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.

• • •

we share platters of native Cornish oysters on the half shell and roasted vegetables

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

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

meetings soon, I decide. I was a fool to ever think of restricting her to my bed—she’s too valuable

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

her glass of prosecco.

realize I misspoke, but I go with the flow and joke, “Sure, why the hell not? An

tours,” she

before I found that fucking Genesis stuff in her bag. The worst of that is behind us now . . . but still, I can’t

trimming back my hours. I shouldn’t miss all of Emilia and Lacey’s

can do both, right? If you find

my chin. “Maybe. Easier

their parent.” She gets a weird look on her face. “Sorry, I don’t mean to overstep my bounds or tell you

way. What about you? How’s your family?” She rarely mentions her father—one of

She giggles. “He keeps talking about this guy. Every time we talk, it’s Elijah said

chuckle. “Are they

Toying with her last bite of dessert,

always does. “I don’t see how

big romantic love affair. For some reason, I’m reluctant to shut her down cold. Even though I really

jaded and overworked, and am barely getting by with the two ladies who need more of my time than I have to give at the moment. It would be foolish of me

the cards