Page 24 of Seduction

I watch the shiver as it makes its way down her spine, her body trembling. She turns on the stool, a sultry smile on her lips when she realizes it’s me.

“Dr. Emerson. What are you doing here?”

“Just passing through.” I nod to her companion. “Janet.”

“Hey, Einstein.”

“You mind if I steal Ellen away for a minute?”

“Not at all.” Janet grins. “Steal away.”

Taking Ellen’s hand, I help her down, then lead her outside to my car. She leans against it, watching me expectantly.

“How are things going with Janet?” I ask.

“Good. One night won’t make everything magically disappear, but it’s a start.”

I nod, unsure of what to say. How do I approach this? Her? I need to be careful… for both of us. I have to take my time with her because of her emotional state, but I also have to watch out for myself. Gage is my brother, and Chopper loves me like a son, but there’s no doubt they’d, at the very least, cause bodily injury if I hurt Ellen.

“Einstein?”

She steps forward, laying her palms on my chest. Taking a deep breath, I look down and meet her gaze.

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” she asks, a hopeful smile tugging at her lips.

“Maybe.”

“Well… that’s a start.”

She licks her lips, blinking up at me seductively. Fuck, she’s gorgeous. Whatever it was that broke down that wall in my mind that was obstructing my view of her, there’s no way I can build it up again.

“Do you like me, Ellen?”

“Of course I do.”

“No. Do youlikeme? Or was I chosen through some silly process of elimination?”

“Well, honestly… I never really thought about it until Raven suggested you.”

“Raven.” I shake my head, smiling.

“She only suggested it. I thought it was a good idea because you and Gage are so close. I figured you’re the one person who wouldn’t be afraid of him.”

“It’s not about Gage, beautiful. You think all the guys don’t see you’re stuck on Eddie? You’re still wearing your ring, for God’s sake.”

“Not anymore,” she says in a soft voice, showing me her bare finger.

“That’s a start, but are you sure you’re ready for more?”

“I thought a lot about what you said last night. I don’t want random hookups. I don’t. I just want someone—onesomeone—to have fun with. I’m not looking for anything serious.”

“You’re not the type of woman a man has fun with, Ellen.”

Clearly offended, her head jerks back, eyes narrowing. “Let me tell you something, Jon Emerson, you may not think I’m—”

“You misunderstand.”

“Oh? Well, what do you mean, then?” She places her hands on her hips in a defensive stance.