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"Except I was focused on finding something else." Her voice drops. "A business transaction. Until my heart betrayed me."

"So you actually like me. How exactly is that a bad thing?"

"I don't want to put you in a compromising position." She stares at her hands.

My cheek twitches. "I thought we left sex out of the agreement for that exact reason. So you could put me in a compromising position if you wanted to." I raise an eyebrow suggestively.

She laughs. "Hettie said that our contract isn't against the law as long as no money is exchanged for sex."

"Then we're fine. Wait." I tilt my head, studying her for a long moment. "Are you a virgin?"

Her sudden laugh catches me off guard. "Would that matter?" She raises an eyebrow in challenge.

I bite my lip, considering. "Maybe. We'd have to talk about it. Your reasons, I mean." I rub a hand across my face. "God, I'm glad Marin interrupted us, then. You should be properly worshiped your first time."

"Do you make a habit of deflowering middle-aged women?" Her eyes sparkle with humor.

"Don't say it like that." I reach for her hand. "You wanted me this afternoon."

"I've wanted you since the moment I met you."

I suck in a breath. "But you need an emotional connection." The words slip out before I can stop them.

"Not necessarily." She shrugs. "It hasn't stopped me before."

"So… not a virgin.".

She shakes her head, laughing. "No. You looked so disturbed by the notion—I just wondered what you would say."

"I would have hated myself if fucking you against your closet wall was your first time."

"I started it," she reminds me.

"Still. Everyone deserves their first time to be special." I stand up. "I'm going to head out. I've got to work in the morning, and Marin's right—you need some rest."

"Thanks for taking care of the dishes. I could have taken care of them, you know."

"I know." I grin. "Do you want me to draw you a bath before I go?"

"Josie, I can handle it." She laughs. "Marin's helpful, but I can take care of myself."

"Then what do you need me for?" I tease, grabbing my purse. She follows me to the door.

"That's not what I meant." Her cheeks flush. "I didn't hire a personal assistant at home until I could pay her well."

"I'll see you Tuesday? Call me after work."

"Of course." She steps closer, making my pulse race. "Can I kiss you goodnight?"

"For practice?" I arch a brow, amused.

She shakes her head. "Because I want to."

The vulnerability in her voice makes me smile. I cup her cheek, brushing my thumb along her skin. "Then kiss me already."

She does, slowly this time. I part my lips, her breath mingling with mine. My fingers slide to the back of her neck, pulling her closer.

Her soft moan nearly undoes me. It takes all my willpower to pull away.