“Women don’t always get their needs met by a man.”

“Then that man isn’t doing his job properly.”

Ex-model-turned-entrepreneur April Sinclair fully expects to be laughed out of yet another attorney’s office. But with her adult toy business on the line, April desperately needs Logan Fitzpatrick’s help. All she has to do is explain to the gorgeous lawyer—whose eyes hold a decidedly wicked gleam—that she’s being sued. By a celebrity. For a faulty vibrator. No, that’s not awkward at all...

April expects Logan to be shrewd, and even to be something of an arrogant prick. She’s not expecting just how this professional legal consultation has taken a very personal—bordering on sensually promising—air. The kind that makes April want to test her entire selection of adult toys with Logan, right here...and right now.

She thought she could keep control. She thought she could call the shots. But one touch from Logan’s sensual, slow and exquisitely thorough hands, and April is consumed by a craving for him that burns hotter with every encounter.

She knew Logan Fitzpatrick was dangerous—and capable of fulfilling her every desire. Now she’s falling for the one man who could destroy every part of her business...along with her heart.

Harlequin DARE publishes sexy romances featuring powerful alpha heroes and bold, fearless heroines exploring their deepest fantasies.

Four new Harlequin DARE titles are available each month, wherever ebooks are sold!

FAYE AVALON lives in southwest England with her super-ace husband and one beloved, ridiculously spoiled golden retriever. She worked as cabin crew, detoured into property development, public relations, court reporting and education, before finally finding her passion: writing steamy romantic fiction. Between writing, practicing yoga, trying to remember the difference between a plié and relevé in ballet class, and keeping the keyboard free of dog hair, Faye can be found checking out Pinterest for hero inspiration.

Visit her at fayeavalon.com.

Also by Faye Avalon

Rescue Me

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Slow Hands

Faye Avalon

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09940-0

SLOW HANDS

© 2020 Faye Avalon

Published in Great Britain 2020

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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For Dad: my very first hero

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

About the Publisher

CHAPTER ONE

‘YOU’LL DEFINITELY BE needing a lawyer.’

April Sinclair’s initial relief at having finally confessed her predicament to her best friend turned sour as Lizzie’s mouth twitched.

‘For pity’s sake. It isn’t funny.’ April glanced around the crowded café, thankful that their conversation had seemingly failed to attract the attention of other patrons. ‘I’m starting to think I’m the only one taking this seriously.’

Lizzie battled to keep her face straight. ‘It is pretty funny.’

‘Sadly, most of the lawyers I’ve approached share your view. They either fall off their chair laughing or look at me as if I’m running a bordello.’ April drummed her fingers against her coffee cup. ‘Maybe I’d see the joke if my business wasn’t on the line.’

‘You should tell the woman to piss off and stop bothering you with her idiot claims. Stupid cow. She’d be better off asking herself why the only way she can get her prurient needs met is via a piece of plastic.’

‘Shh!’ April looked around again before lowering her voice. ‘Veronica won’t back down. I’ve tried reasoning with her, but she won’t budge. Why would she when she’s been waiting years to get back at me? I played right into her bloody hands.’

‘She won’t go through with it. She’s winding you up. Making you sweat.’

‘Well, mission accomplished, then.’

April knew that Veronica Lebeck was not only capable of going through with her threats, but that she’d absolutely relish making April squirm. Back in her modelling days April had experienced Veronica’s spiteful ways first-hand. Catwalk rivalry, the spreading of vicious rumours, garment tampering... And, of course, there had been the whole Richard thing. The woman was relentless when it came to her own interests, and she courted publicity as if it was going out of fashion.

‘Don’t lose sleep over it,’ Lizzie advised as she picked up her coffee. ‘Even if she does carry out her threat, your insurance will cover any costs.’

With a hard swallow, April looked her friend square in the eye. Showtime.

‘Well, see...that’s the thing. I don’t have any insurance. The policy hasn’t been renewed.’

Frothy latte midway to her lips, Lizzie froze. ‘Please tell me you’re joking.’

Why the hell had she chosen to confess all to Lizzie in the middle of a crowded Covent Garden café? Her friend wasn’t known for her shy and retiring ways.

‘It got overlooked while I was dealing with my dad’s estate. And, before you say it, I know it was stupid and I’m an idiot.’

Eyes fierce, Lizzie put down her cup. ‘You’re neither. But I thought Rotten Richard was dealing with your business paperwork while you were up to your ears in funeral arrangements and sorting your dad’s affairs? Don’t tell me he screwed that up on top of everything else?’

April shrugged. She wasn’t planning on revisiting that time. She’d put her ex into a box and shoved him, and the whole pitiable episode, into the cobwebbed recesses of her mind. At least she’d thought so until Veronica’s threatened claim had required that she check out her insurance policy.

‘Bloody hell.’

Lizzie stared across the table at her, and the concern in her friend’s eyes made April’s stomach spin. When Lizzie was worried there really was something to be alarmed about.

‘You’re definitely going to need legal advice.’ She picked up her bag and dug for her mobile. ‘And I might just know where you can get it. Miles mentioned this guy who handled their CEO’s divorce case. A real hard-ass, by all accounts. High-profile. High success rate.’

That sounded like music to April’s ears, but since Lizzie’s current squeeze worked for an international pharmaceutical company, April couldn’t imagine a lawyer of such standing would be at all interested in giving advice about her predicament.

‘I’ve already contacted just about every lawyer in the book,’ she said as, undeterred, Lizzie tapped the keypad. ‘I really can’t see this one chomping at the bit to take me on.’

