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Maria shook her head and took another step back. Teagan didn’t give up.
“I just want to get to know you a little better. You grew up there. It’ll be fun to see the city through your eyes.”
He sounded sincere. Maria couldn’t find the words to articulate her jumbled feelings. She was attracted to him, obviously, but also afraid to reveal even the smallest bit of vulnerability. The last time she’d allowed a man to get close, it had come back to bite her, hard and painfully. She also didn’t want even a hint of inappropriate behavior with a client to blemish her stellar reputation with this company. Wandering around like a tourist with Teagan seemed like a bad idea on that front, even if she could take a break and did have everything covered with the team.
As she tried to form the words to explain, Teagan ran a hand through his damp hair and blew out a long breath. “Look, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, or like you’re doing something unprofessional,” he said.
Huh. Pretty intuitive. “Thank you for understanding,” Maria said.
Teag hooked his hands into the pockets of his jeans and stared at his feet, looking uncomfortable and almost shy. “I like you, Maria. I’m interested,” he said, lifting his gaze to meet hers.
She shook her head. “No. You’re attracted to me, and I’ll admit it, you’re not too hard to look at, but you’re not interested in me.”
“Why would you think that?”
“You are a rock star. I am an ex-Marine in charge of your security detail. I’m not glamorous or sexy.” She waved her hands in front of her. “I’m not anything like the women you surround yourself with. I’m boring.”
Teagan laughed in surprise. “Boring? Oh, I doubt it. And how do you know what kind of woman I’m interested in?”
“The historical record?”
“Okay, fair enough, but that was just me having fun, enjoying my success.”
“Um, I think you’re underplaying your well-earned reputation as a man-whore,” Maria said.
“I love sex. So sue me. Doesn’t mean I’m not interested in you.”
“For sex?”
“For fuck’s sake, woman, you are impossible. No, not for sex,” he paused and shook his head. “Scratch that. Hell, yes, for sex, but not just sex.”
“No,” Maria said, firmly.
“No, you don’t want to have sex?” Teagan said, teasing.
“Now who’s being impossible?”
“Yes, I hope a good shagging is in our future. I definitely want a go at that sexy body, which you keep well-hidden under power suits. But I want to date you, Maria. Get to know you.”
Maria swallowed. Heat rushed to her face, and other parts. His forward approach had caught her off guard. “Why?”
“Because you’re interesting. And sexy, of course.”
She wanted to ruthlessly shoot him down, but the flash of vulnerability he’d shown earlier made her tone down her reply. “I’m flattered you’re interested in me, but this can’t happen. You’re a client.”
“I won’t be one forever. How about I don’t bother you again while we’re on tour, but we’ll make a date when we get home. I promise you a night to remember.” He waggled his eyebrows and then gave her a sexy grin.
She almost agreed. Almost.
“Teagan, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not interested in a casual fling. You have someone new in your bed practically every night of the week…”
He cut her off sharply. “I haven’t been with anyone for this entire tour.”
Maria opened her mouth, the clamped it shut again.
“What if I don’t want a casual fling either?” Teagan asked, softer this time.
He sounded sincere, but she’d heard those words before, or ones very similar. It’ll be different with you. You’re special. I don’t want anyone else. They’d been lies.
She knew it wasn’t fair to project her past onto Teag, but everything about the man shot off red flags. The last time she hadn’t paid attention to the warning signs, she’d gotten burned. That wasn’t going to happen again.
“No, Teag. It’s not happening. Not now, not ever. Please don’t ask me again.” The steel in her voice appeared to make an impression. Teagan’s expression blanked. He stood up straight and gave her a terse nod.
“Message received. I won’t bother you again.”
When he stepped onto the bus without a backward glance, Maria stood rooted to her spot, and a wave of disappointment crashed over her.
