He was right there. Each of the Calhoun women had found her match.
Still, it's
interesting,
she said quietly.
All these connections within connections.
Are you thinking of me, or yourself?
She stiffened, abruptly aware that she was sitting hip-to-hip with him, his arm around her.
That's not something I care to discuss.
Still raw?
He tightened his arm, comforting.
From what I've heard of Dumont, I
wouldn't think he'd be worth it. Settle down, he said when she jerked away.
We'll
let it go. Too nice a night to uncover old wounds. Why don't you tell me how they talked you into taking on that old account book?
How do you know about that?
Holt and Suzanna filled me in.
She was still rigid, he noted. But she wasn't running.
I saw them before they left.
She relaxed a little. It was comforting to discuss it with someone else who was just that small step outside the family.
I don't know how they talked me into it. I barely opened my mouth.
Your first mistake.
She huffed out a breath.
I'd have had to shout to be heard. I don't know why they call it a meeting, when all they do is argue.
Her brows knit.
Then they stop arguing
and you realize you've been sucked in. If you try to pull yourself out, you find they've united in this solid wall that's impossible to beat.
I know just what you mean. I still don't know if it was my i.e. to go into business with Holt. The notion came up, was debated, voted on and approved. The next thing I knew, I was signing papers.
Interesting, she mused, and studied his strong profile.
You don't strike me as
someone who could be talked into anything.
I could say the same.
She considered a moment, then gave up.
You're right. The book's fascinating. I can hardly wait to get at it.
I hope you're not planning on letting it take up all your free time.
He toyed with the
ends of her blowing hair. No, not red, he mused. It was gold, enriched by quiet fire.
I want some of it.
Cautiously she inched away.
I explained to you, I'm not interested.
What you are is worried because you are interested.
He cupped a hand under her
chin and turned her to face him.
I figure you had a rough time, and maybe it's helped you cope to lump all men in with the bastard who hurt you. That's why I said I'd be patient.
Fury flared in her eyes.
Don't tell me what I am or how I've coped. I'm not asking for your understanding or your patience.
Okay.
He crushed his mouth to hers, without any patience at all. His lips were demanding, urgent, irresistible, conquering hers before she could draw the breath to deny it.
The embers that had smoldered inside her since the first time he'd kissed her burst into reckless flame. She wanted craved this flash point of feeling, this fireball of sensation. Hating herself for the weakness, she let herself burn.
He'd proved his point, Nathaniel thought as he tore his mouth from hers to press it against the thundering pulse in her throat. Proved his point, and wrapped himself up in nasty knots of need.