“Don’t you want to finish your breakfast before a morning quickie?”
“Was talking about the morning-after discussion. I’m sure you have plenty of questions and would like an in-depth analysis of what is going to happen between us now that we’ve had carnal relations.”
“Fancy words for a fancy guy.”
“I try.”
“Thanks anyway, but I’m good.”
His fork clattered to the plate. “Huh?”
She shrugged and sipped more coffee. “I’m good. No need to freak out over a night of great sex. I say we acknowledge it and move on.”
He gazed at her with suspicion. He should’ve known she’d throw him off. Sydney never did what was expected, and the moment he caught up, she was already ahead with a new curveball. “You’re accepting that we’re getting involved in a relationship?”
She blinked. “Of course we have a relationship. We work together, and I’ve known you for years. But last night was about sex. Now that we’ve satisfied ourselves we can move forward and concentrate on work. Not all that sexual tension. Don’t you agree?”
“Hell no!” He stood up and glowered. No way was she going to use last night as a check mark on her list of things accomplished. He knew it was more than just scratching an itch, and he knew she knew that, too. Was she trying to protect herself by pretending it wasn’t a big deal? “Last night blew my mind. I don’t intend to walk away from you and not do it again. And I’m not just talking about sex. I’m talking about the connection between us. I’m talking about the whole package. Get it?”
Panic flared in her bright green eyes. Ah, there it was. That made more sense than the casual speech she’d thrown at him. She could handle thinking of him as a one-night stand, but anything more pushed her buttons.
Well, tough luck. He was going full throttle here and she’d just have to learn to deal with it.
He slid out of the chair and stalked toward her. The towel dropped to the floor. Her gaze slid down his body, noting his heavy erection, and she tried to hide the raw lust on her face.
Too late.
She was just as crazed for him as he was for her.
“I thought men liked simple,” she shot at him, holding her hands in front of her to ward him off. “Why complicate things? I like my life the way it is, and I don’t intend to blow things up. I’m sure you can appreciate that. Plus, I have a daughter to think of, and she comes first. You should love this new setup.”
“I hate it.”
“But why?” Frustration nipped at her tone. “Isn’t this what you always wanted? Low maintenance and no strings? You can have it all this way!”
He grabbed her hands and pulled her in. She stumbled off balance and fell against his chest. He took the opportunity to hold her tight, his hand gripping the back of her head so she was forced to look up at him. “I don’t want it all,” he growled against her lips. “I just want you. I want a second chance at your heart. I know you’re scared shitless because of what happened in the past, but we’ve both changed and grown, and I refuse to blow this because it’s easier to pretend it’s all about sex.”
“But—”
He slammed his mouth over hers, kissing her with a fierce desperation he didn’t want to hide any longer. He kissed her until she was bent over, her fingers in his hair, her lips soft and yielding, her body pressed against him, already begging for more.
Finally he broke away. “Do you want me?” he demanded.
She shuddered. “Yes.”
He smiled and slid her hand down to his pulsing erection. “Good. But the only way you’re going to get more of this is by agreeing to one thing.” He whispered the words against her swollen lips. “You’re gonna have to take me to dinner.”
She blinked. “What?”
“You heard me. I refuse to be used and abused without getting fed properly and treated like more than a body. I’m a person.” He grabbed his shirt, which she’d draped on a hanger, and put it on. Retrieved his pants, buckled his belt, and stepped into his shoes. “Oh, and I want Becca to join us, too. She’s part of you, and it’s a package deal. It’s time we date, sweetheart. I won’t take no for an answer.” He shrugged into his jacket, tucked his tie in his pocket, and grinned. “Thanks for breakfast. I’ll call you later.”
She was still staring at him in shock when he shut the door behind him.
He headed to his car, determined to show her it was possible to have a second chance. He’d finally changed the rules of the game so they could both win. But he needed to talk it over with someone he trusted so he didn’t make any mistakes in pursuing Syd.
There were two people he trusted more than anybody else.
His brothers.
When he arrived home, they were drinking their coffee on the porch. He grinned and walked up the stairs. “Oh, good. I wanted to talk to you both.”
They took one look at him and shared a meaningful glance at the large safety pin hanging from the center of his shirt where the jacket gaped open.
“Walk of fame, bro,” Dalton said. “Damn, your buttons got ripped off? That’s one serious night. Probably not a lot of talking going on, then, huh?”
Tristan shook his head and grabbed his brother’s coffee. At least he also took it black. “Real clever. Hey, I thought you were both heading to the new house today. Is it almost ready?”
Cal nodded. “We’re closing in a few days. It’s official. Dalton finished up the table last night, so we’re indulging in a lazy morning. Raven and Morgan are in the kitchen, but I wouldn’t go in there, ’cause they’re talking about the wedding. Who’re you banging?”
He shifted his feet. Great. He wanted to talk seriously, and they wanted the sex details. “Dating,” he corrected. “Not banging.”
“Sure. Did she pull those buttons off with her teeth? I always wondered if that could actually be done,” Dalton said.
“It can,” Cal offered.
Tristan held back a groan. Sometimes they were so damn juvenile. But this was bigger than the usual sibling banter, and he needed his brothers to help him navigate brand-new territory. For so long, he’d been alone, not trusting either of his brothers. Now he had his family back, and he wasn’t ashamed to ask for help. “I need some advice,” he said quietly.
Immediately their faces grew serious. Cal nodded. “We’re listening.”
“It’s Sydney. I’m dating Sydney.”
Cal choked on his coffee. Dalton just whistled.
“Whoa. Been waiting for that announcement, but I gotta say, I wasn’t prepared. You two have been ignoring each other for so long, I got used to it,” Dalton said.
“You’re banging Sydney!” Cal shouted.
“Dating, asshole, not banging!”
“Same thing! Are you ready for this? She is not someone you just pick up and leave on a whim. She’s got a kid. Do you really know what you’re getting into?”