Chapter 8

• Alexa pursed her lips, wondering how the man planned to get out of his freshly dug grave.
• ...
• Nick tried to swallow as he stared at the woman in front of him. Her smoky voice conjured up images of her naked, demanding, and...rollicking. He cursed and reached for more coffee, attempting to buy some time. Her entire demeanor exuded sex. The innocence of youth had faded, leaving behind a pure-blooded woman with pure-blooded desires.
• He wondered what kind of man met those requirements. He imagined how her breasts would feel in his hands, or how her lips would taste in his. He was curious about what she was wearing beneath the clinging red dress.
• "Nick?"
• "Hmmm?"
• "Did you hear me?"
• "Yeah. Sex. I guarantee you'll never be in an awkward situation."
• "So, you're telling me you still intend to sleep with Gabriella?"
• "Gabriella and I are involved in a relationship."
• "But you won't marry her."
• The tension in the air around them snapped. He took a few steps back, desperate for some breathing room. "It's not that kind of relationship."
• "Hmmm, that's interesting. So you're saying I can't screw around because I don't have anyone stable with whom to screw around?"
• He would have sucked ice cubes one by one if they had been available. Her accusation caused an unusual heat to rise to his skin. Her tone was gentle. Her smile appeared natural and genuine. Nick felt like he was on the verge of a female power trip, and he realized he was losing ground.
• He fought back to gain the upper hand. "If you had someone stable in your life, we'd work it out. Strangers, on the other hand, are too dangerous. I'm confident Gabriella knows how to keep a secret."
• She then smiled. A delectable, feminine smile that promised him delights beyond his wildest dreams. His heart stopped, paused, and then resumed its beat. He waited for her next words, fascinated.
• "No way, baby."
• As her refusal slipped from her luscious mouth, he fought for focus. "Pardon?"
• "I'm not interested in sex. There will be no sex for you. It doesn't matter if it's Gabriella, a stripper, or the love of your life. You don't have any fun if I don't. You'll just have to enjoy this very proper business marriage and build your structures." She took a breather. "Get it?"
• He nabbed it. It was decided not to be accepted. And realized he had to win this game, set, and match. His smile promised compassion, understanding, and the money she desperately needed. "Alexa, I know this doesn't seem fair. A man, on the other hand, is unique. Gabriella also has a reputation to uphold, so you'll never be put in an awkward situation. Do you get it?"
• "Yes."
• "So, you'll agree to the terms?"
• "No."
• Anger increased. He narrowed his eyes and looked at her. Then I made the decision to go for the close. "Everything else has been agreed upon. We made a deal. It's only a year, and after that, you can walk away and have a damn orgy."
• Ice blue eyes returned his stare with obstinacy and steely determination. "If you get your orgies, I get mine. If you want to be celibate, I will as well. I'm not interested in your nonsense about men and women and their differences. If I have to sleep alone for three hundred and sixty-four nights, so will you. And you'll have to turn to your own wife for action."
• She shook her head as if she were a stallion just out of the gate. "And since we both know we're not attracted to each other, you'll just have to find other ways to relieve stress. Use your imagination. Celibacy should create new opportunities." She laughed. "'Cause that's all you're gonna get."
• She had no idea he was a master poker player who had spent the previous few years letting off steam in games where night turned into day and he walked away thousands richer. Poker, like his old smoking habit, beckoned to him, and he indulged in the vice for pleasure rather than profit.
• He refused to let her beat him and could feel victory approaching. He dove for the throat. "Would you like to be unreasonable? Fine. The deal has been canceled. Kiss your cash goodbye. I'll just have to manage the board for the time being."
• She slid out of the chair, slung her purse over her shoulder, and approached him. "It was nice to see you again, Pretty Boy."
• Direct blow.
• He wondered if she was aware of how much her mocking endearment irritated him and made him want to shake her until she removed it. He'd despised it since he was a child, and the years hadn't dulled the sting of the insult. He gritted his teeth and bore the annoyance with an easy grin, just like he used to. "It was nice, yeah. Come by some time. Please do not be a stranger."
• "I won't." She took a breather. "See ya."
• That's when Nick realized he was mistaken. Completely incorrect. Alexandria McKenzie could win at poker not by lying, but by being willing to lose.
• She was also an excellent chicken player.
• She shifted her weight. I made my way to the front door. I turned the knob. Then...
• "Okay." The words flew out of his mouth before he could think them through.
• Something told him she'd walk away without calling back to say she'd changed her mind. And, god forbid, Alexa was his only choice. One year of his life was nothing compared to the gift of a future to pursue his dreams.
• He acknowledged her. She didn't even squeal.
• She turned around and spoke in a firm, professional tone. "I understand the contract does not include our new agreement. Can you give me your word that you'll follow the new terms?"
• "I can draw up a revised document."
• "There's no need. Do you give me your word on it?" Her figure glowed with vitality.
• Nick realized she trusted him as much as he trusted her. A shiver of pleasure ran through him. "I give you my word."
• "I'll shake on it. Oh, and the marriage dissolution after one year? This deception cannot harm my family. We cite irreconcilable differences and act as if we are parting friends."
• "I can live with that."
• "Good. Pick me up at seven o'clock tonight, and we'll go see my family to break the news. I'll handle all of the wedding details."
• He nodded, his mind clouded by his decision and her proximity.
• Was her skin's subtle fragrance vanilla? Or how about cinnamon? He stood there dazed as she tossed a business card onto the cherry wood table.
• "My address is at the bookstore," she explained. "I'll see you tonight."
• He cleared his throat in an attempt to respond, but it was too late. She was already gone.