Seven Nights of Sin (Penthouse Affair #2)

“It’s seven nights, Presley. You can do as you please while I’m busy during the day, but in front of Roger, out at dinner, we’ll pretend we’re still dating.” I fix her with a sharp look. “Assuming you can handle that.”

She sucks in a breath. Was that a tiny shiver or just my imagination?

“So . . . when you say ‘pretend we’re dating,’ I assume . . .” Her voice is quiet. “I assume we won’t be doing anything date-like for real.”

“No. That time is over. If you accompanied me to London, it would be for work only. Plain and simple. You’ll obviously be compensated handsomely for your time away.”

Presley drops her gaze. She’s trying to hide it, but I can tell she’s hurt.

Hell, if it stings me to say those words, it must feel a hundred times worse to hear them. But I’d rather err on the side of being a little too harsh than lead her on. I can’t make her think that this offer is about anything emotional, anything beyond keeping Roger in a happy, cooperative mood.

“Just to be crystal clear,” I say, “I want to emphasize that you’re absolutely free to say no. Your job doesn’t depend on agreeing to this trip.”

Sure, she came on to me a few days ago, but for all I know, maybe she’s totally over the idea of sleeping in a hotel room with me ever again. The thought triggers a twinge of hurt that I immediately squelch. I can’t unduly influence her decision just because she thinks it’s what I want . . . even though I do want it. So damn badly.

She still doesn’t respond, just keeps studying my office carpet, looking torn. I can practically hear the gears spinning in her agile brain.

“There’s no rush. You have a few days to think it over. My

do it.” Her tone

I blink. “What?”

up again, still unsure, but determined. “I want

didn’t plan on that. I expected hesitancy, and instead she’s given me urgency. I hate

sure? I wouldn’t be angry or let it affect our work relationship if you’d

so obvious it goes without saying. “You wouldn’t hold my career hostage just to get your way. You’re not the kind of man who’d do something like that. I trust you . . .” She hesitates. “And I want you to trust

want. Not need. Maybe I’m reading way too much into

Or maybe I’m not.

do you want, Presley?” I

myself it’s not because I’m desperate to hear about her feelings—I just need to know for sure why she’s agreeing to do this again. Is it entirely about earning her way back into my good graces, or is there more to

but her voice is strong when she answers.

nod. That’s fine. Lust isn’t dangerous in and of itself. The most likely scenario is that nothing will happen between

have Beth reserve an extra plane