If he did green-light her plans, it would put Jackson in a hell of a spot. He shuddered at the thought of how much further Jackson might sink if handed that news.
Mom,
Maybe I’m being foolish, but I woke up feeling hopeful. It’s not the idealized life you would’ve wanted for me, but I can be happy in a business partnership and breezy affair with a sexy, talented man. That’s more than many enjoy. So I choose to be grateful rather than wistful.
And now I can keep my secret, because a casual affair doesn’t obligate me to tell Hank the truth.
CHAPTER TWELVE
As soon as Cat answered her door, Hank noticed her fidgety hands and caffeinated gaze.
“Sorry I’m late.” He stepped inside. “Stopped by one of Jackson’s projects before coming down.”
“That’s fine.” A tentative smile spread across her face.
“Mind if I grab some bottled water?”
She gestured toward the kitchen and then followed closely behind him, practically skipping. He unscrewed the cap and took a swig, squinting at her. “What’s up? You’re a bundle of energy today.”
Clasping her hands in front of her body, she swayed side to side. “I’ve been considering your conditions.”
“Have you?” His body flushed with prickly heat. He set the bottle on the counter. “Are you about to dazzle me with facts and figures already?”
“No.”
Deep disappointment pierced his heart, like a pin to a balloon. Foolishly, he’d dared to hope she’d agree—that like him, she’d been overcome with longing. “Well, it’s probably for the best. Maybe in a few years the timing will be better for this business idea.”
“Oh, you misunderstand.” She wet her lips and stepped closer. “I’m accepting your terms, but I’m not nearly done researching. I am, however, prepared to ‘dazzle you’ with that second condition.”
“You are?”
“I am.”
He blinked in disbelief, even as his heart galloped in anticipation. “But what if we can’t agree about the business risks? Maybe we should wait . . .”
Absolutely not what he wanted, yet he had to make sure she was ready to take this step.
“I don’t want to wait.” She boldly met his stunned gaze.
His feet wouldn’t move. In fact, his whole system seemed to be shutting down from shock.
“Hank?” She tilted her head, peering curiously at his frozen body. “Please don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind. I really can’t start my day with a serving of humiliation.”
Without speaking, he reached for her face with both hands and then claimed her mouth with his own. Her hands caressed his shoulders before her fingers threaded into his hair. Every inch of his skin tingled in response to her touch.
The room around them fell away as he became absorbed by the citrusy taste of her mouth. Euphoria spread through him like helium, lifting his heart, making him weightless.
This woman he fiercely desired wanted him, too. This moment—the truth of it—seemed as beautiful yet fragile as porcelain. Something his calloused hands could easily break if mishandled. But the scent of her hair and soft skin beneath his fingers made him anything but careful.
A groan rumbled in his chest. Without breaking contact, he kissed her harder, his tongue engaged in heated dance with hers, his arms squeezing her tighter against his body. He acted on pure instinct, couldn’t think, didn’t really know what he was touching, but needed to feel every gorgeous inch of her body.
“Cat,” he growled as he tore his mouth away and dragged it down the length of her neck. Appreciative little noises coming from deep in her throat heightened his arousal. He slid his hands down to her waist and then cupped her bottom, tugging her against his raging erection. “I want you so much. So much.”
She inched her leg up his, wrapping it around his thigh. “No one’s stopping you.”
He hoisted her onto the counter raining unapologetic, hungry kisses on her mouth and neck. His hands grasped her knees and skimmed beneath her skimpy dress, making him dizzy with anticipation. She thrust her hips forward, seeking his touch, lighting him on fire. He couldn’t hear anything but the rush of thunder in his ears, pierced only occasionally by her soft moans.
Suddenly he realized where they were. “Wait, not here.” He lifted her, despite her protest.
“Here’s fine,” she said before she suckled his neck and sank her hands into his hair.
He set her on the floor. “You can be bossy everywhere except with this.” He yanked her against his firm body. “When it comes to this, I’m in charge.”