He was standing right on her threshold, looking ridiculously sexy in faded jeans that hugged his thighs and a black KIKX tee. He also wore a Longhorns baseball cap and carried a paper bag from Wholy Bagels, which he extended toward her as he stepped all the way into her office, closing the door behind him.

"No way," she said, taking the bag and clutching it to her heart. "You brought me a bagel? I love this place."

"I know," he said, then added, "You had a bag of bagels on your counter and some of their spreads in your fridge the first time I was at your house. I took a chance that you liked them for lunch, too."

That had been the first time they'd made love. A night that had been frantic and wild and utterly awesome. She'd been doing good the next morning to notice if she was wearing clothes before she left the house. The fact that he noticed a detail like bagels blew her away.

"I love bagels for lunch," she confirmed. "I don't even toast them. Just slather on the cream cheese. But you went all the way to South Austin to get me lunch?"

He came closer, took the bag and dropped it on her desk, then pulled her close. "I'd go further than that," he said, then kissed her lightly. "Although too far and it might defeat the purpose."

She frowned, and he laughed. "If I went to Dallas for your lunch, I wouldn't be back until after dinner."

She rolled her eyes. "Goof."

"That's why they pay me the not-so-big-but-market-appropriate bucks."

Sighing, she hugged him tight. "Thanks," she said. "I wish I could invite you into a conference room to eat with me, but I have to get this revised spreadsheet to Frank before one, and--"

"And I only came for delivery," he said, extricating himself from her embrace. "Although, if this was a porn film, I'd climb under your desk and distract you while you worked. A little cream cheese in some interesting places..."

"Interesting's one word for it," she said.

"Delicious is another."

"Perv."

"Only for you."

"Now you're a liar, too," she teased.

"Not even a little bit."

A warm glow spread over her skin, and she sighed happily. "Actually, if this was a porn movie, I'd give you a tip." She eased in closer, then cupped her hand over his cock. "Too bad I don't do porn."

He put his hand over hers, and she felt him stiffen even more beneath the denim. "Too bad indeed."

Her pulse picked up tempo and she tilted her head back to meet his eyes. "You're like some magical talisman, you know that, right? Because this really isn't me."

He kissed her softly on the tip of her nose. "Maybe it is."

The words rocked through her, both obvious and yet disturbing. At the same time, he stepped back, extricating himself with two words, "Rain check."

"You're on."

"How does tonight sound? It's the first Man of the Month contest at The Fix tonight. Want to come with me?"

She did. Desperately. But she wasn't sure she was ready to be public just yet. At the very least, there were things she needed to clear. "I--I can't," she said. "I already have plans."

"Oh."

It was perverse, but the disappointment in his voice was profoundly flattering.

"We're still on for Friday, though," she said. "Aren't we?"

His smile bloomed. "Hell, yes, we are."

Chapter Twelve

Tags: J. Kenner Man of the Month Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net