Page 54 of Only for the Season

He adopts a serious face. “Negotiations? I’m ready.”

I’m an idiot if I think I can negotiate with a man who runs a multi-billion dollar company but I don’t back down. Never retreat.

“No other women while we’re together.”

He scowls. “I’m not a cheater.”

“I didn’t say you were but this isn’t serious.” To him at least. “Exclusivity isn’t a given.”

“I agree to exclusivity. What is your next demand?”

I search my mind for ideas but I don’t have any. I can hardly order him not to break my heart. Not when I don’t want him to know how much I care for him already. How I’m falling for him and it wouldn’t take much to push me over the love cliff.

“No more making fun of Viking.”

“Okay.”

“And you will cuddle him.”

He shivers. “Cuddle the crazy animal?”

I slap his chest and he captures my hand to place it against his heart. I can feel it beating – strong and steady. While mine is going crazy with fear and anxiety about this deal. Obviously, my feelings aren’t reciprocated.

Good reminder. I will do my best to stop falling in love with him while spending time with him. How hard can it be?

“Yes, Viking is a sweetheart and you’ll learn to love him.”

The way I wish he would learn to love me.

I nearly groan. This sappy stuff isn’t like me. I’ve learned my lessons about men. Except I obviously haven’t.

He frowns. “I agree to try to cuddle him and maybe even like him eventually, but I draw the line at loving a furry creature with beady eyes.”

“Fine.”

“Fine?”

I nod.

“We have a deal?”

Against my better judgment, I agree. “We have a deal.”

His eyes sparkle. “It isn’t a deal until it’s sealed with a kiss.”

I roll my eyes. “There’s always a catch.”

He smiles before his head dips and his lips are on mine. He tastes of dark chocolate, espresso, and sin. All the things I love. I could get addicted to his taste. To how he growls and dives deeper as if he can’t get enough of me. To how his tongue duels with mine.

His hand tightens on my neck. I learned last night this means he’s done with me playing. It’s time for him to be in control.

And I don’t fight him. I have enough aspects of my life where I’m in control. Where I have to be the boss. Where I’m the responsible one.

If Jeremy wants to accept responsibility for providing me with pleasure, I’ll let him.

Until he walks away and breaks my heart.

Chapter 19