Take a Chance on Me(13)

As the clock struck, he cursed himself for making her uncomfortable. How could he have made such a tactical error? From what he’d discerned, she might as well be a virgin.

He’d simply forgotten himself. Lost in her charm and good-girl complex, he’d said the first teasing thing that sprang to mind.

And since he was a guy, it had been sexual.

He took two cautious steps toward her, hoping she wouldn’t bolt upstairs. “That wasn’t the best thing to say when I’m trying to get you out of your clothes.”

Auburn brows drew together in what he could only suspect was disapproval.

He shook his head. What the hell was wrong with him? This wasn’t the time to mention seeing her naked. Shit, it was like he had no experience with women.

She still said nothing, just stared at him with those uncanny green eyes. And damn if it wasn’t making him a bit unsettled. It had been so long since he’d been anything but cool and detached, even before his troubles in Chicago. The knowledge caused a stirring of unease.

“I swear, I didn’t mean it.” He was starting to sound like a sixteen-year-old apologizing for trying to get to second base.

Quietly, she toyed with the fabric of her dress, picking at one of the sparkly beads.

At a loss for how to make the situation right, he offered the one thing he wanted to avoid, but was guaranteed to put her at ease. “Do you want me to call my neighbor, Gracie, to come help you out of your dress? She eats shit like this up, so you’ll make her day.”

Maddie shifted on the balls of her feet.

He narrowed his eyes. No matter how hard he peered at her, she remained a mystery. He sweetened the offer. “She’s a baker, so I bet she even has some cupcakes or cookies lying around.”

Maddie placed her hand on her stomach.

Why wouldn’t she speak? He raked a hand through his hair. “Princess, take pity on me here. I can’t begin to guess what you’re thinking. Did I scare you away forever?”

She blinked, her face clearing as though she’d suddenly come out of a trance. “I’m sorry. Other than being an emotional basket case, I’m fine.”

This was why he needed to refrain from any more cute remarks. “Let me call Gracie.”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m not up to meeting anyone.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” she said, taking a deep breath. Hand still resting on her stomach, she took a step, closing the distance between them.

God help him.

Determined to remain a perfect gentleman, he encircled her wrist and said in a light tone, “Let me get you out of this dress.”

“Thank you.” That defiant little chin of hers tilted as though to gather her courage.

He twirled her under the curve of his arm until she faced away. “Once you’re free, go run right upstairs. I want you to feel safe, so use the lock if it makes you feel better. Okay?”

She craned her neck to peer at him. Even red-rimmed and puffy, her eyes were luminous. The line of her neck curved into the hollow of her shoulder, creating a stunning silhouette that about knocked him to his knees along with her next words. “I trust you, Mitch.”

His chest squeezed tight. Everything about her tempted him. He released his hold, running a hand up her bare arm. “Don’t.”

He’d given in to this kind of desire once and his whole life had gone up in flames, leaving him with no other option but to start over. And he had. He’d created a nice, comfortable life for himself here in Revival. He’d believed he was content. But now he knew it was a lie—he’d been complacent, bored.


Maddie made him remember why he’d loved the chase. Why he used to hunt down a challenge like a bloodhound. After he’d left Chicago, he’d sworn he’d never make the same mistakes.

He was older now, and wiser. This time, he’d do the smart thing.

He trailed a path down between her shoulder blades, catching on the band of fabric. Damn, she had beautiful skin: ivory pale and smooth as silk.

She sucked in a breath, holding it.

Would this be his only chance to touch her? He toyed with the first button. Dallying. For all he knew, he could wake up in the morning and find her gone.

“Um.” She shifted and cleared her throat. The sway of heavy satin rustled in the thick silence. “Aren’t you going to get on with it?”

That was the last thing he wanted, but he let the first satin-covered button slip free. The pad of his finger brushed exposed skin. So f*cking soft.

Her dress began to slip. “I can’t have sex with you.” He undid another button, ignoring how hard he’d been for her all damn night. “That’s why you’re going straight to bed after I get you out of this thing.”

She clutched the thick band of fabric to her chest as her head dipped low. “Can you really do that?”

Distracted by the slow, excruciating exposing of skin, he absently asked, “Do what?”

Another button opened, and she made a little squeak. “You know . . . that.” Her voice was a whisper as she hiked the dress up to keep it from falling to the floor.

Two more buttons undone revealed the first hint of the white silk she wore under the satin. Unable to resist the lure of her, he leaned down and sucked in her sweet, feminine scent.

He needed to get this conversation onto safe ground, but he was unable to push back the words. “Make you come?”