Book 1 - Page 13 (1/2)
And a major turn-on, but I was never going to admit it.
He contemplated me with narrowed eyes. ”It may be blunt, but it's honest. You don't strike me as the kind of woman who wants bulls.h.i.+t and flattery instead of the truth.”
”What I want is to be seen as having more to offer than an inflatable s.e.x doll.”
Cross's brows shot up. ”Well, then.”
”Are we done?” I stood.
Wrapping my wrist with his fingers, he pulled me back down. ”Hardly. We've established some talking points: We have an intense s.e.xual attraction and neither of us wants to date. So what do you want - exactly? Seduction, Eva? Do you want to be seduced?”
I was equally fascinated and appalled by the conversation. And, yes, tempted. It was hard not to be while faced with such a gorgeous, virile male so determined to get hot and sweaty with me. Still, the dismay won out. ”s.e.x that's planned like a business transaction is a turnoff for me.”
”Establis.h.i.+ng parameters in the beginning makes it less likely that there'll be exaggerated expectations and disappointment at the conclusion.”
”Are you kidding?” I scowled. ”Listen to yourself. Why even call it a f**k? Why not be clear and call it a seminal emission in a preapproved orifice?”
He p.i.s.sed me off by throwing his head back and laughing. The full, throaty sound flowed over me like a rush of warm water. My awareness of him heightened to a physically painful degree. His earthy amus.e.m.e.nt made him less s.e.x G.o.d and more human. Flesh and blood. Real.
I pushed to my feet and backed out of reach. ”Casual s.e.x doesn't have to include wine and roses, but for G.o.d's sake, whatever else it is, s.e.x should be personal. Friendly even. With mutual respect at the very least.”
His humor fled as he stood, his eyes darkening. ”There are no mixed signals in my private affairs. You want me to blur that line. I can't think of a good reason to.”
”I don't want you to do jack s.h.i.+t, besides let me get back to work.” I strode to the door and yanked on the handle, cursing softly when it didn't budge. ”Let me out, Cross.”
I felt him come up behind me. His palms pressed flat to the gla.s.s on either side of my shoulders, caging me in. I couldn't think of my own self-preservation when he was so close.
The strength and demand of his will exuded an almost tangible force field. When he stepped close enough, it surrounded me, closing me in with him. Everything outside of that bubble ceased to exist, while inside it my entire body strained toward his. That he had such a profound, visceral effect on me while being so d.a.m.n irritating had my mind spinning. How could I be so turned on by a man whose words should've turned me completely off?