Free Seduce Me Again (Seduce Me #2) by E. J. Adams Page B

you did invite something to happen,” I said as I took a sip of orange juice.
    “ Who, me?”
    “ Yes, you! Showing up all naked and studly looking.”
    “ Studly? Well, naked is how one showers,” Brandon said.
    “ I think we should change the topic so we get to finish our breakfast. What time are you leaving for Silicon Valley?”
    “ Noon. If you co . . . I mean join me, I thought we could have dinner there and then fly back for another night cap?”
    “ Sounds enticing. Especially the night cap part. Okay. I'm in.”
    “ I was hoping you'd say that.”
    “ After breakfast I'll need to return the dress to Maria's. I also want to pack an overnight bag at my place. I should be a little more prepared this time.”
    “ Sure. Plenty of time to get all that done. Well, depending on how long it takes for you to pack an overnight bag.”
    “ Longer than you, but less time than Chelsea. So, we'll have enough time.”
    “ Ashley?”
    “ Yes?”
    “ I meant what I said about wanting something different. I won't lie. I've played around a lot. Playboy is an apt description. But it's time to change.”
    I wasn't sure why he was bringing this up again. It must have been important that I believe him about this. Did he want me to know that I was more than just a one-night stand? That it was more than a roll-in-the-hay with me?
    “Brandon, I appreciate that you have some need to explain that to me. I do. But, I don't think that you owe me any conditions or promises at this point,” I said.
    I hoped there was more, but I didn't want to get to far ahead of ourselves. I new how easy it would be for me to fall for him. Truth is, I probably already had fallen for him.
    “Fair enough. It's just . . . last night was different for me. Different in a good way. My whole approach to getting to know you and being with you is different than it has been before.”
    “ Even though you took me to bed and ravaged me on our first date?”
    “ Yes. Often dinner is just a pre-cursor to the one night of sex. Not always. I have managed to have a few relationships that lasted three or four months. But I never intended for last night to be our only night together. What it all means beyond that I'm not sure. This is kind of new territory for me. Wanting it to be something more from the beginning.”
    “ You're sweet,” I said as I leaned over the table and kissed Brandon's forehead. “Why don't we just take it one step at a time. That's what responsible adults do as they start a relationship.”
    “ Ah. So this is what being a responsible adult is like,” he replied.
    “ More or less,” I said.
    “ Well, I'm game if you are.”
    “ Are you kidding? I'm the queen of taking it one step at a time. Although, I must admit, I leapfrogged several steps last night with you.”
    “ Looks like we are meeting somewhere outside of our respective comfort zones then,” Brandon said as he took a sip of his coffee.
    “ Looks like,” I said just as there was a knock at the door.
    Brandon was getting up when I told him that I would get it. I figured it was my outfit from the store. I grabbed my purse on the way to the door. I accepted my package and tipped the attendant.
    “I'm going to get dressed. Do you have time to run me to Maria's Dress Boutique downtown and then by my apartment, or should I call Chelsea to come pick me up?”
    “ I am yours for the morning. We can head to the airport from your place. It's a few hours flight, so I'll have lunch prepared for us,” Brandon replied. He then added for clarification that we would be flying on the company's private jet.
    My life was definitely changing in a short span of time. I reminded myself to have Chelsea pinch me when I saw her. I had to be sure I wasn't dreaming.

Chapter 2
     
    “ So. You got laid, huh?” said Chelsea as soon as I walked through the door to our apartment.
    “ Yes. Chels, Brandon is parking the car and will be up any minute. I want you to behave yourself when he gets