Lizzie waved that away as she brought the phone to her ear. ‘He gave Miles his card after he did him a favour. Let’s see if Miles can work his magic and get you an appointment.’ She turned her attention to the phone at her ear. ‘Oh, hi, sweetie. You know that lawyer you helped out...?’

Walking into the foyer of the eight-storey office building located on London’s Chancery Lane, April reminded herself that she was out of options. She’d checked out Logan Fitzpatrick on the internet and he was most definitely going to laugh her out of his office. Lizzie had said he was high-profile, but she’d failed to mention that he’d handled prestigious cases involving politicians and celebrities, his successes ensuring that he was now pretty much a celebrity himself.

Ignoring the nauseous roll of her stomach, April went through the security booth and over to Reception. She gave her name and was directed to the sixth floor. Stepping into the elevator, she pushed the relevant button and seconds later exited into a long hallway with polished black and white floor tiles and monochrome prints decorating the walls. The only colour came from the scattering of plants and potted palms strategically placed along the space.

A woman with spiky brown hair emphasising a pretty heart-shaped face came to meet her. She smiled and reached for April’s hand. ‘Ms Sinclair? Come this way.’

April followed her to the end of the hallway and into a huge waiting room containing two massive white leather sofas.

‘Mr Fitzpatrick is running a few minutes late. Can I offer you coffee while you wait?’

Hell, no. She was hyper enough already. ‘I’m fine. Thanks.’

‘Take a seat, then. I’m sure he won’t keep you waiting long.’

When the woman had left, April took the opportunity to look around. It was all very smart and sophisticated. Minimalist, almost. She shifted a couple of deep orange cushions and sank into the sumptuous leather. Absently, she selected a magazine from the glass coffee table and flicked through it. Seconds later she popped it back on the table. It was fruitless trying to concentrate when she felt so wired.

How had things gotten to this? When was the moment she’d screwed up so badly? She’d thought she had it all worked out. Leaving London to care for her father, creating an online business so she could work from home and be there if he needed her, building that business into something she was proud of...

The strange thing was that although she’d chosen it as a stopgap, until she could return to London and resume her modelling career, she’d soon realised that she loved her online venture. Since returning to London several months ago she’d worked hard to rebuild her business after Richard had almost destroyed it, and now it was going from strength to strength. She’d been able to diversify, had garnered some prestigious link-ups with fellow entrepreneurs, and was slowly building trust and recognition amongst her growing list of customers.

Now all that was in jeopardy because of one bloody oversight. Thanks to Richard. Not that she could blame him entirely. It was her own fault for allowing him control—and not just of her business, but of her, too. She’d trusted him, handed the reins of her life to him.

Maybe she could console herself that she’d had reason to do so at the time, but that was really no excuse. Not that it would ever happen again. She’d learned a huge and valuable lesson from the whole debacle.

The woman returned and held out a glass. ‘You look like you could use this,’ she said as April accepted the water. ‘Try not to worry. I’m sure he’ll help if he can.’

If he can.

That was the crucial question.

Since she hadn’t been required to divulge the nature of her business, beyond the fact that she was seeking advice on a potential litigation matter, April knew the woman wasn’t aware of the reason for her appointment. That was unless Veronica had decided to go ahead with her threat, had procured herself a lawyer, and word had got around. Like most professions, law was probably an intimate world, and lawyers’ dinner tables undoubtedly rife with humorous stories of client predicaments.

She could only imagine what kind of reaction her story would get were it shared amongst the legal profession. Not that she had anything to be embarrassed about. She ran a legitimate successful business. And she would do everything in her power to make sure that continued.

When a buzzer sounded, April was treated to another encouraging smile. ‘He’s free now. I’ll show you in.’

The woman took April’s glass and tapped lightly on the door. Without waiting for a response, she pushed it open and stepped back so April could enter a large corner office overlooking London’s impressive skyline.

One glance at the man leaning against the front of the battered walnut desk and April was tempted to grab for the water again. There was no mistaking this was the man she’d come to see. He owned the space, filled it, swamped it. Confidence seemed to ooze from every pore. Okay, she’d seen photos of him while doing an online search, but in the flesh Logan Fitzpatrick was formidable, and absolutely not what she’d been expecting.

Ruffled dark brown hair flirted with the open collar of a crisp white shirt—and the latter was the only lawyerly thing about his appearance. Dark jeans, a wide leather belt with a buckle that looked like some sort of Celtic knot, and battered leather boots. What looked like a full day’s worth of stubble barely disguised an impressively square jaw, and beneath the slash of thick dark eyebrows shrewd blue eyes appraised her as she stood in the doorway.

His gaze didn’t shift from hers as he thanked the woman, who popped April’s glass on his desk. April stared back, and would have swallowed, but her mouth was currently doing an impression of the Gobi Desert.

While he looked nothing like her idea of a lawyer, he was most definitely a man to lust over while indulging in some very inappropriate daydreams.

‘When you’ve finished looking your fill, maybe you’d like to come in all the way.’

Her instinct was to deny she’d been checking him out, and to challenge his undeniable ego, but there was no point annoying him from the get-go. If she could persuade him to help her, that very ego and formidable manner was exactly what she needed on her side.

With sensually masculine ease, he pushed away from the desk and held out his hand. It was big and rough, and a large gold watch circled his solid wrist. Heat curled in her belly as she stepped forward to accept his handshake. His palm connected with hers, warm and solid, and his fingers curled firmly around her hand.

