Free The Messy Maiden by Shona Husk Page B

not, but he doubted she’d be sorry either. “And you haven’t dated because you couldn’t easily explain your second job right?”
    “Yeah. I’d planned to tell you it was online counseling if you’d pushed.”
    He laughed. She had no idea how close to true that was. Watching her had been a kind of therapy, knowing that he wasn’t alone even though he never spoke to the other men had been a strange kind of reassurance. “I’m glad it’s in the open.”
    She gave him a funny look. “You aren’t going to tell me to stop if we keep seeing each other?”
    “No. It’s your business and you obviously have goals. I like a woman with get up and go.”
    Her cheeks colored and this time when she scooped up her dessert it wasn’t with a stab. It was a slow, almost teasing scoop that she licked off the spoon.
    “Did you want a taste?” The wicked curve was back on her lips.
    He knew she was only offering from the spoon, nothing more but maybe this was the peace offering to say she would be willing to see him again.
    “I’d like that very much.”
    Saskia offered him the fork so he could take a bite. It was rich and creamy with just enough coffee and alcohol.
    “That is good.” He offered her some of his un-tasted chocolate tart. She leaned forward and ate if off his spoon.
    “You should really eat that. It’s too good to waste.” She ran her tongue over her lower lip in a way that had him mesmerized. “It’s not every time, right?”
    It took a moment for him to work out what she was asking. “I don’t need food to get off it that’s what you mean.”
    She glanced away again, but only for a second. “It was.”
    He kept his words light as if he was teasing, but he was hoping she’d accept. “Want me to prove it?”
    “What are you suggesting?” Her leg brushed against his under the table.
    “Do you want to come back to my place?”
    “Where is your place?” She took another slow taste of her dessert, and he was damn sure she knew exactly what she was doing…and the effect it was having.
    “About ten minutes by car.” And about ten minutes too far away.
    She nodded, beckoned the waiter over and asked for the bill. He was guessing that was a yes.

Chapter Nine
    T hey’d caught a taxi to his place. Her car was still in the multistory car park and he’d left his at home—just in case he’d needed to have a few drinks by himself after revealing the truth. Which she found endearing. He’d been really worried about telling and she’d been just as worried about telling him.
    And while she’d never dated a man who watched her website, she wanted Ian.
    She’d texted Bianca that she was going to his place and that if she didn’t text again within twelve hours to send a search party. Bianca had replied with, if she was done in twelve hours there was something wrong with her given how long it had been.
    Now she waited for Ian to unlock the door. It was a nice apartment block with the usual assortment of shops and cafés on ground level. Given the location it couldn’t have been cheap. Did he own it or rent it?
    Too soon to ask.
    The door opened up in to a lounge room that looked well put together, and yet still personal. His bike was to one side on rollers turning it into a stationary bike, along with a small pile of bits and pieces. Large screen TV and recliners.
    “Guided tour?” He asked as he dropped his jacket onto one of the recliners.
    “Sure.” She followed as he walked her through the two bedroom apartment that ended with his room. How planned had that been?
    At that moment she didn’t really care. Her skin was hot and she wanted to feel his touch. They stood in the doorway as if they were unwilling to cross that line just yet. He moved closer and kissed her. His lips hard against hers. When his tongue brushed her lip she opened her mouth, needing more. Her hands slid up his chest, he hadn’t been lying about working out, and she loosened his tie.
    They were probably rushing, but right