This would be a good time to run away, but his hand settles gently on my throat, his thumb brushing softly over my pulse. “And here, right below your ear. What do you think I can feel?” He tilts his head, focusing on that place where my heartbeat gives me away, and I find myself tilting my own head to give him better access.
Because I’ve lost my damn mind.
The Texas heat has actually melted my brain.
“Your pulse is marching a mile a minute.”
I pull in a breath and snap myself out of it because he’sright. I’m breathing fast. I’m heated from head to toe, my body’s reaction to him just as inappropriate and unwanted as ever.
I’m playing a dangerous game with a man who never loses. Showinganysigns of weakness to him is a stupid, foolish thing to do, but I can’t help how my body reacts to him.
And right now, he’s making me want things I shouldn’t—can’t—want.
Mainly, him.
Blinking rapidly, I pull myself out of his trance. “So, you’re an expert in body language?”
He smirks. “Something like that.”
“Well,” I say with a huff, “I hate to burst your bubble, but you’re way off the mark. My pulse is racing because a giant man—whom I detest, by the way—has his hand on me.”
His boyish smile returns in full force, and with it, those dimples. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
I pull in a deep breath, focusing on that thick throat of his. Even if I could get my hands around it, I doubt I could strangle him with any success. We’re too outmatched in size and strength.
Tempting idea, though.
Grinding my teeth, I jut out my chin and change the subject. “I don’t give up on what I want, either, and I want Emerson Bratt. I won’t make this easy for you.”
His lips quirk up into a sly smile. “Nothing worth having comes easily.”
“I’m serious, Max, you’re not getting this deal.”
“Well.” He drops his hand, but doesn’t back away from me. “Iam, but I promise to enjoy the competition almost as much as I enjoy the outcome.” He winks, then leans in, bringing that delicious mouth dangerously close to my ear.
I swallow hard.
His warm exhale teases the hair on my nape and I shiver as he says, “I should warn you, though… I won’t play fair.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to,” I whisper, the words coming out breathier than intended. “But I’m not going down without a fight.”
He hums appreciatively. “I do enjoy a good fight,” he murmurs, leaning ever closer until I’m no longer sure where I end and he begins. His nose nudges my ear, the gentlest of skin-on-skin contact, and my eyes flutter closed. Warmth pools low in my belly.
My silly heart skips a beat.
“Always a pleasure, Ms. Hart.”
A shiver skitters down my spine.
Max straightens, then takes a step back and opens the door. He inclines his head, acting like nothing just happened. “After you, ma’am.”
I inject as much sarcasm and disdain into my words as I can possibly muster, then cross my arms and lift my chin defiantly as I say, “I’ll leave when I’m good and ready,sir.”
Max’s dark eyes flash with desire, andI swear to Godthe man growls before stepping out of the room, a deep, delicious grumble that settles low in my belly.
I don’t take a full breath until he’s disappeared into an elevator, and even then, it’s shaky at best.
Chapter Four
