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“Draw what out?”
“The dinner and this entire…charade we’re putting on at the moment. It’s bogus, and you know it.” She propped her folded arms on the edge of the table, her gaze narrowed. “Let’s cut a deal. I have no idea what you want from me, but you know exactly what I want from you, and I’m willing to do just about anything I can to get my hands on that building.”
He cocked a brow. “Anything?”
“No sexual favors, if that’s what you’re hinting at. God, you haven’t changed a bit, have you? Do you ever not think with that thing between your legs?”
Well, hell, now she’d offended him. “Baby, I can think clearly most of the damn time. It’s only when I’m around you that my dick decides to tell me what I should do. I can’t help it if I’m still sexually attracted to you.”
“You could try and tone it down.” Her voice softened, her lids lowered.
If he wasn’t mistaken, she looked aroused.
“Tone what down? The sexual innuendo? I think it’s sorta fun. I thought you felt the same way.”
“No,” she said too quickly. “It’s not fun. Not at all. Especially because I’m trying to be serious here, Nick. I want the building. I can’t necessarily afford it but I’m hoping you’re willing to listen to my proposal deal.”
“I’ll listen to whatever you have to say.” Definitely, since he could just sit there and watch those beautiful lips move as she spoke. All glossy and pink and full and delicious—which he knew, because he’d tasted them quite a few times. Not enough for his liking, and never taking it as far as he’d prefer, but damn. Those lips of hers were utter perfection.
“…and so I was hoping you could knock five hundred dollars off per month. Only for the first year, though. By then business should be rocking, and I’ll be able to afford the full monthly lease amount.”
He blinked her into focus. Shit. He’d missed half of what she said. “Five hundred off a month?”
She nodded, her expression prim, her gaze hopeful. “I think that’s a fair deal, considering the building has sat empty pretty much since you owned it.”
Sounded like someone had done her research. “All righty then. Done.”
“What?” She shook her head, her gaze narrowed. “Really?” she breathed.
Damn, he’d given in too easily. Now he could only hope she’d do the same. “I need something in return, though.”
“Sure. Fine.” She nodded. He could tell she was trying to restrain her grin but it burst forth anyway, the sight of it momentarily stealing his breath. She was so gorgeous, even more so when she wasn’t scowling at him and threatening to stomp on his balls with the spiked heel of her shoe. “Oh my God, Nick. You don’t know how excited I am.”
“That’s amazing, darlin’. I’m glad I could excite you so much.” He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the eruption that was surely to follow at his suggestion. “Hopefully you’ll still be excited after you hear my proposal for you.”
“Oookay.” She chewed on her lower lip, looking nervous. “Lay it on me. Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“Well, I was hoping for a trade.”
“A trade?”
“I give you that most excellent lease amount you just mentioned.” Of which he couldn’t even recall, since he’d been too damn busy staring at her lips. “And I get ten dates with you.”
Her jaw dropped open. “Ten dates?”
Nick nodded, reaching for his water glass—wishing like hell it was a beer—and taking a big gulp. Thank God he wasn’t drinking tonight. He needed to keep his head semi-clear when dealing with Willow. “I told you yesterday I was going to take you out properly and show you what a real gentleman does when he wines and dines a lady.”
“And you’re calling yourself a real gentleman while trying to blackmail me with dates?” She grabbed her glass and drained half the wine in one swallow. “I should refuse.”
“Then I rescind my half of the deal.” He leaned across the table, mimicking exactly what she did only moments ago. “You deny my request, I deny yours.”
She glared at him, her excitement long gone. “I really hate you sometimes,” she whispered.
His heart clenched. He hoped she didn’t mean that. “The last thing I feel for you is hate, Will. Come on; this won’t be so bad. You can handle it. And anyway, I won’t be around much. I gotta head back to San Jose first thing tomorrow morning for practice. Playoffs are coming up. I need to be on top of my game.”
“Fine. Let’s negotiate. Five dates.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest, plumping up her breasts, distracting him compl
etely.
