She stared at the open door, her heart racing, and raised shaky fingers to her cheek, the slight spot of moisture on her skin indisputable proof he had, in fact, kissed her.
Kissed her. Just like a happy, normal brother would do when given good news. News that would return him to his friends and the only constant part of his surreal life. His smile, his joy, shot through her like a spear. How could she say no to him when he’d never ever been so happy? When they’d only just really started to connect? How could she shatter his joy?
She couldn’t. She wasn’t that mean.
Now all she had to do was figure out why James had done it.
And while she was at it, how to stop her own stupid, foolish heart falling for him for doing so.
Damn it.
Chapter Seven
The knock on the door sent Sienna’s pulse into rapid overdrive. She sucked in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and counted to ten. She needed to be in control of her emotions before she opened the door.
What emotions are those exactly?
Her stomach knotted. One part contempt for the way James had treated her after Clinton’s death, one part gratitude for what he’d done for Zach, one part suspicion about the way he’d suddenly reentered her life, all mixed with another part of wanton desire for the man.
Talk about messing with her head. It would be so much easier if he just went back to being the snarling bastard who hated her. The James Dyson currently insinuating his way into her life was a conundrum.
The knock came again, a little harder this time. Three sharp raps. Letting out a breathy chuckle, she opened her eyes. Very few people would make James wait for them. She was going to be one of those few.
She may have to paint him, but she didn’t have to kowtow to his every whim.
Geez, I’m playing with fire.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. No, she wasn’t. She was just…
Provoking him? Hoping he’ll show me who is in charge by kissing me again?
The lump in her throat grew thicker. Her stomach churned.
“Get your act together, woman.” Damned if she’d let him control this situation. “And for Pete’s sake, be calm.”
She crossed her studio and yanked open the main door.
It hit her. Hard. Fast. The rush of conflicted confusion the sight of the man created in her.
His smile was relaxed, arrogant, and confident. She could draw that smile with her eyes closed.
Calm. Stay calm.
He ran a gaze over her body, from top to toe and back to her face once more. “I think I like it better when you answer the door in your underwear.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” Her stomach knotted at his statement. Or maybe it was the way his smile turned into a boyish grin? A grin that dissipated his mega-billionaire’s conceit and reduced him to a normal guy she’d once enjoyed flirting with.
Pulling in a steadying breath, she stepped aside. He was here for her to paint, not to engage in sexual banter and power plays. She’d tried that dangerous path in his office and barely survived without getting burned to a libido-controlled crisp.
He ran his gaze over her with deliberate provocation.
She ground her teeth. Was it possible he could tell how much he screwed her up? Did he suspect how much she fought with herself?
“May I come in?”
The simple question ignited a tight fire deep in her core. She bit back a curse. “Of course.”
He dipped his head in a nod and stepped past her, his body so close to hers his heat caressed her arms and thighs. Damn it, why hadn’t she worn jeans and a caftan? And a trench coat? And while she was at it, a chastity belt?
“Will your brother be joining us today?”
She shifted back a step, watching him walk deeper into her home. It used to be such a safe place, a place of creative serenity. “No.” Crap, why did her voice sound so croaky?
He flicked his gaze over her again, lingering on her lips. “Ah, of course. It is a school day. Wait, it isn’t for Zachary, is it? Since he was expelled.”
She folded her arms over her breasts and narrowed her eyes. “Okay, okay, I know what you did. Thank you.”
He cocked a dark eyebrow.
She let out a short sigh and slumped a little against the doorframe. “Sorry, that didn’t sound overly grateful, did it? I fear I’m being petty.” Giving herself a shake, she straightened, determined to be a grown-up. “Thank you, James, for getting Zach back into school.”