Sweet Seduction (Sweet #3)(40)

Cole flashed her a gentle smile. "I'd say you have the good sense not to listen to the men who don't appreciate your differences."

"Damn straight," she said with a grin.

"I'm very tempted to dismiss the two men who wait so anxiously to make love to you again," he murmured.

Her eyes widened. "Now why would you do that?"

"So I could have you all to myself. And trust me, Julie. You wouldn't miss having the extra guy around."

Well damn. A hot buzz sizzled up her spine. At least now she knew what Faith and Serena saw in this place. She didn't have to be submissive to appreciate the reverence with which women were treated here.

A knock at the door sounded, causing Julie to jump and then cover herself with her hands, which was pretty laughable given her bountiful attributes and the amount of skin not covered by her graceless pose.

Calmly, Cole went to the closet and drew out a robe. He settled it around her shoulders then waited as she put her arms through the holes. When she was done, he tied it snugly at her waist and then called for the person at the door to come in.

Another handsome man entered carrying a tray—were there no ugly men on the premises? While it was nice from a feminine perspective, it seemed a bit unrealistic. But then this place was all about fantasy.

Cole took the tray and dismissed the young man with a simple gesture. As he carried it to the bed, he met her gaze with a questioning glint in his eyes.

"Want company or would you prefer to eat alone?"

She looked down. "Well, now that I'm not naked, I'd prefer company unless you have other debaucheries to attend."

He laughed and settled onto the bed beside her. "I like you a lot, Julie. You're different. So many woman—and men—come here, most curious, a few rubberneckers, most having no idea of themselves. You, on the other hand . .."

"Oh, don't stop now," she said as she slathered creamy cheese spread on a cracker. "I've always wanted to be psychoanalyzed in a den of iniquity."

"You present a man the best kind of challenge."

She rolled her eyes. "Please don't give me the line about wanting to chase down and subdue me."

"Nope. A different sort of challenge. The challenge is to meet your needs and expectations."

Her eyebrows went up. "Ah now, that challenge I can live with. What woman wouldn't like the thought of a man busting ass to please her?"

"I have a feeling many have tried and failed."

"Hmm I'm not so sure about the trying part but yeah, plenty have failed all right."

She licked her fingers and then reached for the bottled water on the tray. She drank thirstily, closing her eyes in pleasure. When she opened them, Cole was staring at her with quiet intensity.

"You're coming on to me, aren't you?"

His expression didn't change but a hungry gleam entered his eyes. "If I am?"

She cocked her head to the side. "Doesn't it strike you as odd to be having this sort of conversation after I've just f**ked two strange men and plan to f**k them again after intermission? That would bother most guys."

"I'm not most guys. All you have to do is say the word and it'll be you and me. Only I'd prefer to take you away from the den of iniquity, as you put it."

She stared back at him, considering all he'd said. He was truly a gorgeous man. And she just knew he'd be a generous lover. But. But what? What the hell could possibly be holding her back?

With a disgusted sigh, she recapped her water and shoved it away.

"The truth is, I don't know what I want right now," she said quietly. "Furthermore, I don't want to have to make decisions. I wanted to chase a few fantasies, dust myself off after making an ass of myself over a man. That's why I'm here. So far I'm not complaining."

"Fair enough," Cole said with a nod. "But when you're done with your chasing, you know where to find me. I can be a patient man, particularly when the outcome is worth waiting for. And honey, just so you know, you should never have to make a fool of yourself over any man. There are plenty of us only too willing to be the fool for you."

Wow. Just wow. What the hell was she supposed to say to that?

"You make it damn hard to not be all self-centered," she said.

White teeth flashed as he grinned. "I want you to be self-centered. Indulge while you can, because if you ever come knocking on my door, I'm not likely to let you out of my bed. Ever."

"I do love a selfish man," she said mournfully.

He checked his watch as she slid the last piece of fruit between her lips.

"Your guys are waiting, I'm sure. As I would be if I were in their place."

She pushed the tray away and stretched sensuously.

He stood by the edge of the bed and ran his finger lightly over her cheekbone. "At least let me help you undress again. It's the least you can do for rejecting my advances."

She laughed. "You seem so sure my rejection will stand."

"I think your interest is held elsewhere. If I didn't think it, I would be a hell of a lot more persistent."

Crap. Now she was a walking transparency. Nice. Damn

Nathan Tucker. He was ruining her love life and he wasn't even around.

She held up her arms in supplication, too disgruntled to argue with Cole. The fact was her interests were held elsewhere. No matter how hard she tried, Nathan Tucker still occupied her mind. She was even pretending it was him making love to her. Thanks to the blindfold.