One Last Time(36)

Totally different.

“Don’t start. He called my boss and wants to do some bigger story. Since I did a good job the first go around, she gave the story to me.”

Her laughter is so loud I have to pull the phone away. “These guys.” She laughs harder. “I swear. They’re insane and don’t know how to handle the word no. You’re so screwed, Kris. I mean, you’re like totally fucked if he’s set his sights on you.”

I don’t know that she’s right. I wasn’t really clear on the whole no-chance-at-a-relationship thing since I did stick my tongue in his mouth, but we’ll leave that out for now. Some things don’t need to be shared.

“There are no sights set. This is work.”

“Oh.” She laughs. “That’s all? So, you didn’t kiss him?”

Shit. She knows.

“I’m sorry.” I make a crackling noise in the phone. “Bad connection.”

Heather is the last person who will snub her nose at me, but the more people who know, the more excuses I need to make.

“Don’t go into acting if this blogging thing doesn’t work out, you really suck.”

I flop back onto the couch and let out a loud huff. “Would you hate me if I said I didn’t want to talk about it?”

She pauses. “Never. I get it.”

I start to say something but there’s a knock at the door. “Hey, I’ll call you right back,” I tell her as I get up.

“I’ll be here.”

We disconnect, and I open the door, thinking it’s a package or something. Instead, Noah Frazier in all his ridiculous glory is smiling at me.





Chapter Fifteen





Kristin





“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my new assignment,” I manage to say without drool dripping down my chin.

Noah is one of those men who looks hotter each time I see him. He’s gorgeous on a bad day. However, the sight of him in a navy T-shirt that is practically painted on, khaki shorts, and two days’ worth of stubble on his face makes me want to fall into a pool just so he can strip me again. Only this time, I’ll be sober so I can actually enjoy it.

I need to get laid.

His hands brace on both sides of the door, and he leans forward. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

“I could, but what would be the fun in that?”

“I’m pretty sure we could have fun.” He smiles.

Oh, I don’t doubt it. “I’m going to pretend you’re talking about the article I’m apparently writing about you.”

Noah lets out a throaty chuckle. “What else would I be talking about? Is there another kind of fun that involves the two of us that you’re thinking of?”

I’m onto his game. “The only fun between us will be posted online.”

He rights himself and removes his sunglasses, showing me his bedroom eyes. Damn him and his sexiness. His voice is low and sultry with an edge of humor. “I figured since you didn’t give me your number the other night, I should stop by so we can get the next few weeks figured out.”

“How sweet of you,” I allow the sarcasm to flow. “I get an article I didn’t ask for, and you’ve managed to ensure we’ll spend weeks together.”

Noah takes a step closer to me, but I hold my ground against the intensity between us. The closer he gets, the more my legs shake. My stomach has millions of butterflies in it and my throat is dry. The musky sandalwood cologne hits me, reminding me again of what it was like to be in his arms.

Pull it together, Kristin. You can’t go down this path.

“Do you worry about being around me?” he asks.

“No. Why would I?” I retreat, but Noah follows, denying me the space I was going for.

“Why are you trying to get away now?”

I clench my fists and force myself not to give another inch. “I’m not going anywhere.”

He smiles like the cat that ate the canary. “I’m not, either.”

That is exactly what I was afraid of. Heather was right—I’m so fucked. I have no idea what Noah’s game is, or if it extends past his bid to get into my pants, but I can’t deny the attraction between us. His gaze rakes over my face and then down to my chest. My breathing is accelerated, and he’d have to be blind to miss all the signs that I’m both turned on and terrified.

“Well—” My voice cracks, making me have to clear my throat. “I guess we better get to work.”

“Yes, I’m ready to get to work.”

I shift over to the side and focus on breathing. Having distance is the key to this. When I’m not so close, it isn’t so bad. Sure, short of putting a paper bag over his head, there’s nothing I can do to make him less hot, but space will keep me from doing something stupid.

Like leaning forward and pressing my lips to his.

I make a mental list of rules to ensure success for the project. Noah is smooth, sexy, and kisses like a God. The way he touches me, tastes, and scatters my thoughts will be what makes this train go off the tracks. I can’t think about how his fingers felt digging into my back or the way his lips moved with mine.

And now I’m keyed up.

Way not to think about it, Kris.