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She smiled coquettishly. “Yes, I think I’ve embarrassed myself.”
A chuckled left him. “Don’t be, it’s quite alright. With everything, I’m sure you’ve seen in the papers and on TV, it would be easy to comprehend your misunderstanding.”
Claudia breathed a sigh of relief. “So we’re still friends then?”
“For now.”
They watched each other, silently dissecting the conversation they had. Could it be possible, Claudia wondered, that he would be interested in a relationship? She shook the thoughts. That was the last thing she needed; to distract herself with thoughts of happily ever after. Those things don’t happen to women like her.
She would be good to win a ticket with a lucky lottery scratch off, let alone be in a relationship with one of the Rose men. Comfortable that she’d shed some light on that train of thought, Claudia could bunker down and ride this wave of situationship until the very end. She was sure when looking back, it would be a mark in her history books she would never forget. And from here on out, she wouldn’t ruin it by speaking too fast. She’d just let it play out.
Across the table, Jaden sat with his own thoughts. He was under the impression that his simple caresses and show of affection had given Claudia the notion he only wanted to be physical with her. Nothing could be further from the truth. Now he was making it his mission to show her otherwise. No matter how hard it would be to keep his hands to himself. It was true, Claudia was a sexy siren if he’d ever known one and he didn’t think she knew it.
But if it was one thing Jaden was raised well on, it was showing a woman her worth. Claudia Stevens would know it after he was done and she would never forget it. Jaden pondered on his reasons for pursuing Claudia so intensely. He still wasn’t sure. The attraction between them was compelling, and whenever she wasn’t around, he found himself daydreaming about her.
It was almost psychotic. He may have to have a conversation with his father about that later. Jaden wasn’t crazy nor did he have a need to be monogamous, but being around Claudia stirred his soul, and he needed to know why. Her silent behavior spoke as if she felt the same way, but her words went another direction. For now, Jaden would enjoy his time with Claudia and work out the kinks later. But first, he was set on showing her the time of her life. An idea came to mind, and a smile spread across his masculine face.
“Mmmm, what’s that smile all about, Mr. Rose?” Claudia asked.
“By chance, do you like to dance, Claudia?”