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“And you think that’s bad, optimist that you are?”
“I am an optimist. I look for good in people and I have a huge heart.”
He couldn’t deny that, she was the kind of woman who easily enchanted people with her wit and good humor. But she didn’t put on raucous displays, and he liked that too.
“Eat your sandwich,” he ordered her, returning to his own.
“Hard to talk about such personal things, isn’t it?”
“I don’t do it often.”
“That’s too bad.” There was not a trace of judgment, just outspoken observation.
“So am I passing your tests?” she asked, after she finally polished off the food on her plate.
“It shouldn’t be a test at all. It should be something you desire.”
“I do.”
He looked at her, disbelieving. “Since we’re into candid answers, you tell me, why do you need me, Jocelyn Killian? Why this pursuit? I’m way out of your routine, nowhere near your usual brand of lover.”
“You think so?”
He glared at her, expecting a real answer.
“Frankly, Reg, I don’t need you. Why do I want you?” She paused, trying to find the best way to put into words feelings that were unclear, even to her. “I suppose, it’s because you’re so fucking handsome, and you turn me on. And even more, I look at you as a counterpoint to every other man I’ve ever known. You notice I’m not married, and I never have been, so I’ve obviously not been involved with the right man, yet. You intrigue me. Despite what you say about yourself, I think there’s this sumptuously warm, sexy, subtle man cloaked by all that cool. I believe there’s substance there inside that prickly heart.”
“And you think walking around in my world you’ll find whatever it is you think is behind this façade?”
“I already have, that first night. You were reckless, Reg, letting all that passion out. Believe me, if I thought you didn’t care about me, and I mean really care, I wouldn’t spend another minute with you.”
He sat back to eye her with a sharp edged glint in the steely blue eyes. “I’ve been careful with you, Jocelyn” he said. “But the gloves are coming off. We’ll see if you really want me then.”
His remark had no effect. “You’re so sure I’m going to turn away from you. You must really have a poor image of your worth.”
“I know what I’m worth. We’ll see if you value what I offer.”
“You haven’t thrown me yet.”
“This is not a challenge match, fought in a ring. This is life, my life, me. Don’t toy with it.”
“I wouldn’t think of it. I wouldn’t hurt you for anything. But I do think I’m dangerous for you. You might have to redefine who you are, take another look at the man behind the beautiful image. There haven’t been many women who’ve made you do that, have there?”
“Just one, and she rejected what she saw.”
“Then she didn’t look far enough.”
“No kid gloves,” he said, without further comment.
“No gloves,” Jocelyn repeated back, her heart more willing than ever to walk into the unreal dream of Reggie’s private domain, convinced he’d find as many surprises there as she would.
Chapter Five
“We take the train through Germany, the scenery is lovely especially this time of year.” Reggie was sitting at his desk, the unexpected proposal taking Jocelyn of guard. It was a week after their last major rendezvous of heart and body. She’d been content to have him in short doses – busy as she was with a company to run, and mountains of work, and
Reggie becoming ever more demanding of her time in his own business.
“Why do you want to take me, I’m not an employee?”
