Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

“You’d be surprised.”

“I’d be shocked.”

He shrugged. “Maybe I could find a date, but I’m getting older. I’m getting less interested in some fling or a one-night stand or someone fickle. I want something real.”

“You think I’m that something real?” she asked incredulously.

“Think you could be, if you’d let me through those walls of yours.”

She shook her head. “You know nothing about me. I could be a terrible person.”

He pushed her hair behind her ears. “I know you’re a hard worker because you were so worried about being late to work. I know you care about your brothers; by the sounds of it you’re more of a parent to them than your own are. I know you took one look at my mess of an office and immediately offered to help even though you likely don’t have the time or energy. I know you don’t have much, yet you’re not out to take me for a free ride.”

“I’d never do that. I hate people who use others.”

“And that’s why I know you’re real, Thea. That’s why I want to get to know you. If you’ll let me.”

She puffed out a breath. “I’ve got baggage.”

“We all do, rocket. You think I got to the ripe old age of thirty-eight without plenty of shit in my past?”

“Oh, God, you’re thirty-eight! You’re ancient.” Her eyes twinkled with laughter.

“Brat,” he mock growled. “Never met anyone as much in need of a spanking as you.”

“Hmm, is that a promise?”

He raised his eyebrows. Now that surprised him. “You want to be spanked, rocket?”

A flush filled her face. She licked her lips. “Maybe this is, uh, going a bit fast.”

Shit. She wasn’t wrong. His cock was hard, pressing against his black jeans. He’d meant what he’d said, he wasn’t looking for a one-night stand or a meaningless fling. Sex wasn’t the endgame here. He had a working hand, after all.

What he wanted was something real. And the last thing he needed to do was scare her off by moving too fast. But he couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her forehead.

“Christ, you’re small.”

“You’re the first person to ever say that.”

Fuck, he hated that she put herself down like that. There was a light note in her voice meant to convey she was joking, but he didn’t think it was funny. And he was certain she didn’t either.

His mouth moved to her ear. “You keep saying things like that about yourself and I’m gonna forget I need to take things slowly. I’m going to put you over my knee, pull up that skirt of yours and smack your ass. Then if you take your punishment like a good girl, I’ll play with what I’m certain is the most beautiful pussy in the world until you’re screaming my name. Begging for more.”

Her breath was coming in harsh pants as he reached around and placed his hand lightly on her ass. She startled but then relaxed as he just massaged the firm cheek. “Got it, Thea?”

Pulling back slightly, she stared up at him. Her eyes were wide, filled with excitement and trepidation. “Are you serious?”

“Yep. Utterly.”

He felt sure she’d tell him off. Walk away. Maybe slap him.

Instead, she looked intrigued. Hungry.

“We could just skip to the orgasm part.”

Placing his huge hands on her hips, he drew her closer. “Christ, don’t tempt me. I’m hanging onto my control by a thread here. But you were right before. We should slow down, get to know each other. I can stand a few cold showers.”

She sighed. “I guess so.”