Little tingles joined the heat—probably because the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled to just below his elbows, displaying tanned and muscled forearms with a light covering of dark hair. She was a sucker for muscular arms—all that strength and power—especially when one of them displayed an intriguing tattoo similar in design to the buckle on his belt.

Before she could start musing on the possible importance the symbol held for him, she released his hand.

‘You’re Mr Fitzpatrick?’

‘That’s what it says on the door.’

The velvet cadence of his deep voice should have softened his edges, but all it did was add to the already dangerous air about him.

‘Why don’t you sit down and hit me with the reason for your visit?’

‘Yes. Right.’ She felt she owed him an explanation for her staring. ‘You’re not like the photographs on your company website.’

He glanced down at himself, then met her gaze again, treating her to a sexy glint from those blue eyes. ‘Yeah, well. It’s dress-down Friday.’

‘No offence, it’s just the photos show you in a snappy suit.’

‘If it’s a fashion plate you’re after, try Models Inc. a few floors down. If it’s legal representation, take a seat. And no offence taken.’

No. He was too damned sure of himself for that. She really admired that kind of confidence, loved the self-assurance that came with knowing you were the best. And he was the best. Top of his game, able to take his pick of clients.

Before she could dwell on the implications of that, he walked around the desk, sat, and scooted forward. ‘Now we’ve established I’m who you came to see, give me the details.’

April felt a smidgen of relief that he was safely back behind his desk, but she wished he’d roll those bloody shirtsleeves down so she could stop staring at his forearms. And how was she supposed to explain her current predicament with those steely blue eyes fixed firmly on her?

Because you’ve got no choice.

Best to blurt it out, then. ‘I’m under threat of being sued. I need legal advice.’

‘Then you’ve come to the right place. Who’s suing you?’

‘An ex-colleague during my modelling days. Veronica Lebeck.’

He raised dark eyebrows. The mention of Veronica’s name tended to have that reaction, especially since she’d gained notoriety after appearing topless on a reality TV show.

‘What grounds?’

‘She’s claiming negligence. That a product she purchased from my company was unfit for purpose and caused her physical injury.’

‘Was the product faulty?’

‘I’ve sold hundreds before and it gets excellent reviews.’

‘Reviews don’t mean shit.’

Her instinct was to counter the patronising tone, but the words died on her lips. She could imagine him telling her where the door was and that she was most welcome to use it.

‘What’s the product?’

She angled her chin into the air. ‘A vibrator.’

His expression didn’t waver, but a glimmer of heat shot into his eyes. ‘A vibrator?’

Deliberately, she presented him with what Lizzie called her pissy business face. ‘I run an online store selling adult toys.’

His gaze stayed firm on hers, but his nostrils flared a little and she thought his lips twitched.

‘Ever had anything like this happen before?’

‘Never.’ She pulled her chin higher. She was a professional businesswoman selling bona fide merchandise. Damned if she’d apologise or be embarrassed about it. ‘Vibrators are my top-selling product.’

For the first time since she’d entered the office he released her from that intense gaze and scooted his chair nearer the desk and his laptop.

‘What’s your URL?’

She told him and he tapped it in.

In silence, April watched him peruse the site, his gaze skimming over the screen. His eyes moved fast, but she knew he didn’t miss a thing. The only sound in the room was the click of the mouse as he flipped through the pages, and an occasional tap at the keyboard. His long fingers adeptly negotiated each click, those muscles in his forearm flexing with the movement.

She was about to slide into a lusty daydream, imagining the kind of lethal damage he could do to a woman with that muscled strength, those supple fingers, when he pushed the laptop away and sat back in his chair.

‘Your disclaimer could do with some fleshing out. Liability insurance? Who are your underwriters?’

She inhaled deeply, breathed out slowly. ‘I currently don’t have any—insurance or underwriters.’

That unnerving gaze was back on her, his eyes slightly narrowed with a what-sort-of-idiot-woman-is-this? glint.

‘Why the hell not?’

April refused to react to his implication that she was lacking in the intelligence department. Now wasn’t the time to allow those particular demons to surface.

‘The policy renewal got overlooked. I’ve tried to take out insurance to start from now, but since I felt compelled to disclose the threat of potential litigation, nobody will accept me with that hanging over my head.’

He gave a slow, thoughtful nod. ‘Has Lebeck mentioned a figure?’

‘Yes.’ April’s stomach heaved. ‘One million.’

Logan Fitzpatrick’s face remained impassive for a moment, then he tipped his head back and laughed. A full-out laugh, crinkling his blue eyes and displaying teeth that were a perfect match for the white of his shirt.

Oh, but he was an attractive specimen of manhood—in a roguish sort of way. She might have put her love-life on hold after the whole Rotten Richard debacle, might have made a promise to herself to focus on building her business instead, but there was absolutely no harm in looking, was there?

‘What sort of damage did this thing do?’

April thought the question was rhetorical until he raised his eyebrows, waiting. ‘Some bruising, apparently. She said it gave her a kind of shock.’

He reached across his desk towards an ashtray which held a fat cigar. When he stuffed the cigar, unlit, between his teeth, April had the disconcerting impression that he’d done it to stop himself from laughing again.

Days of worry and pent-up irritation pushed to the fore. ‘Look, I just want to know. Does she have a case?’

‘Hard to say,’ he said around the cigar. ‘You said you once worked together. What kind of relationship did you have?’

April considered her response carefully. There was no point telling him anything that didn’t relate to the case. ‘Let’s just say we weren’t the best of friends. Some minor work-related disagreements, but nothing like this.’

