A Tricky Proposition(21)

The centerpiece of the room was a king-size bed with the white down comforter pulled back and about a hundred red rose petals strewn across the white sheets. Candles covered every available surface, unlit but prepared to set a romantic mood when called upon. Piano music, played by her favorite artist, poured from the dresser, where portable speakers had been attached to an iPod. Everything was perfect.

Her chest locked up. She could not have designed a better setting. Jason had gone to a lot of trouble to do this. He’d planned, taken into account all her favorite things and executed all of this to give her the ideal romantic weekend.

It was so unlike him to think ahead and be so prepared. To take care of her instead of the other way around. It was as if she was here with a completely different person. A thoughtful, romantic guy who wanted something more than three days of great sex and then going back to being buddies. The sort of man women fell for and fell for hard.

“What do you think?”

She hadn’t heard Jason’s approach over the thump of her heart. “What I think is that I can’t do this.”

*

Jason surveyed the room, searching for imperfections. The candles were vanilla scented, her favorite. The rose petals on the bed proclaimed that this weekend was about romance rather than just sex. The coq au vin had been delicious. Everything he’d done was intended to set the perfect stage for romance.

He’d given her no indication that he intended to rush her. He’d promised her a memorable weekend. She had to know he’d take his time with her, drive her wild with desire. This wasn’t some spontaneous hookup for him. He took what they were about to do seriously.

What the hell could possibly be wrong?

“I’m sorry,” she said into the silence. Sagging against the door frame, she closed her eyes and the weight of the world appeared to descend on her.

“I don’t understand.”

“I don’t, either.” She looked beautiful and tragic as she opened her eyes and met his gaze. “I want to do this.”

He was very glad to hear that because anticipation had been eating him alive these past few days. He wanted her with an intensity he’d never felt before. Maybe that was because ever since he’d kissed her, he’d been fantasizing about this moment. Or maybe he’d never worked this hard to get a woman into bed before.

“Being a mom is all I think about these days. I know if I want your help to get pregnant, we have to do it this weekend.” Ming lapsed into silence, her hunched shoulders broadcasting discomfort.

“I didn’t realize making love with me required so much sacrifice on your part.” He forced amusement into his tone to keep disappointment at bay.

Her words had cut deep. When he’d insisted they make her baby this way instead of going to a clinic, he thought this would be the perfect opportunity to satisfy his longing for her. The kiss between them a few days earlier confirmed the attraction between them was mutual. Why was she resisting when the vibe between them was electric? What was she afraid of?

“I didn’t mean it that way.” But from her unhappy expression his accusation hadn’t been far off.

“No?” Jason leaned against the wall and fought the urge to snatch her into his arms and kiss her senseless. He could seduce her, but he didn’t want just her body, he wanted… “How exactly did you mean it?”

“Look, we’re best friends. Don’t you think sleeping together will make things awkward between us?”

“Not possible. It’s because we’re just friends that it will work so great.” He sounded as if he was overselling used cars of dubious origin. “No expectations—”

“No strings?”

He didn’t like the way she said that. As if he’d just confirmed her worst fears. “Are you worried that I’m in this just for the sex?” She wasn’t acting as if she hoped it would lead to something more.

“Yes.” She frowned, clearly battling conflicting opinions. “No.”

“But you have some sort of expectation.” Jason was surprised that his flight response wasn’t stimulated by her question. Usually when a woman started thinking too much, it was time to get out.

“Not the sort you mean.” She gave her head a vigorous shake. “I know perfectly well that once we have sex—”

“Make love.”

“Whatever.” She waved her hand as if she was batting away a pesky fly. “That once we…become intimate, you will have your curiosity satisfied—”

“Curiosity?” The word exploded from him. That’s not how he’d describe the hunger pulsing through him. “You think all I feel is curiosity?”