Read Online A Tricky Proposition by Cat Schield - Free Book Online Page B

on the bed proclaimed that this weekend was about romance rather than just sex. The coq au vin had been delicious. Everything he’d done was intended to set the perfect stage for romance.
    He’d given her no indication that he intended to rush her. He’d promised her a memorable weekend. She had to know he’d take his time with her, drive her wild with desire. This wasn’t some spontaneous hookup for him. He took what they were about to do seriously.
    What the hell could possibly be wrong?
    “I’m sorry,” she said into the silence. Sagging against the door frame, she closed her eyes and the weight of the world appeared to descend on her.
    “I don’t understand.”
    “I don’t, either.” She looked beautiful and tragic as she opened her eyes and met his gaze. “I want to do this.”
    He was very glad to hear that because anticipation had been eating him alive these past few days. He wanted her with an intensity he’d never felt before. Maybe that was because ever since he’d kissed her, he’d been fantasizing about this moment. Or maybe he’d never worked this hard to get a woman into bed before.
    “Being a mom is all I think about these days. I know if I want your help to get pregnant, we have to do it this weekend.” Ming lapsed into silence, her hunched shoulders broadcasting discomfort.
    “I didn’t realize making love with me required so much sacrifice on your part.” He forced amusement into his tone to keep disappointment at bay.
    Her words had cut deep. When he’d insisted they make her baby this way instead of going to a clinic, he thought this would be the perfect opportunity to satisfy his longing for her. The kiss between them a few days earlier confirmed the attraction between them was mutual. Why was she resisting when the vibe between them was electric? What was she afraid of?
    “I didn’t mean it that way.” But from her unhappy expression his accusation hadn’t been far off.
    “No?” Jason leaned against the wall and fought the urge to snatch her into his arms and kiss her senseless. He could seduce her, but he didn’t want just her body, he wanted… “How exactly did you mean it?”
    “Look, we’re best friends. Don’t you think sleeping together will make things awkward between us?”
    “Not possible. It’s because we’re just friends that it will work so great.” He sounded as if he was overselling used cars of dubious origin. “No expectations—”
    “No strings?”
    He didn’t like the way she said that. As if he’d just confirmed her worst fears. “Are you worried that I’m in this just for the sex?” She wasn’t acting as if she hoped it would lead to something more.
    “Yes.” She frowned, clearly battling conflicting opinions. “No.”
    “But you have some sort of expectation.” Jason was surprised that his flight response wasn’t stimulated by her question. Usually when a woman started thinking too much, it was time to get out.
    “Not the sort you mean.” She gave her head a vigorous shake. “I know perfectly well that once we have sex—”
    “Make love.”
    “Whatever.” She waved her hand as if she was batting away a pesky fly. “That once we…become intimate, you will have your curiosity satisfied—”
    “Curiosity?” The word exploded from him. That’s not how he’d describe the hunger pulsing through him. “You think all I feel is curiosity?”
    She gave him a little shoulder shrug. Frustration clawed at him. The bed was feet away. He was damned tempted to scoop her up in his arms and drop her onto the softly scented sheets. Give her a taste of exactly what he was feeling.
    He pushed off the wall and let his acute disappointment and eight-inch height advantage intimidate her into taking a step back. “And what about you? Aren’t you the least bit curious how hot this thing between us will burn?”
    “Oh, please. I’m not one of the women you date.”
    The second she rolled her eyes at him, Jason knew he’d hit a soft spot.