Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
He waited until her body softened against his, telling him he had his answer. She was staying. If one night was all she’d give him, he intended to make the most of it.
* * *
Jade woke up, immediately aware of the fact that she was in Knox’s bed. It had been a night to remember. When he said it wouldn’t just be one time, he hadn’t been joking. She was sore in places she’d forgotten about and feeling muscles she hadn’t known she had.
She glanced over to find his breaths coming deep and even. He was asleep, giving her the perfect opportunity to slip out unnoticed. As much as she’d enjoyed their time together, he was too sexy, too good in bed, and all too tempting. The only way for her to stick to her no-relationship rule was to leave before he woke up. Because this man was potent and made her want so much more than she was ready for.
She slid out of bed, collected her clothes, and made her way to the bathroom, where she washed up and did her best to run her fingers through her hair to tame the messy strands. It was bad enough she’d be doing the walk of shame in last night’s clothing. She didn’t need her wild hair announcing what she’d been up to.
She opened the bathroom door and tiptoed through the bedroom, hoping to find her purse in the outer area of the apartment. Although she felt guilty leaving him without saying goodbye, it was better this way. There’d be no uncomfortable conversation or awkward silences.
She made it to the bedroom door and was about to step into the hall when she heard his voice. “Going somewhere?”
She cringed and slowly turned toward him. “Good morning!” she said with a forced, bright smile.
“Is it? You’re running like you have regrets.” He’d pushed himself to a sitting position and was now studying her, his arms folded across his broad chest.
“No. Definitely not. I just thought it would be easier for both of us if I—”
“Made a quick getaway?” He raised an eyebrow. “Easier for you, maybe. But I’m not so difficult to handle. Stay and have breakfast before you go.”
She paused. “Didn’t we say one night?”
“And now it’s morning.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose, standing there in all his naked glory.
As her gaze clung to parts of him she knew intimately, her mouth grew dry.
“Besides, I said breakfast, not more sex.” Nonplussed, he strode to the dresser and pulled out a pair of sweats. “Although I wouldn’t say no if you were in the mood for more sex.”
She ignored his tempting statement and watched his gorgeous body move and bend as he pulled on the pants. “I’ll stay for breakfast,” she murmured.
His smile caused butterflies to take flight in her stomach again, but she ignored them, telling herself she enjoyed his company. Why not hang out with him a little longer? Besides, sneaking out had been a shitty thing to do. “I’m sorry I tried to run out on you.”
“I get it.” He walked over to where she remained in the doorway, his big body cornering her against the frame. “One-night stands are usually pretty awkward the morning after. But I’d like to think we’re more than that.”
“But we agreed—”
“On one night, I know. And I’m not going to pressure you. I just thought since we confided in each other, we’re friends now. Right?”
She swallowed hard. Why did that one word disappoint her when she didn’t want anything more? “Yes,” she agreed. “We’re friends.”
“Then wait while I get ready. We’ll go downstairs to the café on the corner and get breakfast. Then I’ll hail you a taxi or call for an Uber.”
She smiled. “I’d like that.”
A little while later, they were sitting across from each other at a typical Manhattan diner. While Jade ordered a mushroom omelet, Knox chose the Hearty Man’s Breakfast, a huge meal of scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage.
They’d been served their coffees, and both were taking a moment to savor their first sip of caffeine. “God, I needed this,” she murmured.
He chuckled. “Long night?” he asked with a knowing grin.
Her cheeks heated and she was sure she flushed red. “Funny.”
“Actually, I thought it was amazing.” The gorgeous hazel eyes she’d been mesmerized by last night as he’d entered her now studied her intently.
“Me, too,” she admitted.
“Amazing enough to do it again?” He lifted the white mug to his sensual lips, his gaze still steady on hers over the top of his mug.
Her belly twisted, desire flowing through her at the thought. But she needed to be strong and stick with the course she’d chosen. No men. No hurt.
She sighed. “Knox, we had an agreement.”
He lowered the mug to the table. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He winked just as their breakfast was served.