The Arrangement Anthology 1(37)

Sean looks me over like I inhaled too many fumes. “You were my preference.”

I stare at him like I’ve been hit in the head with a board. “Then why did you tell her no?”

Something flashes behind his eyes, but it fades quickly. He tries to conceal it by looking down and pushing a rock with his shoe. “I shouldn’t have,” he confesses.

“Then fix it.” Heart beating too hard, I stare at him.

Sean’s gaze lifts and meets mine. “I was under the impression that it’s not the kind of thing that I could fix.”

“If you don’t want me, I suppose that I could screw someone else—” I turn from Sean, but he grabs my wrist and pulls me back.

“I never said that I didn’t want you.” He flips open his phone and dials. I stare at him. Someone picks up. “I’ve changed my mind,” he says without any introduction. “Yes, Miss Stanz. I want her delivered to my doorstep wearing nothing but a bow tomorrow night.” He hangs up before the person can respond. His eyes are locked on mine the entire time. “Is that plain enough?”

Giddy hope flutters inside of me. I’m so fucked up. Why do I like this guy? He’s on a date with a hooker. He ordered me on the phone. He wants me naked, in a bow.

“Maybe.” I try to hide my smile, but suck at it. I rub my arms, trying to chase away the chill.

Sean takes off his jacket and places it over my shoulders. “Come inside and have dinner with us.”

All sorts of nervous energy snake through me. I twist my hands and say, “With you and your hooker? I’m not into threesomes. I know it’s not on my list yet, but I’m pretty sure I’m not into that.”

“How do you know if you haven’t tried?” His voice is light, teasing. He grins at me.

“Because I’m possessive. I don’t share.”

Sean looks down and then up again. The movement makes my stomach feel like it’s floating away with my brains. Those dark lashes are delicious. “I like that. I don’t share, either. The woman is my accountant. We were going over some records this evening. I didn’t think I’d see you again, but I’m glad I did. Come inside.”

I shake my head and look back at my car. It’s halfway out of the parking spot. “I can’t. I mean, I shouldn’t. Black would be pissed if she found out about it.” And you act so hot and cold, that I feel like I have whiplash.

The way his eyes devour me makes me weak. Somehow Sean manages to get close to me. Before I know it, Sean’s rubbing his finger over my arm, gently. He looks at me from under his lashes, and says, “Please.”

I melt. How can I refuse him? He sees it in my face. I offer up one last halfhearted protest. “But, I’m not dressed for it.”

He takes my hand, “I don’t care.” Sean pulls me to his chest and wraps his arms around me. The way he looks down at me makes me shiver. Desire flames to life inside of me. “I wish I could kiss you.” His lips barely brush mine as he speaks. It’s a cruel trick, a kiss without kissing.

“Maybe, someday.”

This makes him smile.





CHAPTER 9





I sit at the table in my tattered jeans and oversized sweater, feeling out of place. When I look up from my plate, Sean’s eyes are on me. He explained to his accountant that I was an old friend and that I’d be joining them for dinner. Her eyes swept over me before giving me a look that said she thought I wasn’t a threat. Whatever. She can take her perfect body and shove it. Besides, all Sean’s attentions are directed at me.

Dayla has a tablet on the table, where she presses buttons, asking Sean to clarify expenses. “You can’t take a deduction on that Sean.”

“I wouldn’t have come here if the damn merger went through.” Sean says, ripping off a piece of bread from the loaf on the table. “The additional trip isn’t an expense?”

She sighs, “You’re private jet isn’t an expense. I need the fuel bill when you get back, along with these other papers.” Her eyes flick to me. “Can you believe him? He avoids New York at all costs and then spends money like it’s water when he finally gets here.”

I have no idea who Sean is, why he’s avoiding New York, or the reason for the sudden spending spree. I just smile politely and say, “Yeah, Sean’s always pissed away money like a drunk sailor when he hits the Big Apple.”

Sean grins at me. Dayla rolls her eyes. “It wouldn’t be so bad if he told me what some of these expenses were. Like this one. What cost you $8,000 last weekend?”

Sean’s eyes remain amusedly locked on mine. My stomach flutters. “Entertainment,” he says.