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 and roasted

at all like work. It’s easy and fun, and highlights all the aspects of this job that

easily into each other’s wavelengths that our collaborating feels effortless. It’s nice. Relaxing, even. With a business partner like her, synergy isn’t just a marketing buzzword, but something real and

fool to ever think of restricting her to

worldwide.” I smile, taking the last sip of my wine. “An Aspen property in every

over her glass

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

penguin-watching tours,” she

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

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

can do both, right? If you find

chin. “Maybe. Easier said

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

rarely mentions her father—one of the many things we have in

well at school. He loves his classes, and . . .” She giggles. “He keeps talking about this guy. Every time we talk, it’s Elijah said

chuckle. “Are they

the courage to ask him out, we just might see.” Toying with her last bite of dessert, she asks way too casually, “Speaking of relationships . . . do you think you’ll ever be looking

don’t see how I could fit any more obligations into my already

the question instead of just saying, No, I’m not looking for some big romantic love affair. For

am barely getting by with the two ladies who need

cards