He's the One by Jane Beckenham (ready to read books .TXT) 📗

you did—well sort of. Experiment, then."

"Good for keeping the bedroom interesting."

Suddenly, Taylor wasn't too comfortable about where this discussion was heading.

To the bedroom, where else?

And you've walked right into it.

"I see."

"You will, Taylor. You will."

Taylor stared into the passing darkness. She was definitely drowning.

Where was that damn life jacket again?

* * * *

"Would you like to come in?” Taylor asked as Cade silenced the engine outside her house. He heard the soft breathless lilt to her voice, heard her uncertainty.

"It's late,” he answered, giving her a reprieve, but realizing in the same instant he really, really didn't want to

"Oh.” She sounded disappointed.

Good tactic—leave her wanting more. “It's not that I don't want to,” Cade reaffirmed. Man, he had a hard on and battled to stay focused, to ... What was it wanted to say?

"No, it's okay, I understand. It was a nice meal."

Cade stared down at Taylor, wondering what she was thinking. Her eyes had shuttered slightly, closing him out. But then, he realized he didn't understand any of this himself. He cursed under his breath and dragged a hand through his hair. He gripped Taylor's shoulders, and turned her in her seat toward him. He felt her silky skin beneath his fingertips, wanted to brush his hands along it, over and over. Yet he did nothing; instead, he bit back his rock-hard need. “Taylor, look at me."

She lifted her wide blue eyes to him.

A man could drown in those blue pools he thought. Hell, he had. He choked back an oath. “This is awkward. One part of me wants to rush you right into bed and bury myself deep inside you, find out what's behind that veneer you present."

"I..."

He put a finger to her parted lips and felt her warm breath rush over his fingertip.

Stupid move. His need tightened.

"Shush. Unfortunately, the sensible part of me says hold on, take it easy and the trouble is, I'm listening."

He walked her to the door then, neither of them saying anything. Outside, the automatic security light switched on, and Cade felt like they were visible for the world to see. As Taylor fumbled with the lock, he reached across and took the key from her fingers, opening the door. She turned to him, expectancy written on every feature of her beautiful face.

"Thank you for a lovely evening,” she said a sweet, tentative smile curving her delicious mouth.

"Well ... um ... yeah. It was good,” he said, stumbling over his words—words he really meant, though in truth he felt like a pubescent school kid. Hell, he'd never felt so damned tongue tied before. He shoved his hands in his pockets. Not a good idea. It only drew the fabric over his very aroused status even more. “I've gotta go. I'll ... um, see you."

Taylor didn't answer him, but walked inside and shut the door behind her, leaving Cade with his conscience, and his arousal, fighting for control.

He blew out a long slow stream of air till there was nothing left. Why did he feel so let down? Damn it.

Because you wanted her, and you know she wanted you.

* * * *

"So?” Nita questioned the moment she walked in, dumping her bag and shucking out of her coat as she made a determined beeline for Taylor.

"Here comes trouble,” Taylor muttered under her breath good-naturedly. She tried to ignore Nita's early morning excitement and carried on sorting through the list of calls she had to make that morning for the Hayes wedding. The bride wanted Cinderella; the groom wanted medieval. Taylor only hoped they she could fulfill their dreams with style.

Nita propped herself on the side of Taylor's desk. “I'm dying to know. Was he as good as expected?” She slapped her forehead. “Dumb question. Of course he was; I can see it written all over your face."

"Wishful imagination,” Taylor shot back. “Besides, I'm not sure what you think you can see."

"Satisfaction guaranteed."

The pen Taylor's hand jerked across the page. “Blast. Do you have to be so..."

"Curious?” Nita offered.

"This isn't a locker room."

"Come on, you know I've a knack for getting the low down, so give."

A weary sigh escaped Taylor's lips. Weary because she desperately needed sleep. And that was all Cade Harper's fault. He may have refused her bed last night, but he'd still kept her awake into the wee hours of the morning. Awake and aroused two nights in a row!

"Now, no more prevaricating, Taylor Sullivan. Spill."

"Prevaricate. Big word this time of the morning."

Nita gave her a wicked grin. “But it fits the bill, right? Come on, Taylor. I've been wondering all night."

"Then you'll be disappointed."

"No. Don't do that to me. I even stayed in last night and watched TV. Along with eating a half a tub of hokey pokey ice cream."

Taylor tried not to smile and failed. “And you say I need a life. Have you looked at yourself lately?"

"I was worried."

"About me?” Keep busy. Keep occupied. Maybe then, Nita would give up the inquisition. Taylor turned the page to view her week's appointments. “Thanks for your concern.” she said, hoping Nita would drop the subject. “There's no need. It was a date. That's all."

"I know it's important to you."

"Was. Past tense."

"What? You're joking. How can you give up on him? He's..."

"Not interested, that's what."

"Oh, honey, you've got it so wrong. Cade Harper is definitely interested."

"Then how come he hasn't ... we haven't ... well, you know...” Taylor's voice trailed off. What was wrong with her? She was discussing her sex life—correction—her lack of a sex life with Nita. Her assistant was a good friend and a great employee, but still, this was personal.

Taylor snapped her schedule book closed. “Damn Cade. The one time I let my guard down. I thought I could do this, and he turns out to be the wrong guy."

"That's where you're wrong, Taylor.” Nita cut her short.

"You keep saying that, but where's the evidence?"

"He took you to dinner, didn't he?"

"Yes."

"Kissed you?"

Taylor colored. “Uh huh.” Definitely. In fact, his taste was still there.

"Good. You at least reached first