Free L.A. Confidential by Julie Kenner Page B

dangerous. The voice of a man she didn’t know—had never known. She ran her teeth over her lower lip, wondering if she’d made a mistake, but knowing that she had to stick it out, no matter what.
    He leaned in, close enough that she could feel his breath against her skin and smell the musky scent of his cologne. The hairs on the back of her neck popped up, and she fought the urge to look away.
    â€œI asked myself, what’s the one thing Lisa can get for me if I do her this favor?”
    She knew the look in his eyes, she’d seen it before, years ago…on nights when he’d come within a hair-breadth of breaking his own vow to not sleep with her unless they were married. It was a look she used to cherish. Now it scared her, made her wonder if she shouldn’t catch the next plane back to New York.
    Slowly she shook her head. “I don’t have anything to offer, Ken. I’m sorry, but I don’t.”
    â€œYes, you do, sweetheart.”
    She licked her lips, afraid she knew the answer even before she asked the question. “What, Ken? What have I got to offer?”
    His smile just about stopped her heart. “You. You want my restaurant. I want you.”

5
    â€œM E?” HER VOICE SQUEAKED , so she tried again. “You want me?” Oh, Lord. It was exactly what she’d imagined, but until he’d said it, she hadn’t really believed it. And now, faced with the proposition, she wondered if she could agree. For years she’d told herself she was over him. But if she…if they…
    She’d always wondered what it would be like to make love to Ken. But not now. Not when there was nothing left between them but memories and hurt—a hurt she’d caused.
    â€œLisa?”
    The trouble was, the attraction was still there…and that made the offer damned enticing. Licking her lips, she regarded him. “Sex? We’re talking about sex?”
    He chuckled. “Say it a little louder. I don’t think they heard you in the back of the restaurant.”
    She sat up straighter, trying to hold on to her dignity. “I, uh, just want to be clear on what it is we’re negotiating.” Her logical side knew she should be indignant, even angry. But somehow the anger wasn’t there. Instead there was just a hollow feeling in her stomach that sherecognized as guilt. She’d hurt him. Now he wanted her to pay.
    The corner of his mouth curved as he leaned forward to take her hand. The warmth of his skin enticed, and she couldn’t deny the little surge of adrenaline that shot through her simply because of the physical contact. Disconcerted, she tried to pull her hand away, but he held fast, not answering, but also not letting go. Instead he was just looking at her in a way that suggested he could read her mind—and the possibility completely unnerved her.
    For too long he sat there, simply staring, his slight smile highlighting the dimple on his left cheek. She tried to not squirm as she waited for him to answer, but darned if she was going to ask the question again. He’d heard her, and she could wait it out as well as he could.
    After another agonizing minute Ken slipped his hand away from her, the caress giving her shivers, then he moved closer and lightly traced the tip of his forefinger down her cheek, barely making contact. “What do you think?”
    â€œI think you’re playing games.” He’d thrown her off balance, taken the upper hand, and now she grappled for some control, trying to convince herself that he hadn’t rattled her completely. “Games two can play as well as one.” With a deft movement, she caught his hand and pressed it against her face. His skin was still rough, masculine, just as she remembered it, and the sensation of skin against skin set her head to spinning.
    Trying for a sultry smile, she moved her head ever so slightly until her lips grazed the side of his hand. She pressed