Page 19 of If Love Had A Price (If Love 3)

Chapter Seven

Nate was so close Kris could see the gold flecks in his eyes. His hands gripped her hips, firm and strong, and heat radiated from him in lazy, sensual waves.

It was an act, but she’d never been more aware of every breath, every movement, every second ticking by.

“You smell good.” His soft drawl scraped against her skin, so rough and textured Kris couldfeelit.

Her thighs clenched, and her nipples tightened in response.

“Custom-made perfume,” she managed. “From Paris.”

“I like it.” Nate lifted one hand from her hip and trailed it over the curves of her waist and breast, the slope of her shoulder, and the slender column of her throat before he curled his fingers around the nape of her neck. He wrapped his other arm around her and yanked her close until they were flush against each other.

Kris’s pulse pounded in her ears. Frantic. Wanting. “What are you doing?”

“Practicing.” Nate rubbed his thumb over the soft skin of her neck, and she bit back a moan. How could one simple motion feel so good? “Since we have to rely on our physical chemistry to make this believable.”

“That doesn’t mean you can grope me at will.”

Amusement crinkled the corners of his eyes. “You’re free to leave anytime.”

“It’s my house!”

“I meant leave my arms.” Nate’s amusement deepened. “Do you want me to stop, princess?” He lowered his head and pressed his lips on the curve between her neck and shoulder.

Kris tried to control her breathing. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t the type of girl who turned to putty in a guy’s hands. Yet here she was, trembling like a virgin when he hadn’t done more than hold her and kiss her neck.

But she wasn’t the only one affected—Nate’s arousal pressed against her stomach like a steel pipe. It sent another bolt of lust through her, which she shoved aside so she could focus on the task at hand.

Two can play this game.

“No. Why would I? This is all part of our act…” She lowered her voice so the last word was barely audible. She arched her back and pressed her hips against his, performing a small, slow grind that created delicious friction. Nate’s entire body turned rigid, and she smiled. “Right?”

“Careful, princess,” he growled. “You’re playing with fire.”

“Am I?” Another grind. “I thought I was playing with something else.”

A hiss escaped his lips, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he tugged on her hair hard enough for it to hurt and bit the curve of her neck in punishment.

Pain and pleasure bloomed in equal measure. Kris sucked in a breath, unsure whether to slap him or kiss him senseless.

She realized they might have to kiss as part of their act, and she wondered whether those kisses counted toward the one in their contract.

Oops, didn’t think that one through.

Though the idea of kissing Nate no longer seemed as onerous—

A delicate cough interrupted Kris’s musing.

Kris turned her head to see Gloria standing in the doorway, looking like Workout Barbie in a black-and-green sports bra and leggings so tight they might as well be painted on. Her thick red ponytail swung around her bare shoulders, and her eyebrows arched in surprise at the scene before her.

“Kris, darlin’, I didn’t realize we had a guest,” the Stepmonster drawled. “You should’ve told me. I would’ve whipped somethin’ up. It’s bad manners not to offer a guest something to eat and drink.”

Right. Kris would rather eat the poisoned apple fromSnow Whitethan anything the Stepmonster cooked.

“It’s all right,” Nate said easily. He’d lifted his head to face Gloria, though his arms remained wrapped around Kris. “I have all I need right here.”

Damn, he was good.