Hot colour flooded into her cheeks—probably because of the way his teeth clenched around that bloody cigar. It was ridiculously sexy. Which was absurd. She had more to think about than some sexy lawyer who, like all the others she’d approached, obviously had no intention of taking her seriously, let alone helping her.

He took the cigar from his mouth and placed it back in the ashtray. As he leaned forward the movement highlighted the width of his shoulders, the size of his biceps as they strained against the crisp cotton of his shirt. It made her want to rip that shirt right off his shoulders and check out the view for real.

‘Tell me about your set up.’

Her face, which had lost a little of the heat, started to burn again under his intense scrutiny. She had the disconcerting feeling that this man didn’t miss anything. That he listened, absorbed, dissected, and then either accepted what you said or spit it right out. Straight down the line. No middle way.

She took a covert deep breath. ‘Like I said, I run an online shop. It’s mostly mail order, but I also party-plan.’

‘Party-plan? How does that work?’

The glint in his eye indicated he already had a pretty good handle on how it worked, but she hiked a shoulder.

‘Women get together with a bunch of friends, they order what they want, and I arrange to have their purchases delivered.’

‘How do they make their choices?’

Oh, here we go, she thought. Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink. She’d handled this sort of smutty inference so many times before, and she’d handle it now.

Except this time it wasn’t so easy—not with his eyes taking a long, slow perusal of her and making her womanly parts do a happy dance. She squeezed her knees together as the gleam in his eye shot across the desk like an electrical current and arrowed straight to her clit. Heat rose in her body, thick and potent, making her limbs feel heavy, her core muscles tight.

This reaction to him was ridiculous—especially since he was likely just having his fun before showing her the door.

She thought about leaving. Simply gathering up her bag, thanking him for his time and leaving with her head held high. Problem was, he was basically her last resort.

She met his gaze full-on. ‘Website, catalogue and theoretical product demonstration.’

He nodded, then went back to perusing the screen.

While he hadn’t been openly derogatory, April didn’t much like his attitude. Although, she had to admit that at least he was listening to her. So far this appointment had lasted longer than any of the others, and the fact he was still checking out her website was surely a good sign. Unless he was just a pervert and was enjoying the models displaying the latest in sexy underwear. They were some of her most visited pages.

‘What model of vibrator?’ he asked suddenly, his eyes not leaving the screen. ‘There are dozens listed here.’

‘It’s no longer listed. I took it down right after this happened, although I kept a sample.’

His eyes met hers, held there. ‘I’ll need to see it, check out how it works. Theoretically.’

She couldn’t tell if he was being deliberately suggestive or if she was just being too sensitive, but he needed to realise that, like him, she wasn’t about to take any crap. ‘I run an online adult store. A legitimate business. If you can’t help me, just say so. But please don’t insult me or my business.’

His eyebrows rose in sardonic fashion. ‘There’s no insult—to you or your business. I merely need to be in possession of all the facts. If my request to see the vibrator offends your delicate sensibilities, maybe you’re in the wrong business.’

Arrogant prick.

But he was right, of course. He did need all the facts. She could have kicked herself for not bringing a sample of the vibrator along, but in her defence she’d thought this would be a quickie appointment that would have her leaving with the sound of his laughter ringing in her ears.

He unsettled her. Not just his cool and commanding manner, but the fact she hadn’t felt quite so attracted to a man in a long time, and certainly hadn’t indulged in fantasies of the screwing variety for even longer. It was insane.

Shouldn’t it take more than sinfully handsome features all wrapped up in one sexy and self-assured package to make a woman react the way she was reacting? Shouldn’t it be about trust and respect? But then, in her experience, both of those qualities were in very short supply, so maybe there was something to be said for simple lust.

‘I’d be happy to let you have a sample,’ April said, yanking her focus back to the matter in hand. ‘I can get it couriered over to you. Discreet packaging, of course. Wouldn’t want to offend any of your delicate sensibilities.’

CHAPTER TWO

TOUCHÉ, LOGAN THOUGHT as she batted his comment back to him.

He was enjoying himself. There was something about her edgy manner, in the way she sat upright and determined in her functional grey jacket and black skirt, that made him want to push, see how far she’d push back.

Heat lay beneath the businesslike demeanour. Strength in the warm brown gaze. She was elegant, feminine and classy, but with a fuck you tilt to her pretty chin when she didn’t like the flavour of his questioning.

Every now and again he caught a flash of thigh as she crossed and uncrossed her legs. A glimpse of cleavage every time she folded her arms. And, while her body was a definite cause for celebration, there was no real hardship in meeting her eyes. They were brown, with an intriguing mix of steel and satin glowing in their depths. Like the warmest cognac...soothing and yet with a punch that could momentarily steal a man’s breath away.

He’d had sex on the brain from the moment April Sinclair had waltzed into his office, which wasn’t really surprising. Self-imposed celibacy could do that to a man. But he’d sailed too close to the wind with his last lover, had allowed their casual liaison to slide dangerously into relationship territory. Her parting words still rang in his ears:

‘What are you going to do, Logan? Fuck and then leave every woman you meet because you don’t have the balls for anything bordering on a serious relationship?’

Yeah, that was pretty much it. Safer that way. Then he wouldn’t have to hear the door slam as they left him. Wouldn’t be forced to watch as they walked out of his life.

Since April was watching him with an air of expectation, he took a breath and stroked his chin. ‘Never been accused of having “delicate” anything before. Certainly not to the point of worrying about people knowing the contents of my mail.’

