“You’d get what you want, but I won’t. I just told you, a fling with you will make me undesirable to most of the men around here.”
“We’ll keep it a secret, then.” Worked better for Trip anyway, considering Grey’s request. “Hell, that’ll even make it hotter. And Kelsey, don’t pretend that kiss didn’t make you hot.”
At least she didn’t argue that point. He noticed her cheeks turn pink even as she tried to feign indifference. “This is still not a good deal for me.”
“Deal? It’s not a transaction, princess. Just two single people having fun.” He stepped closer still, sensing some interest on her part. “But if the broker in you is more comfortable treating it like a deal, negotiate your terms.”
“Well, you get everything you want right up front, but you can’t guarantee I’ll ever get what I want most.” Her voice wobbled a little as she registered his body crowding hers.
“I sure can. You’re a beautiful woman. You’re successful. You’re kind, or at least you are to everyone else. And you’re savvy. There are plenty of men out there who’d want you if you didn’t scare them all away by coming on too strong.” Her disbelieving expression spurred him on. “In fact, I’m so sure I’m right, I’d even be willing to make a bet.”
“A bet?” She tapped her fingers against her bicep.
“Yep.”
“I get to name the prize?” One corner of her mouth lifted.
“Wait a sec, you’ve got to promise you’ll follow my instructions to the letter. I can’t have you purposely screw up just to win the prize.”
“I want a husband and kids more than anything you could give me, Trip.” She tilted her head, assessing him. Her grin suggested something between suspicion and daring. “Since you’re so confident, then I’m thinking your grandfather’s Stetson should be sufficient motivation.”
“You must have lost your mind when I kissed you.”
“Hey, this was your proposition.” She poked her index finger at his chest. “You’re the one who seems so interested in a secret sexual relationship. You’re the one who claims to have all the answers. You’re the one who came up with the bet.” Her grin transformed to some smug flirty expression. “If you want to call it quits, that’s fine with me. I’ve got other things to do today, anyway.”
She tossed her hair over her shoulder, releasing the perfumed scent of her shampoo into the six inches of space separating their bodies. Whether the aroma infected his brain, or those pouty lips of hers made him stupid, he wasn’t sure. Either way, he heard himself saying, “Hang on. How about a thousand bucks instead of the hat? That should make you comfortable I won’t renege on my promise.”
“You’re serious?” Her mouth fell open. “You’d actually pay me a grand if you fail?”
“I’m not going to fail.” He refrained from touching her while he waited for her answer. His heart dropped a bit when she started shaking her head.
“Why are you suddenly so interested in my love life?”
“I’m not interested in your love life. I’m interested in your sex life, but I’m happy to help you with your love life, as a friend—one with benefits.”
“You’re going to an awful lot of effort just to sleep with me, Trip. Have I just stumbled onto the real reason why so many women fall into bed with you—do they all get this same deal? Or is there some other reason you’re so intent on taking me to bed?”
“You want me to admit to fantasizing about what it’d be like to strip you down and heat you up? Fine. Busted. I want you. Now that I know you’ve got no interest in a relationship with me, that makes you the perfect woman.” Trip linked his fingers with hers and tugged her against his body. He could feel her heart beating faster, which totally turned him on. Instinct urged him to grab her and kiss her into submission, but he refrained. “So are you down with this?”
Her eyes searched his as if she were trying to solve a puzzle. “Okay, cowboy. But forget the money—that makes me feel tacky. It’s the hat or nothing.”
Hell no.
“The hat is off the table.” His mouth set in a grim line.
“Guess you’re not so sure you can help me, then, which means everything else is off the table, too.” She patted his shoulder, taunting him. “See you ’round.”