Falling For His Proper Mistress by Tessa Radley Page B

her shoulder, Avery let it fall carelessly. “Working with me every day, you’ll have had enough of my company.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re right.” But Guy’s expression was brooding.
    So he wasn’t happy about that? Good. Because she wouldn’t concede more than she already had. Even though she was unbearably tempted to settle for the affair he offered.
    Sashaying away from him took every bit of nerve she possessed. She tossed her reply over her shoulder. “I’ll consider your offer. But don’t hold your breath.” He deserved to sweat.
    Avery didn’t know what she was going to decide. One part of her, the part full of defiant bravado, was dying to say yes…have glorious get-over-him sex and walk away, sated and smiling. Cured. The other more cautious part of her was terrified she’d be addicted for life.
    And where would that leave her?
    At the door, his voice arrested her. “Uh, I meant to ask. Any consequences?”
    â€œConsequences?” She swung around and stared at himblankly. He’d almost broken her heart. Did that count? Or did that only rank as mere collateral damage and therefore…inconsequential?
    â€œPregnancy,” he said a trifle impatiently from the steaming tub as she continued to gaze at him.
    Oh. “I’m not pregnant.”
    Thank heavens for that!
    â€œGood.” He gave her a thin smile. “That’s one complication neither of us need at this stage of our lives.”
    Speak for yourself. But Avery knew better than to voice her soul-deep yearning for a child…a family. Guy would never understand.
    The water swirled as he rose. Avery’s eyes widened, but she forced herself not to look away from the sight of the water droplets running down his chest…over his flat, muscled stomach. Despite everything he’d done, she really did still want him. God. She was not going to survive this.
    â€œI almost forgot. Art was going to come along to the first of the balloon landings tomorrow—we do a champagne breakfast on landing and I have some ideas for a new menu.” Her breaking dismay must’ve shown on her face because Guy added with a mocking smile, “You don’t need to come if you don’t want.”
    How early could it be?
    â€œI’ll be there,” she said, pursing her mouth. “What time?”
    â€œThe ascent is at dawn.” His grin deepened at her horrified groan. “I haven’t forgotten you’re not a morning person. Dress for comfort—jeans, boots and a jacket work best.”
    In one bound he was over the edge of the hot tub. Avery didn’t wait another second, she fled.

Five
    T o Guy’s surprise Avery was already waiting in the lobby early on Sunday morning, studying the framed photos of the celebrity guests that had been taken every season since the resort opened.
    She must’ve sensed him because she swung around at his approach. To his surprise, the Avery who peered at him resembled a sleepy, fluffy owl rather than the svelte, petite doll he was more accustomed to. She was even wearing spectacles—something he’d never seen her don in daylight.
    At his curious look, she said, “I didn’t get enough sleep for my contact lenses to be comfortable. I’ll put them in later.”
    â€œYou don’t need them.”
    He suspected she’d suffered lack of sleep for the same reason as he had. That quick coupling in the spa hadn’t been nearly enough; he’d wanted her in his bed, all night long. Lust bolted through him. Just in time he stopped himselffrom babbling that she looked just as beautiful with glasses as without.
    Not flattery, but true, he realized with a slight sense of shock as he inspected her.
    Wearing figure-hugging white jeans and a cropped denim jacket, she glowed with vitality. The glasses simply added a scholarly twist to the sexy package. The hint of studious, good girl added by the