Even her frown was sexy.

‘I have to say I don’t think you’re particularly professional in your approach.’

Logan had to admit she was right. But she was testing his focus. ‘Which shouldn’t bother you any more than it bothers me.’

‘It bothers me that you don’t seem to be taking my problem seriously.’

‘I take every problem that lands on my desk seriously.’

She stuck that chin in the air. It was slightly pointed, like a sexy fairy, and went with the rest of her. Sharp cheekbones, pert nose, mouth—and what a mouth it was. All her features came together to form one hell of a package.

‘I’ll have it delivered to your office.’

Logan blinked. He’d lost the gist of the conversation. Too busy deliberating on the very delicious prospect of stripping her out of those conservative clothes and discovering what lay beneath. Sexy underwear? Like the kind he’d seen on her website? Wouldn’t that be a sight? He’d strip her out of that, too. Slowly. Until she was naked, willing and ready for him...

‘After you’ve inspected it, can we discuss things further?’

No, let’s discuss something entirely more gratifying.

Using what he considered heroic effort, Logan dragged himself back to the business at hand. He really wasn’t behaving much like a professional. Time to rein it all back before he got himself some unwelcome tabloid attention when April Sinclair reported him for being a sleazebag.

He sucked in a breath. ‘I’ll be straight with you. I’m not your best bet for this.’

How could he be when Veronica Lebeck was the current lover of the man who was the closest thing to a father Logan had ever had? Okay, Haydon collected women—young ones—like the proverbial sugar daddy, and chances were that Haydon had already moved on to new pastures. But Logan owed the property tycoon. Big-time.

‘Not my best bet?’ Panic shot into her eyes. ‘You’re saying you can’t advise me?’

Without Haydon’s link to Veronica, Logan wondered if he might have represented April. It would have been interesting to see how far he could get with this leggy blonde with her throaty voice and tight-assed attitude. But, taking everything into account, and since he was involved in a case that would require a fair amount of overseas travel and a great deal of media coverage, he couldn’t indulge.

Briefly, he considered telling her about his conflict of interest, but that panic in her eyes stopped him, pulling at something deep inside him that always sought to protect the vulnerable.

Not that it applied to her. He sensed a backbone there, and an integrity he had to admire. She hadn’t technically been required to alert potential insurers of a lawsuit that might never happen, especially since it was outside their culpability as a future provider, but he liked that she’d been upfront about it.

‘I’m saying I specialise in family law. You need a civil litigator. I can put you in touch with someone.’

She leaned forward and fixed him with a solid stare, and another fascinating glimpse of cleavage that did something interesting in the vicinity of his loins.

‘Look, I just want to know what I might be facing. I’m tired of being dismissed and shoved out the door. I don’t want to have to explain all this to someone else, only to have them pass me on yet again.’

Her frustration shimmered in the air, and Logan found himself sympathising. He knew what it was to be pushed from pillar to post, to feel as if nobody listened or cared. He’d experienced plenty of that when life had forced him to grow up and take charge. Feeling powerless was no fun, and he’d learned quickly to take control, to protect his brothers and sister and keep them safe after his parents walked out on them. His siblings had trusted him to act in their best interests. They still did. As did his clients.

‘Okay.’ The least he could do for April was gather all the facts, then she’d be spared having to explain it all over again when he passed her along to someone else. ‘Where do you get your stock?’

‘Mostly I use drop shipping,’ April said. ‘Do you know what that is?’

He did, but he shook his head as he folded his arms. ‘Explain it to me.’

The fact was, he liked listening to her. Enjoyed the throaty timbre of her voice. Even more, he liked watching the way her mouth moved around words. The way that narrow upper lip and the fuller lower lip curved around the syllables and sounds. A mouth like that could do sensational damage to a man...

‘And, since I have several regular repeat orders,’ she went on, unaware of the fire throbbing in his cock, ‘I rarely have a problem with supply.’

Logan tried to convince himself that she could be explaining the ordering procedure for tinned peas, but his mind kept straying to the items of her trade, how much he’d like to experiment, how much he’d enjoy using them on her, and his damn cock wouldn’t let up.

To add insult to injury, blood pounded in his veins, shooting his imagination into overdrive. He pictured her mouth clamped around his erection, her blonde hair flowing over his thighs, her naked body stretched out while he explored every inch of her. Slowly. He’d use his hands, his mouth, his teeth, and he’d have her screaming and begging before he...

‘Does all that make sense?’ She sat back, her eyes wide. ‘I’m sure you’ve got questions.’

Questions? He needed to think of some bloody questions. While she’d been busy outlining her ordering procedure, he’d been busy mind-fucking her. He was a real prince. What the hell had happened to his legendary professionalism? The professionalism that had heads of industry, eminent politicians and A-list celebrities knocking at his door, begging to be his clients.

He sucked in a breath. ‘Yeah. The vibrator in question,’ he improvised. ‘It was supplied by one of these drop shippers?’

She frowned. ‘No. Like I explained, they were on special offer from a source I’d never used before.’ She reached into her bag, pulled out a wad of papers and handed them to him. ‘When this blew up, I emailed the company to check if the stock was faulty. They haven’t replied yet.’

Unlikely they’d reply at all, Logan thought as he flicked through the wad. Bogus companies sprang up all the time, especially online, and at the first sign of trouble they were the devil’s own job to trace.

Since April seemed like a savvy cookie, he didn’t understand why she’d taken a chance on an unknown and untested source. Nor why she’d allowed her insurance to lapse. There had to be more to it. Was she telling him everything?

