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I need to see Hugh.
And if talking to him in person leads to incredible sex, well, that's the risk I'll have to take. I almost laugh, but that would be weird. It's my own joke in my own head.
I change clothes and grab a taxi.
By the time I reach Hugh's building, I expect I'll panic and run away any second. But that doesn't happen. I calmly ride in the elevator to his floor and calmly approach the door. When I grant myself a moment to realize what I'm about to do, I feel not even a twinge of guilt or anxiety. Huh. That's not what I expected.
Panic-free, I roll my shoulders back and knock on the door.
It swings open seconds later, and Hugh stares at me like he can't believe I'm here. His lids flutter, but that must be a sign of surprise instead of grit in his eyes. "Avery? I wasn't expecting to see you, but I'm glad you're here."
"Me too."
I follow him into the living room and choose the armchair instead of the sofa this time. I can't throw myself at him if I'm sitting three feet away with a table between us. Well, I probably can't do that. I might need to downgrade "probably" to "maybe." Oh, who am I kidding? My chances are slim to none that I can restrain my lust for the Viscount Sommerleigh.
But I sit in the armchair anyway.
Hugh drops onto the sofa in the exact middle of it. Then he leans back, hooks one ankle over the other knee, and spreads both arms across the sofa's back. He's wearing the shirt and slacks from one of his suits but no shoes.
"Are you going somewhere?" I ask. "Need shoes if you are."
"Don't need to go anywhere." His lips curve into a smile so hot that it makes my nipples tighten. "You came for me."
Of course he means those words as a double entendre. His tone makes it impossible to deny that fact. "If you mean I came here to see you, then you're right."
"I meant that and the much more enjoyable interpretation."
"We shouldn't have sex, Hugh. I wanted to talk to you and figure out why…" My voice trails off because I suddenly realize I can't tell him the reason I'm here. Right now, Lord Steamy is operating at a low simmer. If he cranks it up to a full head of steam, I'm in trouble. "Never mind. I shouldn't have come here."
"You haven't done that yet, darling."
"Must you turn everything into seduction?" I stand up. "Sorry I bothered you."
"Don't leave." He pats the sofa cushion beside him. "Let's discuss whatever it is like adults. I will do my best not to flirt with you."
"Okay." If I sound hesitant, I have good reason. Sitting right next to Hugh… That's dangerous. But I do it anyway. I march around the coffee table and rest my bottom on the cushion beside him, leaving as much space between us as possible—which means about six inches. "I, um, well…"
"Just tell me, Avery. I can handle it."
"I told you yesterday that my life hasn't been quite what I'd hoped for. Used to love what I do, but lately I feel less than satisfied."
"Yes, I remember."
"And I've also realized I can't keep my hands off you." I have no control over the tingle that sweeps through me when I inadvertently lean back and feel his arm behind my head, his fingers brushing my shoulder. "But I finally figured out why."
"Tell me, love."
"You're irresistible."
Chapter Thirteen
Hugh
"Am I?" Her statement, spoken in a businesswoman-like tone, seems odd—especially coming from Avery Hahn. I doubt she actually finds me irresistible. It's more likely that she gave in to her own passionate nature at last and I happened to be the man who had the privilege of benefiting from her realization. "I've been told similar things before, but only by women who batted their lashes at me. They weren't serious. When a woman says that to me, I know she just wants to get me naked so she can brag to her mates about how she shagged a viscount."
"I don't care about your title, Hugh."
"Yes, I know that. But you called me irresistible."
