Page 124 of Ice Devil

“I didn’t say that’s what I was worried about.”

“You’re a terrible liar. However, you’ll have a chance to mention that to Georgia, the soon to be doctor at the party. Including about the birds and bees.”

“Ha. I think you know I don’t need that conversation. I want to make a good impression.”

“You already have.”

“Not enough. I have one chance to impress them.”

Beck’s face fell. I knew instantly what he was about to say and it had nothing to do with reading his mind. It was the same conversation we’d had at least four times. “You mean since you’re leaving on Sunday.”

My vacation time was finished. I’d need to head back to put my life together. Although…

“Well, we both have a few things to do in our life.” Until every piece was in place, I wouldn’t be able to relax.

“What if I asked you to stay?” He brushed hair from my neck, unable to look me in the eyes.

I slipped my hand under his chin, forcing his eyes to connect with mine. “Is that what you want?”

Beck lifted an eyebrow. “Always a question with a question. Answer mine first.”

“Why would you?”

I’d be damned if he didn’t smack my bottom. “You are the most incorrigible woman I’ve ever met. Maybe I don’t mind your company. I mean you do leave the toothpaste cap off and the cream out of the refrigerator almost always when you pour a cup of coffee, but I can learn to live with that.”

“What about you with leaving the toilet seat up? And forget about getting a new roll of paper towels. I had to do that twice.”

He grinned like a kid. “What about leaving your makeup everywhere?”

“What about leaving your socks and underwear everywhere?”

“Now that is a bold-faced lie.”

“How so?”

The slight growl coming from deep within his chest offered a full wave of vibrations dancing to my toes. “How quickly you forget. I don’t wear underwear.”

“I forget nothing and I also remember that sexy pair of silk boxers you wore.”

“Prove you forget nothing.” He lowered his head.

“I thought I just did.” I managed to scoot away, but as always, he grabbed me by the arm, yanking me against him, this time bending me backward as if dancing.

“Maybe I didn’t make myself clear. You are staying.”

“I am?”

He lowered his head, undaunted by the awkward angle. “Yes. Get it through your pretty little head, Sloane. I’m not perfect, but neither are you. I might not know what the hell is happening tomorrow or the next day, but I know one thing without a doubt. You belong to me.” As soon as he lifted me back into position, our lips were dangerously close.

My God. Seeing the look in his eyes, and hearing his words, I was honestly floored. “Beck.”

When I pulled away, his expression immediately fell. “You’re not staying.”

“I need to go back. At least for a little while. You know that.”

“Is this about your job or about Matt?”

“Don’t do that. The article is coming on Sunday and I want to be in the office on Monday morning to see his face. Plus, that’s my job. I can’t just walk away. You wouldn’t just walk away.”