He watched her closely, felt the stir in his blood as she levelled her gaze back at him. ‘If you want my advice, you need to understand that I won’t tolerate any fudging around the facts.’

She nodded, her shoulders visibly relaxing. ‘No fudging. I’ve given you the facts.’

He maintained eye contact, pleased when she didn’t flinch. But there was more here—more to her than she was letting on. The woman intrigued him more with every passing minute.

‘Let me take a look at this,’ Logan said, flicking through the file she’d given him. ‘I’ll get back to you.’

‘Can you give me your initial thoughts now? Is there a case to answer?’

Not from what he’d gleaned so far. And from what he knew of Lebeck, she was an opportunist. Likely she’d yield to the prospect of some freebies, or cave to an out-of-court settlement with a token compensation claim. But he couldn’t discount the possibility that she’d go to the press, and they’d have a frigging field day.

Until he checked out the current status of Veronica’s connection with Haydon he wasn’t going to risk upsetting his mentor and friend by helping April. But in the meantime, there was no harm in gathering those facts, so she wouldn’t need to explain it all over again when he passed her on.

‘Like I said, I’ll get back to you.’

She hesitated, obviously wanting to press him for an answer, then closed her bag and stood. Logan followed her to the door, determined not to check out her ass in the process. He failed. Miserably. She had an exceptional ass.

At the door, she faced him, making his pulse hammer. He was tempted to hike her into his arms, bring that tempting mouth right up against his and kiss the life out of her. See if she tasted as potent as he imagined she would.

‘I know for you this seems small fry and unimportant,’ April said, cutting into his thoughts. ‘But—’

‘I never consider the threat of being sued unimportant.’

Her eyelids fluttered closed over those stunning eyes before he could once again be caught in their cognac depths. He’d need a freaking life jacket if he stared into them too long.

‘Thanks for saying that. This thing has me tied up in knots.’

How he’d love to tie her up in knots. Watch those eyes turn languid and sultry...hear her moan his name as he drove her to the heights of sexual desire.

He had a sudden desire to take on her case himself. Whether to sate the intense sexual attraction that fired in his veins or just to make sure the likes of Veronica Lebeck didn’t get away with screwing people using cockamamie stories about rabid vibrators.

Maybe both.

‘I’m going away tomorrow, but I’ll take a closer look at your file tonight.’

She drew a breath, the movement highlighting the curve of her breasts beneath the conservative jacket. ‘I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. Thanks for fitting me in.’

Logan went to his desk, grabbed one of his business cards and scribbled on the back, all the while imagining how April could fit him in just fine. All the way. Hard. Fast. Deep.

With that particular thought thrumming through his head, he walked back to the door. He timed it perfectly, his hand connecting with hers as they both reached for the door handle. There was heat in her eyes, a definite pink tinge across her cheekbones.

‘You like Italian?’

Suspicion layered over the heat. ‘Why?’

With his free hand he held out his card, keeping hold of it for a moment too long when she tried to take it. ‘I’m inviting you to supper.’

And hopefully more, Logan thought as her gaze held his. He wanted her in his bed, but he also wanted her to look at him without wariness clouding her brown eyes. That might make him a fool, but he was a well-prepared one. Forewarned was forearmed, or so the saying went. What was wrong with a casual and mutually agreeable hook-up with a woman who intrigued him almost as much as she attracted him?

‘Do you feed all your clients, Mr Fitzpatrick?’

He shrugged as her question pulled him from his thoughts. ‘Two birds. One stone. And, since I’ll need that sample, you can bring it with you.’

He caught another glimmer of suspicion, right before she looked down at the card. It made him smile. And push. ‘And, since we both know we’re heading way past formalities, let’s make it Logan.’

She tapped the card a few times before her gaze met his. ‘Isn’t there some kind of code that says we should stick to formalities? A kind of client-and-lawyer thing?’

He liked it that she didn’t pretend to misunderstand his meaning. ‘You’re not technically my client. I’m just giving you advice.’

A slight smile turned up the corners of her sensual mouth. ‘I assume you’re billing me for your time? That makes it official lawyer/client territory.’

He leaned closer, pleased when she stood her ground. ‘Even so, there’s no problem, since there’s no code.’

Still she didn’t move, but she looked at him with a measure of heat that shot straight to his loins. Fuck, but he wanted her more than he’d wanted a woman in a long time.

Hot nights. Hot sex. No strings.

‘Maybe I’m not looking for a man, just a lawyer.’

‘Who says you can’t have both?’

She tilted her head as if she was weighing him up. ‘I’ve got too much at stake to muddy the waters.’

That suited him just fine. ‘Then we’ll make sure to keep those waters nice and clear.’ He waited a beat. ‘My private address is on the back of the card.’

She tapped the card to her chin, considering, then she turned to the door.

Logan opened it.

‘Seven o’clock.’

Unable to resist he leaned down as she passed him, his mouth close to her ear.

‘Don’t forget the vibrator.’

CHAPTER THREE

APRIL ARRIVED BACK at the small apartment she shared with Lizzie, her body still throbbing from the interaction with Logan. All kinds of lewd things had shot through her brain when he’d told her in that deep, gravelly voice to remember to bring the vibrator, his breath warm and sensual against her ear. His intoxicating scent had wrapped around her and accompanied her all the way home.

He’d done it on purpose, of course, anticipating a reaction. And that was after he’d basically propositioned her.

Had he expected she’d get all flustered, skittish and embarrassed?

Dream on.

