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“I deserved it, did I?” He stalked her. “How do you figure that?”
“You were rude about how I looked.”
“Shocked, not rude.”
“Rude,” she added. “Look, Ted.” Mandy attempted to regain control of herself and act calm. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that, and of course I will buy you a new shirt. But—”
He grabbed her, hauling her close until their eyes were inches apart.
“Just so we’re clear. You look hot. So hot, in fact, that I lost the ability to think clearly when I saw you, hence my foolish reaction. I pretty much thought with the wrong head from the minute I saw you.”
“Oh… well, I can’t believe you said that.” Mandy felt the heat fill her cheeks.
“You said you want me to treat you like any other woman, so I am.”
“I just thought…. I mean, you didn’t sound like you thought that. You sounded angry, Ted, and I wasn’t sure why.”
His smile held no humor.
“I believe we’ve already established that I want you. Seeing you dressed like this did not help the control I’m trying to exert where you’re concerned. So I’m going to plead momentary insanity.”
Mandy wasn’t sure what to say to that. Her newfound confidence only went so far. Ted wouldn’t hurt her, she knew that. But he was angry, and she’d never seen him that way.
“I’m sorry.” The words rushed out of her mouth. “I shouldn’t have thrown that paintbrush at you. It was a juvenile thing to do.”
“It was the first real emotion I’ve seen from you in some time, so don’t apologize. You haven’t been using my gym. Why?”
His change of conversation threw her.
“If it’s because of what happened—”
“After that night, I just thought it was best.”
“It’s not. If you don’t want to go when I’m there, fine, but use it.”
She nodded.
“I apologized for my behavior that night in Joe’s bar. I thought we were good?”
Mandy had never been the recipient of a look like the one Ted was giving her before and battled to stop the slow flood of heat filling her veins.
“You need to let me go, Ted.”
“If only it was that easy.” His words were low and deep. “Damn, you’re sexy.”
She was arching toward him when his lips touched hers. It was fierce and demanding, and Mandy replied with everything she had. With no experience, she followed his lead.
His hands gripped her waist and then one slid beneath her T-shirt. Mandy nearly melted at the feel of his skin touching hers. She held on to his shoulders, digging her fingers into the muscles.
His lips moved to her neck, and she instinctively arched to allow him access. She’d wondered about this for so long. The smoldering looks she’d interpreted people sharing, the touches and kisses. Now she knew what the fuss was about. They’d kissed before, but each time it seemed the passion was more intense.
His hand grazed her ribs and moved higher and then the heavy weight of his hand settled on her breasts, cupping the silk.
“Beautiful.” His whisper was ragged. “You are so beautiful, Mandy. I hope you understand that?”
She couldn’t speak as his thumb flicked over her nipple, sending sensation through her body. He opened the buttons down the front of her shirt before she even realized what he was doing, and then his head lowered and he licked her through the satin of her bra.
She moaned, and Mandy had never heard that sound come out of her mouth before.
