Seven Nights of Sin (Penthouse Affair #2)

“You know . . . you’re inexperienced. With a woman who’s been around the block, it’s more okay to play a little fast and loose, because she knows what she likes and doesn’t like, and she won’t be afraid to call a time-out.”

“But I did tell you to stop,” she fires back, crossing her arms over her chest. “Doesn’t that prove I’m capable of holding my own?”

I would laugh at her trademark resolve if I weren’t rapidly approaching exasperation. “I’m trying to apologize for not treating you better.”

“I know. And I appreciate that. I just need to know you see me as an equal. I don’t want you handling me with kid gloves. I agreed to this”—she waves a hand as she searches for a word—“arrangement of my own free will.”

“Even a casual partner still deserves to be treated right.”

She nods slowly, like she’s confused over my choice in words.

I tip my head toward the celling and draw a deep breath before meeting her eyes again. “So, would you like to go to dinner with me?”

She stares back at me for a moment before softening. “Yes. That sounds really nice.” Her expression turns the tiniest bit mischievous. “But it’s still not a date, right?”

I keep a poker face. “Right.”

“Just wanted to make sure. I’ll get dressed,” she says, then heads into the bathroom to get ready.

I should feel better having gotten that apology out of the way, but somehow I don’t. I only feel more confused.

• • •

Thames, we share platters of native Cornish oysters on the half shell

we’re talking shop, analyzing the various offers I’ve received over the past two days, it doesn’t feel at all like work. It’s easy and fun, and highlights all the aspects of this job that

feels effortless. It’s nice. Relaxing, even. With a business partner like her, synergy isn’t just a marketing buzzword,

was a fool to ever think of restricting her to my bed—she’s too valuable an asset to be kept away

smile, taking the last sip of my wine. “An Aspen property in every country—or at least one on

over her glass of prosecco. “Even

the flow and joke, “Sure, why the hell not? An ice palace

she

good to see her laugh, to laugh together with her. When was the last time I felt so good? Probably right before I found that fucking Genesis stuff in her bag. The worst of that is behind us now . . . but still, I can’t deny it was a useful wake-up call, pulling us apart before we got too entangled. Too invested in a

reality of my life bringing me back down to earth. “On the other hand, I really need to start trimming back my hours. I shouldn’t miss all of Emilia and Lacey’s

you find

my chin. “Maybe. Easier said than done, but

time with them, and I’m not even their parent.” She gets a weird look on her face. “Sorry, I don’t mean to overstep my bounds or tell you what you should do

didn’t take it that way. What about you? How’s your family?” She rarely mentions her father—one of the many things we have in common—but she lights up beautifully when the topic lands on

school. He loves his classes, and . . .” She giggles. “He keeps talking about this guy. Every time we talk,

chuckle. “Are

just might see.” Toying with her last bite of dessert, she asks way too casually, “Speaking of relationships . . . do you think you’ll ever

how I could fit any more

romantic love affair. For

two ladies who need more of my time than I have to give at the

the cards for solutions.” She