She was used to insinuations, and she was used to propositions. In her line of work it came with the territory. Most men made some smutty comment when they found out she ran an adult toy business, insinuating she might give them a personal demonstration of her products. A minority actually asked her flat-out if she’d have sex with them.

Although irritated, she generally fielded those comments with a sardonic response or simply ignored them. Logan’s smoky allusion had shot a reaction between her legs that had taken her by surprise. Well, kind of... The truth was she hadn’t been able to steady her hormones since setting eyes on the man, ensuring she’d been thinking about vibrator-play with a certain sexy lawyer all the way home on the tube.

She’d told him she wanted a lawyer, not a man. He’d said she could have both.

Could she?

Wouldn’t that make things complicated?

What if they had hot, steamy sex and then the attraction fizzled out?

But what if they had hot, steamy sex and it didn’t fizzle out?

Hell, she could imagine Logan would be amazing in bed. She’d bet he didn’t shy away from adventure, either. Not like Richard.

She blew out a breath, picked up her mail and took it with her down the hall, tossing her jacket on a chair as she went. The cosy apartment wrapped around her, settling her a little after the tumult of the day. In the galley kitchen, she switched on the coffee machine and gave only a cursory thought to the wisdom of adding caffeine to her edgy mood. She’d been jittery since leaving Logan’s office—actually, she’d been that way since walking into his office. He’d pulled all kinds of weird things from her.

It was just sex, of course. Pure and simple. He made her think about sex. Made her want sex. All that hot and steamy sex.

Maybe part of the attraction was his directness, the way he’d warned her he wouldn’t tolerate any fudging around the facts. After what she’d been through with Richard, dealing with someone honest and upfront was refreshing to say the least.

Sex with someone like Logan could be all kinds of interesting, and she was due, wasn’t she?

It had been a while since Richard. Not that sex with him had been great. Richard had liked it vanilla, blatantly disregarding her occasional attempts to try something new and exciting using the perks afforded by the products of her trade.

It was only recently that she’d realised he’d controlled her in the bedroom, too, and while she wasn’t entirely averse to that she would have liked to take the lead on occasion. To have made their sex life exciting, adventurous...electrifying. With Richard it never had been. Any time she’d tried to take things to another level he’d made her feel dirty and sluttish. Bad enough, he’d said, that she ran the kind of business she did. Didn’t she know that men would see her as an easy target?

Worse than any of that was the fact that he’d kicked her when she was at her lowest point. She might have learned to live with their lack-lustre sex-life, and his pointed remarks about the nature of her business, but the way he’d controlled, manipulated and ultimately betrayed her was unforgivable. He’d fed on her fears, shattered her confidence, made her doubt herself and her abilities.

It wouldn’t happen again. Ever. No way would she be that vulnerable, that naïve. Never again. Lessons had been learned and digested. Now she was in control. She was the one who knew what was best for her and her business. And if she wanted sex she’d have it. On her own terms.

She would keep control. She would call the shots. And, by God, this time she’d keep her wits about her. No man was ever going to screw with her again.

Before she could slide further down memory lane, her phone buzzed.

‘How did it go?’ Lizzie asked, without preamble. She was currently on a modelling assignment in Copenhagen. ‘Did he give you any idea of how things stand?’

‘Not really. When I first told him why I was there he could barely keep his face straight. Kept sticking an unlit cigar in his mouth.’

And damned if she wasn’t remembering the way that cigar had sat between his impossibly perfect white teeth as he’d smiled wickedly around it. Her core muscles clenched hard, but she made herself focus.

‘I’ll wager you soon put him right?’

‘I told him to treat me with the same respect he’d give anyone seeking his advice. He’s looking through the paperwork tonight.’ She waited, for effect. ‘He invited me to supper.’

‘Hmm...’

‘What does that mean?’

But April knew only too well what it meant. Lizzie had been encouraging her to get out there and have some fun since she’d moved back to London.

‘He wants me to bring a sample vibrator. And he told me to call him Logan.’

‘Hmm... Are you interested?’

She could have lied, but what was the point? ‘Very, as it happens. But I’m not sure it’s a good idea. It has “complicated” written all over it.’

‘Don’t see why. Where does he live?’

‘Chelsea. Farnsworth Place.’

‘Swanky. Now, go convince him to take you on.’ It was Lizzie’s turn to wait a beat. ‘And don’t you dare refuse dessert. It could prove mighty appetising...’

As she walked up the immaculate stone steps to Logan’s house April tried not to think about dessert. It was so bloody tempting, though—until she remembered that the man stirring all her juices was hopefully going to help save her business. That was what she should be focusing on right now, not hot, raunchy and undoubtedly fabulous sex.

April sucked in a steadying breath. Lizzie had been right about Farnsworth Place. Swanky. The house was one in a row of majestic three-storey houses with cream-coloured wood cladding offset with glossy black railed balconies.

Yet again, he’d thrown her off balance. It didn’t suit him, somehow. Too conventional, too...civilised.

Ignoring the flutter in her stomach, she pressed the doorbell. While she waited, she pulled the strap of her tote bag higher onto her shoulder and the box inside bumped her hip, reminding her why she was here.

A guy opened the door, holding a beer. ‘You must be April Sinclair. Come in.’

Thrown by someone other than Logan greeting her, April teetered on the top step until the man ushered her into the airy hallway. Her first impression was of space and not one iota of clutter. Several large abstract paintings hung along the ivory walls, providing a splash of bold and dramatic colour. The tiled floors were cool and functional, with just a few pieces of walnut furniture scattered along the length of the hall, leading the eye towards the back of the house.

