Now he was doubly confused. “We’re attracted to each other, and we’ve already proved how great we are together. What’s wrong with enjoying that?”
“As I explained before, I’m not wired for a sex-only thing. First, I need a deeper relationship.”
There it was, the R word, his signal to cut and run.
“So where do we go from here?” he said, surprising himself. He sure as hell wasn’t ready to get serious or make any kind of commitment to Lana.
“I’d be more comfortable talking about this in the kitchen.”
“Fine by me.” He could use a moment to pull himself together.
Trying to ignore the bra that lay on the floor, he set his empty bottle and Lana’s glass in the popcorn bowl and followed her down the stairs.
Chapter
Twelve
Lana’s kitchenwas about a third the size of Sly’s, but homey. He especially liked the breakfast nook that faced the little backyard. The colorful curtains currently drawn against the night gave the space a cozy feel.
“Do you want another beer?” she asked.
“Sure. I’ll help myself. How about you? Can I get you a fresh soda?”
“You gave up your Friday night to help me out—I’ll get you a beer. Please, sit.” She gestured toward the nook. “I’m going to switch to herbal tea.”
Sipping his beer, he watched her gather the tea fixings. She was facing the stove with her back to him, and he took advantage of the opportunity to look his fill.
Her hair, which hung almost to her shoulders, was every which way, as if she’d just had sex. They’d come close to that, all right. Her blouse didn’t cover her hips or the sweet curve of her behind. When she pivoted around to fill a mug with steaming water, he noticed the points of her nipples poking the blouse and swallowed hard.
Hard being the operative word. He wanted Lana with a deep hunger, and fantasized a lot about making love with her again. His lust had a huge hold on him and was the reason he sat at her table when he knew darned well, he didn’t want a real relationship with her.
At last she brought her tea to the nook and sat down across from him. “Now I’m ready.”
Sly nodded, sucked in a breath, and braced for the dreaded talk.
“I think we should get to know each other without sex,” she said in earnest.
Did she mean dating? He could do that and had, lots of times. No big. He let his breath out. “Then you changed your mind about dating? You said we couldn’t because of the situation with your cousin.”
“I don’t want to discuss him right now.” Eyes closed, she rubbed the space between her brows as if the subject gave her a headache.
“You don’t like him much, do you?” She didn’t reply, and he went on, “It’s not as if we’re talking anything serious, Lana. It’s just dating.”
“Are you kidding? If I started going out with you, even casually, my parents would freak out.”
Now they were getting somewhere. “Dating is a great way to get to know each other better. It’s not necessarily long-term, and sure doesn’t mean getting serious,” he repeated. “Seems benign enough to me.”
“All the same, they’d lose it.”
Understanding dawned on him. “You’re scared of them,” he said, marveling that a grown woman would feel that way.
“That’s not it at all. We’re a close-knit family. It’s easier if we get along.”
“Which doesn’t explain why you’re afraid of them.”
“I’m not!” Her chin tilted up defensively. “You don’t understand what it’s like. Let me give you an example. It’s been weeks since I told them about my plans to adopt. My mom continually pressures me not to do it. She’s driving me crazy.”
“Tell her to stop.”
