“No one is near,” he replied. The wall of trees provided a degree of privacy that made her debate her protest.
But if she gave in, she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from wanting more. One night would become two, then three, and before she knew it, he’d be on a plane out of her life while she still craved his attention.
“No.” Drawing on strength she wasn’t even sure she had, she pushed him back.
Hayden’s blue eyes were dark with need, his perfect hair tousled from her desperate fingers. Right now, he was a far cry from his usual put-together self, and she liked that she was the one able to ruffle his feathers to such a degree.
“Do you really want me to stop?” he asked, his voice tight. “Just think about it, Avery. We could be back at the hotel in no time, naked in bed within minutes of our arrival. I could spend the rest of the day tracing every inch of your body with my lips, finding every secret way of making you cry out for more. Tell me you don’t want that, too.”
Her damp panties ensured she couldn’t deny his claim. She wanted everything he said and more.
“I can’t,” she said. “I’m sorry, but I can’t be the woman you want me to be.”
“Why?” The word was harsh. “What do you want that I’m not offering?”
“I want more than temporary,” she said. “And we both know you’re not the man who can give that to me.”
A hiss escaped him. “You had no problem with one night at the gala.”
She shrugged. “I told you that was a mistake. You should have listened.”
Tension radiated through him as he stalked away from her, pacing the secluded parking lot.
Avery gripped the car, trying to ignore the way her body begged for completion. Closing her eyes, she breathed through the lust pounding in her body, needing to rise above it. She was more than a slave to her desires.
Unlike Jon.
Thinking of her ex-husband was a dousing of cold water. Her fingers tightened on the car door. Jon had acted like this, lost himself whenever desire appeared. He’d never cared about the consequences as long as his need was satisfied.
After what his weakness had cost her, how could she be anything like him?
Drawing in a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders. She wasn’t a creature of lust the way he’d been. She was stronger, in command of her own body and her own desires.
Hayden wouldn’t weaken her resolve again.
He turned back to her, tension in his shoulders. Avery steeled herself as he retraced his steps. She knew how this would play out. She’d heard the words before. Jon had called her a tease any time she’d been too tired or too busy for sex. After forgetting herself so completely with Hayden, she could only imagine the accusations he’d launch.
He stopped before her, and she lifted her chin.
Come on. Remind me again how similar you are to my ex.
“I’m sorry.”
She blinked.
Hayden dragged a hand over his face, shaking his head. “I don’t know what I was thinking, starting this here. It’s not the time or place.”
“You’re…not upset?” she asked, trying to wrap her mind around what was happening.
His smile was rueful. “At myself? Hell, yes.”
He moved forward, his hands gliding down her arms. “I’m not giving up,” he said, his voice soft. “But be warned, next time I get us all worked up, I’ll make sure there’s a bed with a locked door nearby.” He brushed his lips over her forehead in a gentle caress before releasing her.
“We should get back,” he said, moving around the car.
Avery had no reply. All she could do was watch him, something deep inside her chest twisting.
Don’t be better than Jon.
Because when all was said and done, it was her only defense against him.
Chapter Seven
“So, she hasn’t quit yet. Color me impressed.”
Hayden leaned on the rail of his balcony, his phone pressed to one ear. “Your faith in me is encouraging as always, Wyatt.”
“I researched a few alternative consultants just in case. I’m relieved to know we don’t need to use them. Yet.”
“I doubt we’ll find ourselves without Avery’s assistance any time soon. She’s too professional to let our personal games impact the job.”
“Good to hear. How are things going over there?”
“Avery and Karen are examining every possibility. They are very thorough.”
“I always thought so,” his friend agreed. “It’s why I’ve hired them so often.”
“Yes, Avery mentioned the two of you had worked together on certain projects.”
“Whenever a problem was serious enough to warrant my direct attention, yes.”