Saying 'Yes!' to the Boss. Susan Mallery

heard the words, but he couldn’t believe them. She was supposed to be the innocent in all this—how the hell had she figured it all out?

      “A generous offer, but not one you need to make,” he said gruffly.

      “Really?” She smiled. “So you’re just going to ignore that part of your life? It’s not like the need goes away. My parents have been married more than twenty years and they’re still hot for each other.” Her smile turned into a grin. “When I was a teenager, I was so uncomfortable, knowing they did that. I mean, they’re parents. But now I see their intimacy as a really good thing. It helps keep the relationship strong.”

      He had no idea what to say to her.

      Noelle pulled her knees to her chest. “I’ll admit my lone experience wasn’t anything I’d want to repeat, but you said it could be better and I trust you. So if you’re interested, I’m willing.”

      There were two spots of color on her face, but oth erwise she seemed completely calm and in control. Amazing, he thought, still stunned at her courage and honesty.

      “Unless you don’t want me,” she added, as she ducked her head.

      Not want her? “Noelle, don’t go there,” he told her. “Wanting has nothing to do with it.”

      “Then it’s because I’m pregnant. Does that gross you out?”

      That made him smile. Nothing about her “grossed him out.” She only had to be breathing for him to want her. “You being pregnant isn’t an issue.” He felt uncomfortable and wasn’t sure why. A beautiful woman was offering herself to him. Shouldn’t that be a good thing?

      It was, except he wasn’t sure it was right for her. She’d only been with one of guy and he’d been Dev’s brother. The situation was twisted in ways he couldn’t describe.

      There was also his concern about what would happen after. If they did become lovers. The women he let into his life understood the rules—no permanent entanglements. Despite the two-year contract they had, he wasn’t sure Noelle could be his lover and walk away.

      She stood. “I can see you’re not ready. That’s fine. I’ll wait. But the offer remains open.”

      Then she walked out.

      He was left with an aching need and no clue as to what to say. What the hell was wrong with this picture? What was he supposed to do now? Go after her? Pretend they’d never had this conversation? He’d been left hanging in the wind by a twenty-year-old innocent.

      If this had happened to anyone else, he would think it was the funniest thing he’d ever seen.