Surprise Seduction (20 page)

Chase didn’t comment, just stared down at her in dismay, like he couldn’t believe he’d kissed her.
 
Again.
 
Part of her really couldn’t believe he had, either.
 
She sure hadn’t expected to end up in his arms when she’d brought those files in for George.

What if Mel had caught them again?
 
She’d never be able to explain two kisses away without arousing his suspicions.

“I’d better go.”
 
She tried to step away from his closeness, but his arms closed around her once more.

“Go out with me tonight.”
 
He looked as surprised at his words as she felt.

“No.”
 
She had to do this.
 
Had to do what was necessary to keep Drew from running Morrigans.

“Why not?”
 
His shock from moments before didn’t begin to compare with the incredulous glint in his eyes now.

“I…” She glanced away from those piercing green eyes. “I just can’t.”

“You want me.”
 
It wasn’t a question.

“What woman doesn’t want you?”
 
She tried to lighten the tone by being flippant.

“Why won’t you go with me?”

“I’ve already told you.
 
I can’t.”

“You have plans?”

“Yes.”
 
She lowered her lashes to shield her eyes.
 
His look pierced too deep to meet his gaze.

“With Mel?”
 
He asked the question she’d hoped to avoid.

“It doesn’t make any difference who my plans are with.
 
My answer is no.”
 
She called upon all her strength and walked out of Chase’s office with her head held high and heart breaking at the look of disbelief and disgust on his face.

“Thanks.”
 
Adrienne smiled at Mel as he pulled her chair out.
 
He’d picked her up at her apartment and they’d taken a taxi to the restaurant, an upscale Italian place.
 
Adrienne liked the warm, friendly atmosphere with the soft music playing in the background.

“Tell me again, how it came to pass that you’re no longer Chase’s secretary,” Mel prompted after the waiter took their drink orders.
 
Adrienne steered clear of alcoholic beverages.
 
After her last experience with the champagne, she’d decided it might be a good idea to avoid spirits at all cost.

“Long story,” she laughed softly.
 
“Suffice it to say, he fired me, and I can’t stand the man.”

“And George Weston hired you?
 
That’s classic.”
 
She could hear the amusement in his voice as he continued.
 
“Chase must have been ticked about that.”

Based on Chase’s reaction this morning, she’d have to agree.
 
“One might say he was surprised to see me this morning.”

“I would love to have seen his face,” Mel admitted.

“Why?”
 
Did her question seem too eager?
 
The hairs stood up on the back of her neck.

“Chase and I go way back.
 
Attended the same university, same fraternity.”
 
He shrugged.
 
“I’ve known him for years.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“I’m not surprised he didn’t tell you,” Mel said.

“Oh?”

Mel took a drink, swirled the contents of his glass, and considered her.
 
“Chase and I have always had this thing about each other.
 
It seems like I’ve been in competition with him for one thing or another my entire life.”

 
A humorless laugh shook his shoulders.

“It also doesn’t surprise me he’s hitting on you.”
 
He took another sip of his wine.
 
“That goodbye kiss probably wasn’t as innocent as what he’d like you to believe.”

Adrienne gave a small laugh.
 
“You may be right.”

She swallowed a drink of her mineral water before forcing herself to smile.
 
“Let’s not talk about Chase anymore.
 
I detest the man.
 
Tell me about you, Mel.”

A flash of straight, white teeth rewarded her request.

The evening went well.
 
Mel seemed relaxed and talked non-stop but he didn’t reveal anything out of the ordinary.
 
But then what had she expected?
 
That he’d spill Drew’s diabolical plans on their first date?

She was a little surprised, pleasantly so, that he dropped her off with only a quick goodnight kiss outside her apartment door.
 
She’d had to resist the urge to gag during his embrace as it was.

She watched his retreating back, wished she’d gained something useful, sighed then went into her apartment.
 
She closed the door, clicked the lock, and leaned back against its cool surface.

Maybe next time.

There would be a next time.
 
Mel asked her out for Friday evening after work.

She’d convince him she was really out to get Chase and wasn’t above doing illegal things to get back at him for firing her.
 
