Abruptly she turned. “Well, I’m recovered.”

His gaze cut to her again. As he stripped down to his bare ass, he asked, “Did you expect to cuddle on the desk?”

“Nope.” She scooted to sit on the edge, her legs hanging over, her hands braced beside her hips, her spine rigid. “With you, speaking strictly of sex, I have no expectations other than that you be good—and you were.”

Huh. Now, why did that insult him? Did she think him incapable of anything more?

Stop being an ass.

Rowdy zipped up the fresh jeans and sat to pull his boots back on. “If you count that as good, I can blow you away with the real deal.”

“Bragging?” She glanced over her shoulder, saw he was decent again and hopped off the desk.

Her legs wobbled, making him smile. “Just forewarning you.”

“Well, let me forewarn you, too.” She lifted her chin. “I did some preparing of my own.”

“Yeah, how’s that? Got an extra pair of panties tucked away in your purse?”

“No!” She drew a calming breath, laced her fingers together, rocked back on her heels and finally said, “But I did set an appointment to see my doctor so I could get started on the pill.”

Rowdy froze in the process of tying his boots. “When?”

She lifted one shoulder. “The other day, when I came in early to get my phone... That’s why I needed it.”

So she’d wanted him all along and just hadn’t bothered to tell him? Sneaky. But also satisfying.

“After walking in on you, well, I’d rethought things, but...I do know my own limitations, and you, Rowdy, are too much temptation to resist. So...” She shrugged. “I have an appointment next week.”

Was that one reason she wanted to wait? To ensure, on her own terms, that they didn’t have any mistakes? “Responsible, intelligent women are so sexy.”

“Based on your past relationships, no one would know you felt that way about it.”

“Don’t confuse yourself, honey. I already told you I don’t do relationships.” Except for now, with Avery. He shook his head as something else occurred to him. “Why weren’t you already on the pill?”

“I wasn’t doing anything with anyone, so why bother?” She pulled her hair over her shoulder and tried finger combing it. “I also packed a toothbrush and pajamas in my car. In case, you know, after I change your bandages, well...” She stopped fidgeting and gave him a direct frown. “I still want to follow doctor’s orders and wait a few more days.”

“You know that’s not necessary.” He pushed up from the chair. “I thought I just proved that.”

She didn’t meet his gaze and she didn’t acknowledge what he said. “Now that I have my car, I can help you get settled and still have a way home—”

“No.”

“No?” Her gaze shot up to his. “You’d rather I not come again?”

“I definitely want you to come.” The way he said it left no misunderstandings as to what he meant. “Again.”

“Rowdy.”

He appreciated the picture she made, somewhat timid, a whole lot tempting and still chiding him. “You know you want it, too.”

“I do.” She sighed. “But we need to wait, so it’s just as well that you don’t want me to stay over.”

“But I do want that. In fact, I insist.” Keeping her around all night gave him the twofold pleasure of knowing she was safe while he got to enjoy her sweet little body.

Rocking again, she looked at the office door, then back at the small closet that held a toilet and sink. “I’m glad you have a bathroom in here.”

“Need to do your own refreshing?” He wished they had more time and privacy. He’d love to feel her all hot and wet.

And damn it, he sort of wanted to cuddle.

Her nose wrinkled. “I think so, yes.”

When he finally got her naked in his bed, he’d tend to her himself. But for now, he didn’t want to embarrass her more than he already had. “Take your time.” He stopped in front of her, took her shoulders and kissed the tip of her nose. “No reason for us to walk out together, looking like we’ve just done the nasty.”

“Cannon knows.”

“Forget Cannon.” Now that he knew she considered Cannon good-looking, it irked him even to hear her say his name. Rowdy kissed her again, this time on her mouth, only briefly. She stared up at him, her tumbled hair framing her face, her uncertainty showing even though she tried to hide it. “You are so incredibly beautiful.”

The compliment earned him a sweet smile.

Knowing he was losing it, Rowdy brushed his knuckles over her cheek and made a fast getaway, closing the door quietly behind him.

His mood was improved, his lust temporarily slaked, but his damned heart bounced around in his chest in a strange sort of warning...that also felt like a triumphant yell.

What the f**k had Avery Mullins done to him?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

AVERY DROPPED INTO Rowdy’s chair and stared at the ceiling, appalled, stunned.

Wow, just...wow. Who knew such a thing was even possible?

Rowdy, damn him, took it in stride as if he got fully dressed women off across his desk with little effort every other day.

For all she knew, maybe he did.

Putting both hands over her eyes, she groaned. And smiled.

He was so remarkable in every way.