Page 9 of Scandalous Contract

“You’ve been out in the sun too long. Your face is flushed, and your skin looks...” He paused, gaze roaming over me. “A little too warm.”

Because you’ve kept me blushing since the moment you approached me.I was too old to be blushing. A second later, the vending machine rumbled to life, and a cold bottle of water dropped down. Julian bent to grab it, and no, I didn’t stare at his ass.

Okay, I did. Am I officially stepping into cougar territory? Was I now a jungle cat, and did that make Julian my prey? If so, why did I feel like I was the prey and he was the panther waiting to pounce?

Approaching me, he twisted the cap off. “Here.”

I hesitated. Not because I didn’t want the water but because this was the first time he’d done something without teasing me. No flirting. No games. No innuendos. Just... a small, considerate gesture.

I accepted his act of kindness. “Thanks, Julian.”

"Anytime," he said, watching me as I sipped the water.

I felt self-conscious with his gaze on me. My hand trembled slightly. I lowered the bottle and recapped it before I spilled it all over me or something. Julian stretched his hand out to me.

“It was nice meeting you, Stefanie Adams.”

I hesitated before taking his hand. It was just a handshake. No big deal. I was proven wrong the moment his palm met mine. His palm was warm, fingers wrapping around mine with just enough pressure to make me feel it everywhere.

And I do meaneverywhere. His fingers were long. I quickly banished that train of thought from my mind. I gave his hand a quick shake, then tried to pull away, but he didn’t let go. Not immediately.

Instead, he brushed his thumb across my knuckles, slow and smooth, like he was memorizing the shape of my hand. I swallowed. Hard. He stepped closer. I glanced left and right, thankful that we were currently alone in the lobby area.

“I’m sure we’ll see each other again one day,” he told me.

Not happening.“Wait. Aren’t you going to wait for your sister?”

He shook his head. “She called me right before I approached you. That brat has other plans for her spring break. She doesn’t need me to drive her home for the week.”

“Then why did you walk me to their dorm?”

“See you later, Ms. Adams,” he whispered before bringing my hand to his lips to kiss the back of it. His lips lingered there, and I shuddered when he whispered, “Why do you smell so fucking good?”

I jerked my hand back, body flushed, mind mush, pussy...gush.

He smiled. “Sorry. I’m doing it again, huh? Being too much of a green flag.”

“Red,” I corrected.

He winked. “See you later, Ms. Adams.”

He turned and left, leaving me standing there staring after him. I should look away. But damn it, I couldn’t. He stopped and glanced over his shoulder. Our eyes met.Busted again.He mouthed something, then turned and continued walking.

I wasn’t good at reading lips, but had he just mouthed,“I want you.”No. Impossible. He couldn’t have. Had he?