And what if he’s just trying to get you into bed?
A giggle erupts and he breaks away to frown at me. I can’t help it. I’m heady on his words and the ridiculous mental argument they’ve sparked. What does it matter whether or not he means it? I only want him for sex, for distraction. There’s no getting hurt here. No feelings—just fun.
‘Are you trying to wound my ego?’ he grumbles.
I laugh a little more. ‘I think your ego is impenetrable.’
‘Believe me, no ego survives a girl erupting into giggles when you kiss her.’
‘Then let me make it all better...’ I say softly, leaning in to do just that.
The door opens again behind me and his body instantly tenses, his eyes dart.
It’s my turn to frown at him. ‘What—’
‘Hold that thought,’ he says, ‘and let’s get out of here.’
I’m about to ask what the rush is but he’s already out of the booth, his attention on Jackson at the bar. The guy gives him a nod and then Ash offers his hand to me.
‘But I haven’t finished my drink.’
I’m used to doing things on my terms, whether I’m doing it for the public or for me. I’m the one in control. And the fact that I’m losing it more and more in Ash’s company is freaking me out.
Admit it—don’t you like it...just a little?
‘I’ll make you another,’ he says.
My eyes narrow as I take a leisurely sip of my drink, making him wait. He really is itching to leave. I’d like to think it’s because he wants me that badly, but I’m not convinced.
‘Are you going to promise me one as good as this?’
‘Better.’
I give a soft laugh, loving his confidence. ‘Very well.’ I slip my hand into his and feel my entire palm come alive at the contact. ‘You have a deal.’
I rise up, hooking my bag over my shoulder as I make for the main entrance, but instead he tugs me the opposite way and I frown at him in surprise.
‘My car’s in the basement.’
‘I didn’t realise there was parking here.’
‘It’s Jackson’s private garage.’
‘Oh.’
I follow him, giving Cait a little wave as I go. Her grin is all-knowing, and then her attention goes back to the bar and more specifically to Jackson. I watch them for a second longer, their easy conversation evident from across the room and I shake my head. The poor guy is going to get eaten alive one of these days.
‘You laughing at me again?’
‘Your ego suffering again?’
Now he laughs and I follow him out, his husky rumble working its magic over me.
CHAPTER FIVE
‘MY GOD, ARE all these Jackson’s...save for you
rs?’