scheme. More, it probably explained why he hadn't politely but firmly backed away when she'd texted him last night.

He'd read it so many times he could practically recite it: Hey, it's Hannah. You looked a little bit spooked in the bar, and I started to wonder if maybe Selma hadn't completely filled you in. The party's tomorrow at my parents' house in Dallas. Drive up Saturday, come back Sunday. I thought Selma had told you, but knowing Selma...

Anyway. Hope that's still okay. Ping me back if you need to bail. I'll understand. XOXO, Hannah.

She'd signed it with hugs and kisses.

How could he bail after that?

He couldn't, of course. Which was why he'd written back a quick text that completely absolved his sister, said that he was looking forward to the drive, and promised to download a couple of playlists for the road.

At the time, he'd thought of it as an adventure. He was a chivalrous guy doing a woman a favor.

Now, he'd amended chivalrous to foolish. Because honestly, how could this possibly end well?

He was still pondering that when the doorbell rang and he almost jumped out of his skin.

Also foolish. Because this wasn't a date. He had nothing at all riding on it. Nothing at all to be nervous about.

Nothing, that is, except the fear that he'd slide deeper and deeper in lust with her. That he'd realize she was funnier than he'd first thought, prettier than he'd seen. He'd want more--

And he'd be denied.

And that, he thought, seemed to be the story of his life.

"Get a grip, Herrington," he muttered to himself as he headed to the door. "This isn't a first date. You're not logged into some dating app trying to find true love. She's not looking for anything more than cash, and you're her ticket to payday."

Good advice.

All he had to do was remember it--and try not to screw it all up for her.

With one final, fortifying breath, he pulled open the door and felt his stomach slip to his knees. God, she was gorgeous.