She’d earn his trust and he would let her in on Drew’s plan.
 
Before it was too late.

“What took you so long?” Chase asked from his reclining position on her sofa.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Adrienne almost jumped out of her skin.
 
She hadn’t noticed Chase relaxed on the sofa when she’d secured the lock and leaned against the apartment door.

“How did you get in here?”
 
She frowned at the man who’d stolen more than his fair share of her thoughts all evening.

“Sheila let me in.”

“Sheila’s here?
 
I thought she had a date with Tim.”
 
Adrienne glanced around the living room in hopes of spotting her roommate.
 
She saw no one but the man dominating the entire room.
 
But then Chase dominated whatever room he occupied.
 
He was that kind of man.

“She’s on her date.”

“She just left you here?”
 
Adrienne had a hard time digesting Chase had been alone in their living room.

“She did hint I could wait outside the apartment door, but I preferred not to chance your neighbors calling the law for my hallway loitering.”
 
He stood from the sofa.

“Sit down,” she ordered, not really expecting him to comply.

The gleam in his eyes spelled trouble with all caps.
 
His glittering gaze journeyed over her silky black dress.
 
He stared intently, but, much to her surprise, sat back down.

“How long have you been here?”
 
She didn’t advance any closer to him, preferring the distance of the room to separate them.
 
Already, those mesmerizing green eyes caressed her body.
 
Her nipples budded.
 
God, she hoped he wouldn’t notice.

His gaze paused on her chest, he grinned.
 
“A couple of hours.”

“You’ve been sitting in my apartment, alone, for several hours?” her voice rose to a high squeak.
 
As much from his naughty boy look, as from the revelation he’d waited that long for her return.

“What’s wrong, Adrienne?
 
Afraid I’ve been sneaking a peek in your underwear drawer?”

Her eyes widened.
 
He wouldn’t.

“Have you?” she asked, knowing he hadn’t.

“Hell, no.”
 
He didn’t seem to like her question.
 
His reaction prompted her to push further.

“Do you expect me to believe you?”

“Yes.”
 
His eyes flashed, like glowing green kryptonite.
 
“Tell me, how did your date with lover boy go?”

Did his interest stem solely from a rivalry with Mel?

She hated herself for her doubts, but had to wonder.
 
Chase hadn’t kissed her until after he’d thought she’d been making out with Mel in his office.
 
If Mel hadn’t told her the truth, she’d swear she heard real jealousy in his voice.
 
Darn him for playing with her heart.

“He’s fabulous in bed, Chase,” she taunted.
 
“Now go home.”

“You didn’t sleep with him.”
 
His tone implied no doubt.
 
He stood from the sofa and began to close the gap between them.
 
This time he wouldn’t heed a request to stay away.
 
His eyes warned nothing would stop him.
 
Her chin lifted in defiance of his dominant stance.
 
She wouldn’t let him break her heart just to one-up Mel.

“You’re right, we weren’t sleeping.”
 
Carrying out her and George’s plan would be a lot easier if Chase wasn’t on the prowl, if he was angry with her rather than pursuing her.

“I don’t believe you.”
 
He continued advancing toward her.
 
Her back flattened against the door.
 
Her hands pressed against the cold steel, willing it to give way.
 
There was no place to escape his overpowering closeness.

Just as she feared there was no hope of keeping her heart safe from his masculine clutches.

“Why not?” she ventured, curious at his confidence that she hadn’t accompanied Mel back to his apartment for a quickie.

“Because you don’t have the look of a woman whose just been made love to.”
 
He paused, his brows knitting together in thought.
 
“Although with Mel, it couldn’t be anything but cheap meaningless sex.”

“Good, that’s what I’m looking for,” she dared, refusing to back down.

“No, that’s not what you want.”

His body was so close his heat lured her.
 
Warmth wrapped itself around her, entrapping her in his spell, inviting her to lean forward and touch.

Pure temptation.
 
The man was sinful he tempted her so much.

She bit her lip, reminding herself that he only wanted what he couldn’t have.