The Naughty List Bundle - Kylie Adams [118]
“I’ve never known such a contrary woman,” he muttered. “You want me, but you keep saying no. You make me crazy, Malone.”
He looked so endearing, as if he were baring his soul, she had to fight to keep from smiling at him. She huffed instead. “You were crazy long before I stepped into the picture.”
“Nope. I was in control, one hundred percent. Now I’m walking around with a semierection.”
She gave a groan of frustration. “That’s exactly what I’m talking about, Morgan. Your…masculine discomfort is of no concern to me.”
“Well, it should be since you’re the cause.” She would have groaned again, but Morgan added, almost to himself, “You’ve shot all my well laid plans to hell.”
Misty sputtered, both hurt and insulted. It was the hurt that made her sarcastic, because she knew exactly what plans he referred to. “Please, don’t let me get in your way! I’ll even help in the wife hunt if you want.” He looked surprised, then disgruntled.
“No.” He leaned over her. “I don’t need your help.”
“Why not? Tell me what qualities you’re looking for and I’ll keep my eyes open.”
Morgan leaned closer, then lifted her chin with the edge of his fist. “Right now, I don’t want a wife. I want you. And if you were honest, you’d admit you want me, too.”
She met his gaze just as intently, determined to make him understand before she broke down and proved him right. “Sorry, Morgan, but I’ve sworn off men.”
His hand opened, cradling her face. “That’s the hell of it, Malone. You’re not giving me a chance.” His gaze touched on her everywhere—her eyes, her lips, her breasts. His thumb moved softly over her bottom lip. “It could be perfect, sweetheart. I’d make sure of it.”
Misty wondered if she looked in the dictionary for the word temptation if it would feature a picture of Morgan Hudson. She could feel herself shaking inside, could feel her nerve endings all coming alive at his sensual promise—a promise she felt sure he could keep. The man was as seductive and searing as the bold stroke of a warm hand.
Wanting to give him equal honesty, she wrapped her hand around his wrist and shared a melancholy smile. “I have no doubt you…know what you’re doing, Morgan. But I already feel a little used. I don’t relish feeling that way again.”
His fingers slid over her head to the back of her neck, cupping her warmly. “Oh, babe.” His fingers caressed, kindled. His sigh was warm, his words soft. “I would never hurt you.”
When she started to speak, he hushed her. “No, don’t give me all your arguments. You’ll make me morose.”
She laughed at that. Morgan was so brutally honest, so different from the other men she knew. He didn’t try to whitewash what he wanted, which was sex. He made it clear he intended to find a wife soon and that she didn’t fit the role—a fact she knew only too well. He kept her aware of what he thought about things, and while she did consider him far too forward and pushy, it was nice not to have to guess about ulterior motives and hidden agendas.
Compared to Kent, a man who’d sworn undying love then dropped her the moment he found out she was pregnant, Morgan’s honesty was refreshing. It was still alarming, but she’d trust it over insincere promises any day.
He released her, then rubbed the back of his neck. “You should know I’m not going to quit trying. I figure sooner or later I’ll wear you down and you’ll admit you want me.”
“Why don’t you try holding your breath?”
He wagged a finger at her. “Play nice, Malone.”
“But you’re the one who told me I could make you miserable, right? That’s why I agreed to this farce in the first place.”
She grinned at him, which made him laugh and shake his head. “Witch.”
Misty wasn’t offended. Somehow he’d made the name sound like an endearment.
He took her hand and started them on the way again. “Speaking of this farce…I should also point out that the job has nothing to do with your continued rejection.” He glanced at her. “I’m not going to fire you if you keep saying no. I won’t like it, and I’ll do my damnedest to change