Reaching out, his hand returns to my side, and I suck in a breath, scolding my body for betraying me and enjoying his touch.
Suddenly, his thumb strokes along the band of my sweater, finding the gap between it and my jeans. The second he caresses my bare skin, I suck in another sharpbreath and jump back, watching his face twist with victory and arrogance as I wither beneath him.
He clicks his tongue, and his voice lowers to a husky whisper as he says, “You’re practically hyperventilating from a single touch. I don’t thinkI’mthe problem at all. I think you’re scared by how badly you secretly want me.”
Forcing the excitement thrumming on the top of my skin to deep beneath the surface, I scoff. “You’re wrong. Keep to yourself, and next time you see me, pretend you didn’t. If you touch me again, I’ll report you to the organization for harassment.”
I storm past him, my body on fire from the confrontation.
He mutters something under his breath as I stride away from him.
“Did you have something else to add?” I whip back around, facing him as I near my vehicle.
He holds his hands in the air in defeat, and he doesn’t say a word.
But I could swear that what he muttered under his breath was,Doubt it.
I’m too worked up right now, more than I should be.UGH.
Setting Freddie down into his car seat, I hook his harness to it before sliding into my front seat and smacking the steering wheel.
I glance at Freddie in the rearview mirror, scolding him with a playful tone, “Hey, what’s up with you anyway? I need you on my side, not his.”
If Bates wasn’t still in earshot, I might just scream to let out some frustration.
I don’t want Bates Finnegan or any other hockey player, on my dad’s team or not. There’s only one man I need, and he’snothinglike Bates.
My Masked Valentine is thoughtful, sweet … a bit possessive and insane, but I like him a lot nonetheless. He’s worlds away from the prick Bates is.
Turning the ignition, I do my best to force BatesfuckingFinnegan from my mind as I head to Bound-to-Be for the rest of the day.
Kerrigan and I are preparing for an invite-only date party for our clients tonight. We have paired them with their perfect matches, and this lets them get to know one another without the pressure of being on an actual date. These events are for the clients who don’t want to mingle with a big group, only in hopes ofmaybefinding someone, but rather have a direct line to their matches, which have been carefully crafted by us.
They’ll be surrounded by people in the same situation as them, giving them some peace of mind that they’re not alone in this vulnerable process.
By the time I reach the office, all thoughts of Bates are long gone, quickly replaced by my masked man as I set my things down on my desk and find a fresh arrangement of red roses with one of his handmade cards.
My Little Cupid,
These roses never die. Each wilted one secretly replaced.
There’s no length I won’t go. No rule I won’t break.
I’m a sinner for your love. Desperate for more.
If I show up and knock, will you open the door?
—Your Masked Valentine
Warmth blossoms in my chest, spreading outward from my racing heart. I’ll never get enough of these or enough of his attention.
I want more. Ineedmore, especially after knowing what his touch feels like. I’m helpless beneath his grip, and that’s exactly where I want to be.
Lifting the vase full of fresh red roses, I inhale deeply, feeling the sudden burning gaze of my best friend at my back.
With my nose buried in the petals, I spin on my heel and face her, looking at her through my lashes.
She’s as good at hiding her feelings and expressions as a toddler. The absolute shock and excitement are clear as day with the way her jaw is plastered on the floor.
