By the time Rebar told her everything he knew about Camille, and answered lingering questions, Cameo had downed more than her share of wine coolers. She felt giddy and more attracted to him than she wanted to be.

“You know, sweetness,” she purred while turning toward him and tossing one leg over his lap. “You don’t have to be a perfect gentleman after all. We can skip the guest room if you want.”

He cast her a hot look then pulled her onto his lap. She gazed down into simmering black eyes. Her dress slid up toward her hips as she straddled him. He ran both hands up her bare thighs, sending shivers of excitement through her. She couldn’t resist burying both hands in his thick long hair and kissing him. His lips felt incredible. Soft and tender when he kissed her back.

“It would be so easy to take you right here, right now,” he murmured between kisses.

“Then what are you waiting for?” She panted against his neck as he caressed her.

“This isn’t right.” He drew back and eased from under her, then pushed off the sofa. “You’re a vixen for sure and it’s taking every ounce of self-control I have to stop. But I’m not gonna take advantage of you on a first date, especially when you’re intoxicated.”

“You’re rejecting me?” She pouted.

“No, no way. I’m just suggesting we wait because when I do take you…” He leaned over her, bracing both hands on the cushion next to each trembling thigh. “I want you to remember every single detail.”

She gasped at his confidence and blatant sex appeal. She wanted him so much it made her body ache. Yet she felt like a fool for throwing herself at a man only to be turned down. No man had ever spurned her before. Why didn’t she possess the irresistible charm that her mother and sister seemed to have?

“Fine,” she huffed, then pulled herself together and straightened her dress. “I’m going home.”

“No, don’t leave like this. Stay in my guest room, have breakfast with me.”

“Why?” She glared up at him. “So you can decide whether I’m worth your time? Or maybe you need to call Camille and ask her permission?”

“Ouch.” He backed away. “You’re hot tempered.”

“Yes. Yes I am. I’m not Camille. I’ll never try to be like her. So if that’s what you’re hoping for, then game over.”

“Hey. You’re the one who asked a million questions. I was simply trying to help fill in some gaps for you.”

“And that you did, my friend. More than you know.” She grabbed her purse and stalked out the door, slamming it behind her before he could utter another word.

She hadn’t even reached her car before he caught up to her. He was quite fast, with even quicker reflexes. He grabbed her waist and swung her around, his gorgeous eyes stripping her soul.

“What the hell are you trying to do, woman? Smash up the rest of your car?”

Cameo let out a huff. “You’re more worried about my car? Go figure.”

A heated look filled those dark depths. His jaw twitched, but he held his temper. Instead, he effortlessly hoisted her over his shoulder, carried her back inside then set her on the couch and stared down at her. 

“Guest room or sofa? You’re not driving under the influence. Not on my watch, doll.”

“Fine,” she huffed again. “I’ll take the couch. But I’ll be outta here first thing in the morning.”

He held his hand out. “Keys.”

“Oh. My. Gosh. What were you? A drill sergeant in the Marines?” She slapped her car keys into his palm. “Here, take them.” She flopped down on the sofa and rolled away from him. “Goodnight, Rebar.”

“It will be now that I know you’re safe.” She saw his knuckles whiten as he clenched his fingers around her keys and began to leave the room. He stopped, picked up an Afghan that hung over the back of a chair, and laid it on the couch at her feet, then stalked out.

She pulled the soft knitted blanket up to her chin and within seconds drifted off…