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His thumb stroked hers as he spoke, as if the man were trying to put her under a spell. Too late. He’d done that the moment she’d walked into his office months ago. But once he’d held her at the party, once he’d shown a more personal side, she’d turned a corner and she wasn’t sure she could ever get back.
“Who did you date before Shane?” he asked.
Zara stared at him for a second before laughing. Damn. That came out sounding nervous. She wasn’t nervous. Just because he was holding her hand, looking at her as if he cared and asking about her love life. Why should any of that worry her?
And even as much as all of that worried her, it was the desire, the lust staring back at her that had her stomach in knots.
“You’re asking way too many questions,” she whispered.
“Your silence tells me all I need to know.” Inching closer, he set the cards between them and kept his eyes locked on to hers. “You don’t like commitment because your parents weren’t loving or affectionate. You didn’t get the attention a child deserves. Now as an adult you’re dating jerks because you know you won’t get attached. Same reason you haven’t unpacked, if I’m guessing right. You can’t even commit to this house.”
Zara jerked her hand back. “Whatever you’re trying to prove, stop. You don’t know me well enough to analyze me.”
Coming to her feet, she smoothed her hair back from her face. “I’m done playing.”
Before she could turn away, Braden slowly rose. That predator look in his eyes as he closed the space between them held her firmly in place. The fact he could be so menacing, so arousing while holding on to a bulky comforter at his waist with one hand proved just how far she’d fallen from her initial mind-set. She was crumbling right at this man’s feet.
And the more her resolve deteriorated, the more she wondered, why was she holding back? He’d pegged her perfectly when he said she wasn’t looking for any commitment. First, she didn’t have time with her business soaking up her life. Second, well, she just didn’t want to. She wouldn’t have any idea how. Since she’d signed on with the O’Sheas, she’d seen the close-knit family they were. A piece of her wondered what a connection that strong would be like. Leaning on someone else, expecting support was too much of a risk. But she didn’t need a man.
He’d made it clear he didn’t want a commitment, though. Once the roads cleared he’d be gone, and whatever happened here would stay right here. Braden wasn’t one to talk, of that she was sure. Her reputation wouldn’t be tarnished, she wouldn’t be known as the woman who slept with her clients or her boss. Honestly, what was holding her back?
From the look in Braden’s eyes, he wasn’t looking for a walk down the aisle...just a walk to the bed.
Nine
Braden didn’t know what changed, but the look of determination and stubbornness was wiped clean. Now Zara stared back at him with passion blazing in those striking eyes. She didn’t step forward to meet him, but she no longer looked as if she wanted to flee the room.
As he stood within touching distance, Braden took in the rapid pulse at the base of her throat, her shallow breathing and wide eyes. She wasn’t thinking how angry she was now.
“You’re not running,” he muttered, delighting in the fact she tipped her head up to look at him instead of backing up. Braden reached out, tucking her hair behind her ear and sliding his fingertip along her jawline. “Why is that, Zara?”
“Because this is my house, and I’m not afraid of you.”
For such a petite woman, he was impressed. He intimidated men twice her size, yet this woman wasn’t backing down. He admired her—more than he should, because all he wanted from her on a personal level was right here and right now. The scroll business had no place in this bedroom.
“Or maybe you’re finally giving in,” he stated, raking his finger over her bottom lip. “Maybe you see that we’re both adults, we’re stuck here together and this attraction isn’t going away.”
Her chin tipped up a notch. “Maybe I am.”
Braden smiled at her bold statement. How could he not find her charming and sexy and confident all rolled into one perfect package?
Wait. Perfect? No. Nobody was perfect, but she was perfect for him right at this moment.
In all of his thirty-five years, Braden had been taught to take chances to get what he wanted. There was no greater time to test that theory than right now.
