"His mother might but I met her at one of my signings last year so it's doubtful."
"As much as I'd like to stand here and listen to you talk about how great you are all night, I have some place I need to be." I take a step to the right, my ponytail swaying with the movement.
He moves to block my path. "You had to be some place this afternoon and you blew that off. You can blow off whatever your plans are now to talk to me."
"I didn't blow you off." My cheeks flush, not just from the burst of anger I feel but from the double meaning of the words. "I sent Gabriel to get his gift because I knew it would mean a lot to him to meet you."
A smile teases his mouth at my small admission. "So you admit that I have some talent? Gabriel strikes me as an educated, cultured man. If he likes my work it must have some merit, agreed?"
"There's a guy in Times Square who wears boxers and paints his entire body silver every day. Then he acts like a robot for tips. Gabriel took a selfie with him one day. Perceived talent is all in the eye of the beholder."
"You're comparing my work to a guy who parades around in his underwear?"
"I guess I am." I nod. "I don't like his work either but plenty of people are fans, including my boss."
"Are you actually going to read Star's book?" He dips his chin toward my hands. "I can summarize it for you on the spot and save you the money."
I'm not planning on reading either of the two books I'm currently holding. I only picked up Andrew Star's book when I spotted Nicholas heading my way. Right now, it's covering the copy ofBurden's Proofthat I came in here to buy.
"This is a spoiler free zone." I circle my elbow in the air. "I want to savor every page of Mr. Star's masterpiece."
"I thought detective novels weren't your thing." He rubs his jaw. "If I remember correctly your exact words were that you've never read a detective novel in your life."
"There's no time like the present to start." I nudge past him, my shoulder rubbing against the heavy gray sweater he's wearing. "I might as well do it with the best."
"The best?" He grabs my arm, his breath whispering over my cheek. "If you want to start with the best, Sophia, open the copy ofBurden's Proofthat you've been trying to hide since I walked in."
Shit.
Double shit.
I turn quickly so I'm facing him directly. I look up into his face. Christ, the man is handsome. He's also ripped under those clothes. I saw a few pictures of him shirtless last night.
There was one meme about uncovering the mystery beneath his gym shorts. My eyes drop to the front of his jeans before I level my gaze on his mouth.
"The book isn't for me. It's for Mr. Foster. You ruined the copy his wife gave to me so I need to replace it."
"Ruined? How?"
"You wrote that address in it."
"I wouldn't call that ruined."
"I don't want him to know that you were expecting to meet me at the restaurant. He would be pissed if he knew I set that up without either of you knowing what was going on. It would humiliate him and he's not the kind of man you humiliate."
"You could have come with him." His gaze pins me in place. "Why didn't you?"
My fingers flex over the books. I should be honest and tell him that I didn't want to fall prey to his charms like countless other women probably have. I could have gone to that restaurant and followed him wherever he wanted to go.
I'm due for an earth shattering orgasm but I'd hate myself after it was over. I'd feel used and regret it. The only person who can protect my self-esteem is me and a man like Nicholas can smash it apart by taking me to bed and then pushing me out the door.
I don't need a marriage proposal after sex, but I need a conversation or two. Experience has taught me that. It's also taught me to trust my instinct about whether a man seems the post fuck discussion type. I'd be surprised if Nicholas takes the time to engage in anything other than a quick goodbye once he's had his fill of a woman.
I don’t want to feel used by a man ever again.
"All I wanted today was that book. Once I decided to send Gabriel to meet you I didn't see a point in tagging along."
"You only wanted the book?" His gaze narrows.
