Page 12 of Turn Me On

I jam a hand through my hair, trying to sort out my thoughts. “I just…”

He shakes his head. “Don’t mention it,” he says, absolving me, though I haven’t earned it.

I just acted like a jealous ass over a guy I met two hours ago. I move in front of him as the elevator chugs slowly past the fourteenth floor. I meet his gaze and let myself be vulnerable, even though being honest is stupidly risky. Too many guys don’t want it. Too many can’t handle it. And too many just want me for the number on my back when I play ball.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into me,” I admit.

His expression softens. A small smile shifts his mouth. My god, he’s stunning with those plush lips, those chiseled cheekbones. “I’m not seeing anyone.” Then he clarifies, “I’m not dating. I’m seeing a friend. We go way back. I met him right after I graduated from college, and he’s probably bringing along his husband.”

I choke out a humorless laugh at my own stupid jealousy. Then I get the bright idea to try to fix my mistake. “Want a ride?”

“With you?” he asks, surprised.

I roll my eyes. “No, with the birthday girl. Yes, with me.”

“Sure. That doesn’t sound risky at all,” he deadpans.

“Not. One. Bit.” I laugh.

“Thanks. Seriously. I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got a rental.”

“Shame. I’m an excellent driver,” I quip, bummed he’s got his own wheels. Our solo time is running out.

“No doubt you know exactly how to handle a car.”

“Ten out of ten you’d ride with me again,” I say.

Fuck it. I can’t linger in this land of innuendo when I haven’t truly apologized. I try again, more serious this time. “Actually, I do know what’s gotten into me,” I say as the car slinks past the seventh floor.

“What’s that?”

I blow out a breath, girding myself for a little real talk. Maybe being blunt will defuse the sexual tension, making it easier to work with him. “It’syou. I met you a couple hours ago, and already I’m feeling possessive,” I say, shaking my head.

When Maddox locks eyes with me, his anger is gone, replaced by heat. “You weresoundingpossessive. But go figure—your jealousy pissed me off and turned me on at the same time.”

And that did not defuse anything.

Heat blazes in me as the floors slip by. We’re passing the sixth floor now.

Maddox steps backward, but it doesn’t feel like he’s moving away from me. Not when he reaches back, his hands gripping the bar tightly behind him, so tightly it seems like he’s holding his own wrists together. Like he’s offering himself to me.

My breath hitches. My chest catches fire.

He just bound himself.

For me.

I shake my head, trying to shake off my lust to no avail. “Now we’re back where we started.”

He tilts his chin like he’s sayinggame on. “Right where we shouldn’t be,” he says, reminding us of the stakes and the score.

“We definitely shouldn’t,” I add.

Maddox bites the corner of his lips briefly. “Then we’ll definitely pretend it didn’t happen.”

“What I’m about to do…?” I supply.

“Yes.That.”