The Seduction Request by Michelle Celmer Page B

repeated attempts to get in touch with her, he’d done a pretty good job of convincing himself he was only doing this for Ty and his parents. Yet with each unreturned call, his level of frustration had risen, until he could think of nothing but seeing her, of touching her again. One taste of her lips and he was like an addict, craving more.
    He sighed and closed his eyes, exhausted beyond belief. He hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since he’d gotten to Michigan. As hard as he’d tried to convince himself it was stress-related, or due to sleeping in an unfamiliar bed, odds were it had more to do with Emily. And when he had managed to catch a few hours of sleep, Emily had invaded his dreams. More often than not he’d woken aroused and restless and craving Emily’s touch.
    He stretched his arms over his head, sinking deeper into the mattress, feeling himself begin to drift off. And since a couple minutes of shut-eye wouldn’thurt, he didn’t fight it. He had no idea how long he lay there and was only vaguely aware of the sound of a door opening, but he was too relaxed to move a muscle. Then something cold and wet hit him square in the chest and his eyes flew open.
    Emily hovered over him. She wore a pair of cutoff shorts and a tank top the exact same silvery-blue as her eyes.
    And she didn’t look very happy to see him. “What the hell are you doing in my apartment?”
    Matt grinned up at her. He grabbed the wet towel off his chest and tossed it back. “You invited me in.”
    She flung the towel onto the bathroom floor. “How? Telepathically?”
    His grin widened and he pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket. “You left a note on the door for me.”
    She snatched it out of his hand and unfolded it. “This wasn’t for you.”
    â€œIt wasn’t? Oops.”
    Oops my foot. He was far too amused for this to be anything but intentional. The man’s ego knew no bounds.
    She stomped over to the phone and punched in Alex’s number, and when he answered said, “It’s six-fifteen, why aren’t you here?”
    â€œAnd break up your little party? Not a chance, hon. I take it that note was for me?”
    â€œYou are so dead.”
    Emily peered out the front window and saw Alex’s car parked across the street. He waggled his fingers at her.
    â€œTrust me, Em, you need this.”
    There was a click and the line went dead. Whatwas this, screw-with-Emily’s-life week? Was there anyone who wasn’t trying to set her up with Matt?
    â€œStood up?” he asked. He was still lying on her bed, propped up on his elbows. And he looked damned good there.
    â€œI don’t suppose someone called and told you to come over here.”
    â€œNope. Just my lucky night.” He patted the spot next to him.
    She spit out a rueful laugh. “You don’t really think I’d get into bed with you?”
    â€œI’ll keep my hands to myself. Scout’s honor.”
    She folded her arms over her chest. “Like I would be dumb enough to fall for that one again.”
    His smile widened, showing his dimples, and her resolve weakened the tiniest bit. “We’ll call the bed the safe zone. No touching. I promise.”
    He might have been arrogant and occasionally sneaky, but when Matt made a promise, he didn’t break it. She knew that without a doubt.
    She crossed the room and dropped down next to him on the bed. He sat up beside her and nudged her with his shoulder. “Bad day?”
    â€œYou ever have one of those days when it feels like the entire world is against you?”
    â€œAt least once a week. Anything I can do to help?”
    â€œYou could go back to California.”
    He shrugged apologetically. “Sorry. You’re stuck with me until the restaurant is finished. Would you settle for a back rub?”
    â€œI can’t, we’re in the no-touching zone.”
    â€œOh,