The Undercover Playboy (Captured by Love Book 3) by Miranda P. Charles Page A

it would be fun if I can do it with you.”
    “So what’s this fun thing that you have inmind? A tandem skydive?” he teased, knowing Cassie was terrified of heights.
    “No.”
    “What then?”
    “A one-night stand.”
    He stared at Cassie in shock.

CHAPTER SIX
    C assie watched Carter’s face as she waited for his answer. This was obviously the last thing he expected her to say. He was staring at her with his mouth open. Not from delight, unfortunately, but from disbelief—or even dismay.
    Maybe it would have been better if she’d seduced him instead of asked him. But fear of his answer was exactly why she didn’t go the seduction route. It wouldhave been more humiliating if she’d thrown herself at him and he’d pushed her away. She should be grateful this rejection was softer in comparison.
    She swallowed her disappointment and tried not to let the hurt show on her face.
    “It’s okay, Carter,” she said with a smile, patting his thigh as added proof that she had no hard feelings. It wasn’t his fault that her heart was sinking to the floor.She’d already known it was a long shot that he’d want her. At least she’d tried.
    “Cassie... It’s not that I don’t want to...”
    “Hey, come on,” she said in a teasing tone. “You don’t have to lie. I already thought you might say no, but I thought I’d ask anyway. Now I can cross you off my list,” she added for good measure. If this stupid request of hers ruined her friendship with Carter, she’dnever forgive herself.
    “Who else is on your list?” Carter asked in an almost growl.
    Carter’s sudden frown sparked a bit of hope in her, but she was quick to squash that ludicrous reaction.
    “Hey, that list is private,” she joked.
    “But—”
    “Carter! What are you doing here?” Natasha interrupted as she walked in the apartment.
    “Hey, sis!” Carter said, standing up to greet Natasha with a kiss.“Would you believe that I’m doing some electrical work at Cassie’s new job?”
    “You’re doing work at Tellman Galleries?” Natasha asked, her eyes rounding. “Why?”
    “They’re having an extension done. I gave Cassie a lift home and we had dinner at that Thai place near here.”
    “I see,” Natasha said, her surprised look not abating. “Is... everything okay?”
    “Yeah, of course,” Carter answered.
    “Good,”Natasha said with a frown.
    “Don’t worry, Tash,” Cassie said lightly. “I won’t be bothering Carter while he’s hard at work.”
    “And I hope he doesn’t bother you,” Natasha said with a smile.
    “Well, I’m off to my room to get ready for bed,” Cassie said. “Goodnight, guys.”
    “See you tomorrow, Cass,” Carter murmured.
    Cassie flashed them a bright smile before disappearing into her bedroom. Once inside,she took a long, deep breath.
    Her heart ached. Much more than she’d anticipated. It was just that she and Carter had had a great time tonight and she’d expected...
    She shook her head vigorously. Carter didn’t want her. Hadn’t she guessed that before? Now he’d confirmed it beyond doubt. And that was cool. Yeah. Really, it was.
    A tear fell and she wiped it with irritation. As if all her positiveself-talk could lessen the pain of this particular rejection. Who was she kidding?
    Lucky she had a great job she was already loving. Nothing like being busy to keep her mind off matters of the heart. She’d never had much luck in the love department. Obviously, the situation hadn’t changed.
    *****
    C assie felt Carter standing by her office doorway even before he spoke.
    “Cass.”
    She looked upfrom the file she was reading. “Hi, Carter. Here to make me safe from electrocution?”
    Carter smiled. “Yeah.”
    “Sure. Come on in. And don’t mind me. I’m just getting myself up to speed with some company stuff.”
    She tried to ignore the riotous emotions swirling through her body as Carter went to settle himself next to the wall sockets. Why the hell was it so difficult to switch