Page 40 of Spurred On

“Cody, there is no us.”

His expression crumpled. “But—last night?”

Seriously? Seriously?

“I made myself clear. I thought I did. That was a one-night stand.”

He put out a lip. “I thought you liked it.”

She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “I did enjoy it. But it was a one-night stand.” She studied his expression, and it hit her. “You thought if I enjoyed it enough, I’d want more?”

“Well . . . yeah.”

He had no idea how close he was to the truth.

“Cody, let’s be honest with each other. Okay?”

His eyes narrowed, but he muttered, “Okay.”

“I have no intention of becoming involved with you.”

His expression was priceless. It was probably the only time he’d ever heard those words. His lips worked. He sputtered a few half words and then finally said, “Why? Because I’m dangerous?”

Lord.She should never have admitted that to him. The knowledge gave him way too much power. She leaned forward and set her hand on his knee, met his gaze, and said, “No. Because you are a man whore.”

He lurched back. His nostrils flared. “I am not a man whore,” he declared with all the outrage of a Southern belle accused of tippling mint juleps before noon. She thought he might perhaps succumb to a fit of the vapors.

“Come on. You’ve slept with legions.”

“I most certainly have not.”

She had to snort. “I’ve heard of your legendary prowess from at least twenty women.”

“Just because they say something, doesn’t make it true.”

“So you don’t have legendary prowess?”

“That part was true.” He flashed a grin. “But I can’t help what other people say. Who told you I slept with them?”

“Everyone.”

“Names. I want names.”

“Read the phone book.”

He glowered. “Come on. Give me just one.”

“Okay. Tibby.”

His nostrils flared and he gaped at her. “Tibby Pucey?”

“You know another Tibby?”

“And you believed her? You actually thought I would sleep with Tibby?”

“I thought you would sleep with anyone.”

“What kind of man do you think I am?”