Page 32 of Impulse

“That’s because I drafted it without my lawyers.Like you, I’d like the terms of the contract kept private.Did you add any more changes?”

~*~

Lex watched as Jillian nervously opened her purse and pulled out the single sheet.He wondered if she was getting cold feet.

“Everything will be okay,” he reassured her.

“Yeah, right,” she murmured.

“I know for a fact that you will win over my mother, and the rest of my family will fall in line,” he said confidently.

Her eyes flashed as she cut him a look.“You do know things don’t just fall into place because you will them to.”

Now she was annoyed with him.“They usually do.”

She let out an endearing snort and rolled her eyes.“That’s arrogance talking.”

“No, that’s my ability to choose winners, and I chose you.”

“Gee, lucky me,” she murmured.

He laughed, loving her spunkiness.She was going to need it to deal with his family.But he’d be there to make things easy for her.Unable to help himself, Lex stole a lock of her hair.Silky and soft.He rubbed it between his fingers.Wariness entered her eyes, but she didn’t jerk away.He let her hair go and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

“I know you will win over my family because you like a challenge, and pulling this off is a big one.I believe in you, Jillian.”

She sighed, frowning.“You said we should stick as close to the truth as possible.”

“Yes.We met a few days ago and I”—a boyish grin curled his lips—“swept you off your feet.”

She laughed.“You’re not that charming.”

“Ouch.I admit I’m a bit rusty.It’s been a year since I’ve taken a woman out, but—”

“A year?”she asked.

“Business is a selfish mistress, but I’m cutting back.Slowly.”

Her eyes were wide as she studied him, and he couldn’t help wondering if she was thinking what he was thinking—a year without dating meant a year with no sex.She fidgeted in her seat, and a tinge of pink touched her cheeks.That their thoughts might be in sync sent unbridled hunger, sharp and unfamiliar, through him.He had a lot of making up to do, and he planned to do it with her.

“I don’t believe you.You are rich and good-looking,” she said with a naughty gleam in her eyes.

“Two things that have nothing to do with my choices.Just because women choose to chase me doesn’t mean I have to accept their overtures.”He grinned and leaned toward her, letting her scent wrap around his senses.“I’ll let you in on a secret,” he whispered.

Her pupils dilated slightly, and she swallowed.Her “yes” came out breathless.

“I’m very picky about the women I sleep with.”His eyes dropped to her lips.When she bit her lower lip, he smothered a groan and met her gaze.She wanted him as much he wanted her.

He reached out and touched the corner of her mouth.When she let go of her lower lip with a soft gasp, Lex wanted to taste the moisture she’d left behind.

He wasn’t sure whether she was ready for him.He was relentless and unstoppable when he wanted something, and he wanted Jillian Finnegan with an urgency that surprised him.But he knew if he tasted her, he wouldn’t stop himself.He’d want to make her his.Not just once.No, when he made love to Jillian, it was going to be an “all-night and into the next day” fest.

It was time to put some space between them.

“Are you ready to sign the contract?”he asked, standing.

For one brief second, she just stared at him in utter disappointment, the kind that could shrivel a man’s balls.Instead, it made his blood boil with need.

Soon, sweetheart.Soon.