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“Look…” He turned to face her. “I know things are tough working for your dad. You could start your own business. I’ll back you. I’ll give you all the capital you need to start up.”
Annoyance bubbled up inside her. “I don’t need your help. How dare you think that I can’t survive on my own? I’ll have you know that—”
She jumped when he rushed forward, his hands reaching up to cup her face and he pushed her. Her feet scurried to keep up with his force and next thing she knew her back was against the door, his lips were on hers and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.
Water soaked through her robe. Despite the coolness of his body, his lips were hot, scorching as they melted against her, leaving heated kisses along her jaw and cheeks. And there was no mistaking the hardness that rubbed against her stomach every time he pulled her closer. And she couldn’t get close enough.
When he pulled back, he panted, resting his forehead against hers.
It took a few beats for her to get her bearings. That kiss had blurred her vision and just the feel of his lips on hers made everything right in the world.
“I know a good investment when I see one,” he whispered against her lips.
And then he spoke, and she remembered every reason why they would never work. “Is that the only reason?”
When he didn’t answer, she knew. It was all about the money. It was all about making a name. And this time it wasn’t even his name. His obsession was worse than she had thought.
She jerked away from his grip. “Those are the words you have to say? Start your own business, Carson. Make a name for yourself, Carson. You’re as bad as my father.”
“I’m sorry.” His body went rigid. “I did it again. Too strong.”
“You can’t just show up and pretend as if nothing has happened. I need…” She had no idea what she needed but a declaration of love would be a good start. What a fool to think she would get one. “The truth is, I don’t need your help. I finally stood up to my father and I am going to start up my own firm.”
He shook his head and laughed. He laughed. Arrogant, obnoxious, son of bitch!
“Always calling me out on my shit.” He continued to laugh, his face actually lit up, his happiness extending all the way to his eyes.
The nerve of this man. “What is so funny?”
“You’re right. I took the easy way out. I found a loophole and ran with it thinking that you’d automatically forgive me and everything would go back to the way it was.” He chuckled. “I should have remembered who I was dealing with.”
“The easy way out?”
“This isn’t why I came here tonight. I came to tell you…” His hands fisted at his sides and his gaze travelled down to the floor. He blew out a long breath and shook his head. He trembled, his body wavered from side to side.
“Neil, I—”
“I love you.”
The words hit her like a tornado, knocking her back against the wall.
She forced her smile to remain a frown. She wasn’t going to give in so easily.
“You think that saying I love you is going to fix—”
He leaned in and kissed her. He knew exactly what to do to keep her off balance. To make her forget her own words.
“I just said I love you,” he whispered against her lips.
“I know.”
He stared back at her with nervous anticipation. She guessed she’d made him suffer long enough. “I love you, too.”
Lord in Heaven. He loved her. It was plain as day on his face. He loved her that night when he showed up here, and she had told him to take a flying leap.
But none of that mattered anymore. Neil loved her.
She fisted his hair and pulled his head back. “If we do this, work stays separate. I don’t need you to pave the way for me. Are we clear?”
