Page 64 of Defending You

She rose to her tiptoes, anything to get closer to this old friend she’d obviously never known at all.

But he pulled back, eyes wide. And stepped away. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why?” she breathed, still dazed. “It was?—”

“You’re a client. I’m here to protect you.”

Protect her?

For a moment, she’d felt protected, cherished even. But the cold look in his eyes changed that.

Now, she didn’t feel protected—she felt exposed.

She finally understood the problem. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her in his clothes, it was that he did. Apparently, very much.

The realization sent fresh warmth through her body and shame to her cheeks. This wasn’t affection. It was base desire, nothing more.

Now, he was looking at her like she was the worst mistake he’d ever made.

“What?” Her single word came out like a demand.

“You shouldn’t have?—”

“Me?” Her volume rose. “What did I do? You started it.”

“You started it! You, in that…” He waved at his giant T-shirt as if she wore a corset and fishnet stockings. “Wearing my T-shirt like a dress. You shouldn’t have… You should’ve…stopped me.”

“Could you let me read the script in advance next time so I can rehearse my lines?”

“I’m just saying…” But apparently he didn’t know what he was saying because his voice trailed. After a moment, he blew out a breath. “You’re right. My fault.”

She wasn’t blaming him. They said it took two to tango, and she’d certainly been swaying to the music.

He took another step back, then retreated all the way to the doorway. As if she were a virus and he didn’t want to be exposed. “It was a mistake. It was just stress and…physical. Nothing else.”

“Great.” Her word sounded exactly as authentic as it felt.

“You could…” He raked his hand over his hair, causing it to stand on end and stick out adorably. “I’d rather you didn’t because I would definitely lose my job, and that would keep me from ever getting another one, at least… The point is, you can call Bartlett and tell him what happened. I’d understand.”

“I’m not going to get you fired, Asher.” Did he really think she’d do that?

“Okay.” The tension in his shoulders didn’t lessen at all. “Then… Okay.” He swiveled and marched down the hallway. A moment later, his door slammed.

Cici stood there, heart hammering, body still thrumming after that kiss.

It hadn’t been like the one in the alley, the one she’d known was all for show. She’d enjoyed that one. She had a feeling she’d enjoy every Asher-kiss available.

This one had been real, passionate. And it had meant something. At least it had to her.

She touched her lips, still warm from his, and wondered what in the world she was supposed to do now.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Asher leaned against the bedroom door, his breath ragged.

He’d kissed her. He’d given in to his desire, he’d let himself be carried away. He’dkissedher.

It was worse than that, though.