Bummer.“Good. For a second there I thought you’d forgotten the rules.”
His smile aggravated her, because he seemed to be laughing at some joke she wasn’t in on.
They left the restaurant after he took care of the bill. She didn’t even try to offer to pay, since this whole thing had been his idea.
As they drove back to her house in his truck, she had to admit she’d enjoyed herself. One thing she could say for Dex, he never lost her interest. Even as a kid he’d been witty. A smart guy who didn’t try to trade on his looks or money. Many of the kids she’d gone to school with had come from wealth and had no problem sharing that fact. Dex had never traded on his family’s connections, using his own work ethic and intellect to get ahead.
She respected him for that, but she still couldn’t get past the fact he’d gotten the better of heragain. Especially since she was supposed to be winning their little contest of wills.
Only a few weeks ago she’d gathered with her girlfriends over wine, each determined to set things right with those who had done them wrong. Her grudge was with Dex. Ann had dealt with Jack, and Riley was still handling Anson—kind of. Maya needed to talk to the levelheaded member of their group. At least Ann had made Jack work to earn her devotion. Maya planned to kick Dex’s ass…somehow. Just as soon as this stupid bet ended. But Riley seemed to be floundering with Anson. Probably because she was too nice.
Not like Maya.
She turned and noted Dex watching her out of the corner of his eye.
“Answer me this,” she ordered.
He saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You graduate high school, spent—how many years in the Marine Corps?”
“Eight.”
“Right. Eight. Then you left to become some big-name photographer.”
“Photojournalist.”
“Whatever. You’re successful and getting paid big money. So you leave all that and come back to Bend. Why?”
“Why not?” He drove with easy competence. The jerk did everything well. Which made her wonder what he’d be like between the sheets… “My family is here. I’ve been all around the world. Well, to most of the places I wanted to visit anyway. I’m ready to set down roots, and I love my hometown.” He paused. “You’re still here. You must love Bend.”
“I do.” She loved the mountains, the dry weather, the glorious snow and her lovely fireplace that kept her warm during the cold. “Dad is here. My friends are here. I get loving this town. But you left and then came back, and practically the first thing you do is blackmail me again? What, is this how you get all your dates?”
He grinned and pulled into her driveway. He didn’t turn off the truck but put it into park and turned to face her. “You’re still hung up on what happened twelve years ago, aren’t you?”
She fumed. “Yes, damn it. Because the only way you could have gotten that picture of me pranking the principal was if you’d been stalking me.”
“I prefer the termreconnaissance. I was watching you, trying to get up the nerve to ask you to pose for me. I’ve always liked photography, remember?”
“Yeah. But—”
“So imagine my surprise when my muse darted into her high school’s main office, set off two cans of silly string, then painted a mustache over a picture of Principal Weber. Funny? Yes. Worth my time and effort to capture you on film? Hell, yeah. And it paid off. I had the hottest date at the prom.”
She narrowed her eyes. “That smile does not say ‘I’m sorry.’ The fact you’re blackmailing me now proves it. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Whatever.” He scooted closer, and she tensed. “Come here.”
“No.”
He sighed and turned off the truck. “I can sit here all night.”
Figuring he might, she relented. Better for her to be rid of him and tamp down the desire plaguing her. “Fine.” She moved an inch closer, wishing the stupid truck had bucket seats.
“Not close enough.” He yanked her until their thighs welded, then turned her face and kissed her.
She would have pulled back, but his hand fisted in her hair, and the small tug he gave eroded any resistance. She became clay under his artful hands as he held her while his mouth did wicked things to her.
The taste of him—dark beer and heady man—made her drunk with desire. She’d never responded so readily for anyone as Dex kissed his way under her skin. His tongue tangled with hers, pulling a sigh out of her.
