Free Nice Girls Finish Last by Natalie Anderson Page A

eyes wide open? There was nothing wrong with ‘right now’ but, as their ‘now’ had passed, there was no future.
    He appeared, dressed but dishevelled. Looking just like the wild night he’d had and so gorgeous she wentweak-kneed. Yes, there was that other problem—like suited like and Seth belonged to a different league from her. She didn’t want to sit around waiting for the next woman to come along and outclass her.
    â€˜You want something to eat before you go?’ She used the kitchen bench and the jug of hot coffee in her hand for defensive distance. Stopping herself from moving towards him.
    That teasing smile tweaked his lips. ‘No, I can see you’re busy. I’ll let you get on.’
    She nodded, relieved he was now making this easy. Of course, he was a pro at everything women-related and clearly her calling time didn’t bother him all that much. Another sign she was doing the right thing. ‘Thanks for dinner and…everything,’ she finished. So lame, she wanted to slither behind a rock somewhere.
    â€˜My pleasure. I had an amazing time,’ he said easily.
    But she heard bucketfuls of irony. She blushed—ridiculous considering everything they’d done. But he seemed so amused, and now the sunlight was streaming through the window the glare hurt her eyes. ‘You won’t say—’
    â€˜Just between us,’ he interrupted carelessly. ‘We both know that.’
    â€˜Great,’ she said with masses more chirp than she felt. ‘Well, thanks again.’
    She saw the flash as his amusement deepened but then he turned. And that was it. He was out of the door before she got there to wave goodbye as a polite hostess ought to. She was frozen behind the bench, hot jug in hand, staring into the space he’d left behind.
    Â 
    Seth walked out of her house, got into his car and started driving. Out of earshot, his grin gave way to the full-body laugh he’d been holding back the last ten minutes. Shewasn’t used to the one-night scene or she’d have a more polished boot-him-out routine. She’d twisted up and iced over—spoiling her attempt to pull off a relaxed, sophisticated flick-off. But it was interesting that she wanted him out, and he believed that on one level she meant it when she said she didn’t want more. But she did—he’d felt it when he’d kissed her. She’d responded so wonderfully, as she had throughout the night. She hadn’t been exaggerating when she’d told him she wanted a good time, but she hadn’t been completely selfish. She’d delighted in touching as much as she had in taking. Only, now her hedonistic moment had passed, she was back to the woman who said no.
    Usually after a night or two of fun, Seth was ready to move on himself, but he and she definitely weren’t yet done. Last night had merely been the preliminary and there’d be ten rounds in this ring. At least.
    His phone beeped and he glanced at the screen. A drop of guilt slid like poison under his skin when he saw who the message was from. He was due to meet Andrew this afternoon and he’d promised he’d have a solution. He drew breath, telling himself that his selfish pleasure-seeking moment wouldn’t have messed up the charity’s chances for the following week. Lena would agree—in fact, Seth could use their tryst to his advantage, right? He could, of course, always buy their way into another sports club for the programme. If he had to he would, because he wasn’t letting Andrew and the boys down. Except he wanted to be with the Knights next week, to be at the stadium as much as possible. Because he wanted Lena Kelly to have to say yes. Again. And then again.
    He pulled in to his apartment and headed straight for the shower. He’d freshen up and then go in for the fight. Under the steaming jet of water he mulled over the possibilities, formulating a strategy