He gave a short laugh. “You are. If you weren’t, your cheeks wouldn’t flame.” He leaned toward her. “And they flame alot.”
There was no use trying to lie to him. He was too good in seeing through people. “Okay fine. Yes, I’m curious.”
“Ah, the truth. Nice. So is this curiosity to do with all men or just me?”
She knew he could see the truth in her expression so she didn’t directly answer it. “That doesn’t mean you can embarrass me over being chaste Lance. I should have never told you.”
“You didn’t tell me. I figured it out when you kept blushing whenever I brought up intimate questions.”
She took a deep breath and released it quickly, in frustration. “Okay, you’re right. I still don’t think—”
“—what did the stuffed shirt do to you to make you shy away from it?”
She blinked her eyes wide. God, he shifted subjects and moods so quickly, her head spun. It was probably his way of getting an honest answer from people. Surprise did wonders to peoples’ verbal, emotional and physical responses.
“Don’t try and lie to me Tam, I can tell.”
She already knew that.
“He somehow ruined you for other men—intimately. I’m thinking that’s the only reason you are still chaste.”
“I told you why.”
He shook his head. “Waiting for love. Yes, I know, but your body betrays you. You are curious. Twenty six year old virgins that are as desirable as you don’t exist. That can only happen if you’ve been shamed, or worse.” His eyes narrowed.
Desirable?Did he just say that? She stuttered out her response trying not to let him know that affected her. “H—he didn’t get that far.” She paused seeing the anger rise in his eyes. The Hartley men were very respectful of women. Their father raised them right. She’d seen the damage Colton did when someone disrespected Elaina. All of them had the same views
“He got far enough to do some psychological damage. I’d like to know.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I would like you to.”
Of course he would. “It’s not that easy. Tit for tat, why’d you quit New York?” That got a reaction. It was rare and subtle, but it was there. He actually sat back away from her a little and his expression masked. “That’s a little one sided Lance.”
“It’s public knowledge.”
“Not to me.”
“Look it up. Yours isn’t.”
“How do you know?”
“I already checked into it.”
Of course he did. Now her cheeks flamed for a different reason. “There’s no need to cross examine me, councilor!”
“Get angry all you want Tammy. How can I play the devoted fiancé if I don’t know everything?”
“I see. So you like to be informed, but not let me in on your secrets. You don’t need to know this!” she stood abruptly to leave, but he grabbed her arm. When he turned her back she had tears in her eyes. Instantly, his hard expression crumbled. Before she knew it, she was embraced in strong arms bring her face into his chest. She could smell his scent; strong, masculine and completely spellbinding.
“Shh. I’m sorry.”
His deep voice vibrated through his chest and arms enveloping her. The tone was definitely remorseful. She nodded still refusing to let the tears fall. Being in his arms definitely could have aided to it, but she was able to pull them back. She just couldn’t be so damn vulnerable around this man. She didn’t want his pity.
“I pushed too much. I won’t bring it up again until you’re ready. I promise.”
She nodded again knowing that she never would be.
