My mouth had fallen open, but I managed to snap it shut. “You don’t need to use your licentious language on me.”
His brows furrowed. “In English this time?”
“You know…the…um, sexy talk,” I explained, my face flaring with heat. “Stop it. You’re embarrassing me.”
His expression lightened as he grinned with amusement, obviously delighted by my discomfort and not exhibiting the least bit of remorse for his behavior. “Darlin’, I hate to tell you this, but there’s no one else here.”
I straightened my spine and took on a chastising tone. “Doesn’t matter. Someone has to teach you proper etiquette.”
“Oh, fuck me,” Cowboy groaned, shifting the bulge in his crotch and shaking his head. “I can’t believe I’m getting all hot and bothered for a woman who acts like an old-fashioned schoolmarm.”
I glared at him. “Why don’t you just leave me alone, then? Lord knows I’ve asked you to several times.”
He closed his eyes and pursed his lips. “Because I can’t, okay?”
“What do you mean you can’t?”
“You’re like a…drip on a leaky fucking faucet. You know, where at first you don’t notice it, but once you do, it’s the only damn thing you can concentrate on.”
“So now I’m a drip?”
“No. That’s not what I… What I mean is…” He pinched the bridge of his nose as the delivery of his lines stilted. “God, I’m fucking this up.” He took a deep breath and looked back at me. “Don’t you get it? Anna, I want you.”
My stomach twisted into a knot, and I clamped my eyes shut, trying to block out his words. A sickening wave of nausea washed over me. Though I wasn’t planning on staying much longer, the thought of having Cowboy at least once was enough to tempt me. It was a fantasy I’d played over and over in my head many times before. But could I actually do it? Could I allow myself one night with him, knowing it would mean more to me than it would to him?
No. I couldn’t possibly torture myself that way. To even consider it meant he’d already gotten under my skin. But to grant him one night would only ensure that when my time was up, I’d leave with nothing more than fond memories and a broken heart.
So instead, I said the one thing that would put an end to his relentless pursuit. “Cowboy, I didn’t move here with any intention of finding a relationship. Even if I had, I’d want one with substance, one that means something. Not a fling with someone who wants to take care of his…er, baser needs. I’d need a commitment.”
“So that’s what it all boils down to, right? You think I’m in it for the sexual reward? Like some sort of test to my manhood? I’m not, I swear.” He measured me with his eyes, his face serious.
Jeez. Would the man go to any lengths to get a woman in his bed? “You don’t have to pretend you’re interested in anything more than a one-night—”
His hand shot out and grasped my upper arm. “Where the hell did you get a lame-ass idea like that?”
I squirmed to free myself, but his grip only tightened. “That’s what you’ve been after since day one, isn’t it? To get me out of my clothes?”
“Of course not.”
I raised a questioning brow.
“Okay, so maybe I’ve come on a little strong. But when it comes to you, I can’t help myself. I’ve never met anyone like you. You challenge me in ways no other woman ever has.” He lessened the strength of his hold on me. “I want you to give this thing between us a chance.”
“You just see me as some sort of prize to be won because I’m the only girl who’s ever turned you down. You said so yourself.”