“If your meeting is so sensitive and confidential, why do you want me to be there? I know you don’t trust me.”
He stared at her for a long moment. She was stating exactly what he’d been thinking earlier, that he didn’t trust her and never would. And yet…he did trust her. Maybe not as far as his heart was concerned, but this was different. “In this case, I do trust you. I know you wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize our business.”
She blinked in surprise. “Thank you. I appreciate that. And you’re right, I would never deliberately put your business at risk.”
“So you’ll play nicely with Jake.”
“I’m happy to get along with everyone, Connor, but your problem lies with Jake. You need to talk to him.” She waved a little wand thing as she spoke, then wiped the tip of it along her lips, causing them to grow even glossier and lusciously edible than before.
“I’ve…um.” He gulped. It was getting more difficult to follow the conversation. “I’ve already given Jake an earful.”
“Good, because the last thing I need in my life is more friction.” She met his gaze in the mirror as understanding dawned. “So you did notice he was scowling at me.”
“Of course I noticed. But like I said, that’s his normal expression. I’ve learned to ignore it.”
“It’s pretty hard to ignore when you’re the target.”
Connor was forced to agree with her since he had also been the target of Jake’s wrath within the past half hour. “I apologize for his idiocy. I hope you can overlook it and get along with him tomorrow night.”
She zipped up her cosmetic bag and turned to gaze directly at him. “We’ll be fine, Connor. I’m sure your brother wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize an important business transaction.”
“No, he wouldn’t.”
“And neither would I. So it’s settled. Let’s go to lunch.”
“Wait.” He gripped her shoulders lightly. “I want to make this official in case you didn’t hear me a minute ago. I sincerely apologize for my brothers hurting your feelings. You didn’t deserve it and it won’t happen again. And if it does, one of them will have to die.”
She beamed. “Thank you, Connor. I appreciate that.” She was gazing up at him as if he were some kind of heroic Knight of the Round Table, which was so far from the truth it was laughable.
“I’m not sure you should thank me,” he said. “I didn’t punch his lights out or anything. I should’ve, but I didn’t.”
“Thank you anyway.” She continued to stare at him, the soft trace of a smile on her lips, and he no longer had a choice. He kissed her.
He fought to take it slow and easy with her, even though he was consumed with a stark need for more. But the knowledge that Maggie might still be reeling from Jake’s censure forced Connor to keep the contact light. And that was one more reason why he planned to knock his brother on his ass the next time he had the chance.
Knowing she hadn’t expected his kiss and wasn’t ready to take it further, Connor was nonetheless tempted to break down her barriers and fulfill his deepest need to take her. Right now. In every way possible. He wanted her clothes stripped off, her breasts in his hands, his mouth on her skin, her body slick with his sweat, her core filled with his shaft.