by Susan Crosby
“No, I’m not giving it up because I’m engaged. I told you my reasons.”
“None of which will matter when the fireworks start,” his companion purred, tickling the underside of his jaw with the tie ends. “You’re hooked, just like I am. You crave the thrill, the excitement of our little game.”
His smile tipped into a wry grin. “I don’t think you can call what we do a game, Pam. We’ve taken it too close to the edge too many times.”
“And that’s what makes it so wonderful. What makes us so damned good together. No one plays it harder or faster or rougher than you do.”
Chloe choked. She didn’t want to hear any more. Now she understood why Mase hadn’t taken her up on her subtle hints about morphing their pretend relationship into a real one. Misery and fury she had no right to feel coursed through her. She must have made some movement, some sudden jerk, because the brunette flicked a quick look over Mase’s shoulder.
Another man might have stammered or flushed in embarrassment at being caught in such intimacy by his supposed fiancée. Not Mase. Not calm, controlled, always-in-command Mase.
“I’m sorry, Chloe. I didn’t know you were here.”
“Obviously not.”
“Please, come in. I’d like you to meet Pam Hawkins. She’s a business associate of mine.”
He didn’t blush. Didn’t even blink. Chloe had to fight the hurt and fury tearing through her. She had no right to feel this awful jealousy, she reminded herself fiercely. Mase hadn’t made her any promises. He was a friend. Only a friend.
The realization made her even more miserable.
“I’m sorry I disturbed you.”
“You didn’t. We’ve finished our business.”
“You’re finished? Strange. From where I’m standing, it looked as though you were just getting started. I’ll talk to you another time. When you’re not quite so busy.”
“I’m sorry you walked in on that. It’s not what it seems... I can’t believe I just said that.”
“You don’t have to explain anything. Not anymore. As of this moment you’re a free man, Mase Officially, finally and irrevocably,” Chloe said, walking outside to the elevator.
“I’m not letting you walk away until we talk this through,” Mase said, catching up to her as the elevator opened and she got in.
“I can’t talk about it now. I don’t want to talk about it now.”
Finally the door whirred shut. Chloe slumped against the paneled wall, her eyes shut, but Mase’s image blazed on her eyelids. Tall. Dark-haired Broad-shouldered. Square-jawed. Smiling down at Pamela Hawkins, who liked it hard and fast and rough.
A shiver of revulsion ripped through Chloe, followed immediately by one of pure, undiluted envy. Mase Chandler hadn’t tried anything hard and fast and rough with her. Face it He hadn’t tried anything at all. It shattered her even more to realize that she still wanted him. Desperately.
ISBN : 978-1-4592-5814-3
THE GROOM’S REVENGE
Copyright © 1999 by Harlequin Books S A.
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