“I know what you said, but I also know what your body said. And you were most definitelyinterested.”
I growled a little. “You think the entire world revolves around you, don’t you? Well, let me clear something up for you . . . I’m not interested in getting naked with you. All I was interested in was making you a better man so that I could have a chance at being with the man Iactuallywant.” My breathing had turned labored as though I’d shrieked. I hoped Ihadn’t.
Several windows were open in the buildings surrounding me, and the last thing I wanted was to rouse people in the middle of thenight.
“How would makingmea better man up your chances at being with the one you want?” There was no longer anything husky or taunting in histone.
I sighed. I didn’t want to discuss Asher with Jarod. Besides, it wasn’t as though I could explain our point system. “Look, you and I aren’t friends. And like I said earlier, we won’t be seeing each other again,so—”
“How does making me kinder benefit your lovelife?”
“I’m going to hang upnow.”
“I allowed you into my home. I shared my family’s history. The least you can do is explain yourintentions.”
“Don’t try to guilt-tripme.”
“I don’t appreciate being used,Feather.”
I shut my eyes briefly and squeezed the bridge of my nose. “I was upfront about this being abet.”
“I didn’t realize it was to get another man. I thought it was just a silly wager with a friend. Now, I feel like a fool. I don’t like to feel like afool.”
“You’re not a fool, okay? And I didn’t mention the object of my bet, because it had nothing to do withyou.”
I waited for him to say something snarky or threatening, but what came through the receiver was neither snarky nor threatening. “You’re a romantic,Feather.”
I glanced down at the water wrapping around the bridge’s foundations, at the gray foam and white whirlpools. “You got that from what? Me telling you I was saving myself formarriage?”
“No, I got that from your choice of readingmaterial.”
My arm tightened against my bag, which made my book dig into my waist. Had Amir given Jarod a detailed report of its contents or had Jarod gleaned the storyline from his brief glimpse of thecover?
“Your appreciation for food,” he continued. “Your conviction that kindness lurks ineveryone.”
“Because itdoes.”
“No, it doesn’t.” I was about to argue when he added, “Romantics marry for love. If you need to win a bet to get this guy, then you’re not in love withhim.”
“Of course I’m not in love with him. I’ve only met him once. People don’t fall in love the first time theymeet.”
There was a long pause on his end, as though he were mulling over the fact that a romantic didn’t believe in love at first sight. “I guess I’m wondering why you’re so dead set on marrying this personthen.”
“I have my reasons.” Reasons I didn’t care to share withhim.
“You were willing to spend time with the most reviled man in Paris to win over this person. That tells me youreallywant to be withhim.”
I sighed. “And what? You care about what I wantnow?”
“How muchdoyou want thisman?”
I sighed. “I’ve never wanted anythingmore.”
“Then why are you givingup?”
I stood up a little straighter. “I’m not giving up. I’m changing my method of obtainingit.”
“Come tomorrowmorning.”