‘Let me take your coat. He’s through there.’

April shrugged out of her coat, feeling out of place in her black knee-length skirt and pale blue tee shirt. She followed the man down the hall and into the living area. Terrace doors, stretching the full width of the room, showcased Chelsea Harbour and the glittering waters of the River Thames.

Logan stood looking beyond the terrace doors, speaking on his mobile phone. He turned to her and she felt the punch of his heated appraisal right down to her toes.

The man was impossibly gorgeous.

He wore his dark shirt open at the collar, which seemed to emphasise the width of his shoulders—or maybe it was the way he stood. Tall, upright and confident, one hand holding his phone, the other slipped into the pocket of his jeans.

Master of his universe. King of his domain.

She tried not to react to the slide of lust that flashed in her belly and burned through her blood as, with his gaze on hers, he finished his call and walked towards her. The pull of attraction radiated between them, hard to ignore and definitely hard to deny. She wasn’t at all sure about the intensity of this reaction he pulled from her. Despite the whole wanting to jump into bed with him thing, he made her feel strangely vulnerable. And that wouldn’t do. Hadn’t she vowed never again to let anyone hold power over her, over her life?

‘I see you’ve met my brother, Connor.’ Logan slapped the man playfully on the shoulder. ‘He’s just leaving.’

Connor turned and arched a sardonic eyebrow at his brother. ‘I am?’

‘You are,’ Logan confirmed with a quick smile as he took Connor’s beer. ‘Keep working on that status report for me, okay? We’ll catch up later.’ He turned his brother towards the hall with a little shove, receiving a fulminating look in return.

‘Drink?’ Logan asked as Connor left, the front door closing behind him with a hefty thud. ‘What’s your poison?’

‘Just coffee, please.’ April followed him into a huge kitchen, which afforded another fabulous view of the harbour and with the most delicious smell coming from the double oven. ‘I didn’t know you had a brother.’

‘Three,’ he said switching on the coffee machine. ‘Plus a sister. All younger than me, and each one a royal pain in the ass.’

Since he said it with a smile in his voice, April recognised the affection there. It was interesting to see this side of Logan, a glimpse of softness in the blatantly powerful and sexy lawyer. It tugged at something inside her. A little wistfully, she thought about how she’d always yearned for siblings. A big, loving family. Instead she’d been an only child, born late and unexpectedly to parents who had taken little interest in her except to manage and direct every aspect of her life.

‘Do they all live close?’

She enjoyed watching the easy way he moved around the space. His tight ass in those exquisitely cut jeans, his broad shoulders, strong arms... Sadly, his forearms were covered by shirtsleeves tonight, although the cuffs were turned back, displaying firm wrists and sturdy hands.

‘Connor lives in the city. The others are scattered all over, doing their thing.’

‘Which is...?’ April asked the question almost automatically, fascinated by the warmth that slipped into his tone as he spoke of his siblings, and mesmerised by his masculine appeal as he performed the simple domestic task of placing coffee cups, milk and sugar on a tray.

‘Aiden and Ty are both in the forces. Colleen is at uni in Edinburgh.’

She leaned back against a unit. ‘Do you see them much?’

‘I make sure to. Gotta keep them on the straight and narrow.’ He turned, mirroring her as he leaned back. ‘How about you?’

‘No siblings. No parents now. My mother died several years ago, and my father more recently.’

Logan frowned. ‘That’s rough.’

‘I’ve got great friends.’

He nodded, then his eyes turned heated. ‘A man?’

‘Like I said, I’m not in the market for complications.’

The corner of his mouth hiked into that cocky grin. ‘Doesn’t have to be complicated.’

‘Not at the start, but that’s how it usually ends.’

‘Not if everyone plays by the rules.’

The gleam in his blue eyes shone across the space between them and made the air positively sizzle. She’d told Lizzie she was interested in Logan. What she had failed to admit was that she was tempted beyond words to throw caution to the wind and jump him. Every moment she spent with the man made it harder to resist him.

And why the hell should she? She was long overdue some fun—the dirtier the better—and she knew Logan was exactly the man to provide it.

Could it be that simple?

‘What sort of rules?’

His nostrils flared. ‘That’s open to discussion.’

She remained silent, contemplating him and his words while her thighs trembled. If she gave in to temptation, wouldn’t that negate the progress she’d made in getting a lawyer who actually seemed to be taking her seriously? Wasn’t she better off focusing on the reason she was here and resisting the temptation of his admittedly considerable sexual appeal?

‘I think I’d rather discuss the threat to my business,’ she said, hoping that her eyes conveyed that she hadn’t completely drawn a solid line through the other discussion.

He studied her for several long moments, his blue gaze penetrating and panty-melting, and she was on the verge of telling him to scratch what she’d said when he nodded, then placed the coffee pot on the tray.

‘Okay. Let’s go and move things on.’

Considering the gist of the conversation they’d just shared, April wondered what exactly they were about to move on with. Business? Or pleasure? Both?

She followed him down the hall to the front of the building and into a sumptuous study. Book-filled shelves on every wall and a welcoming log-filled fireplace made the imposing space cosy and convivial.

Logan indicated the large leather sofa by the fireplace, then poured them both coffee before taking his seat on the matching sofa opposite. He’d switched to business mode, which gave her the answer to the moving things on question.

Settling back, he hooked his ankle across the opposite knee and started to flick through the folder she’d given him earlier. She found herself ogling his wide chest, the brawny shoulders. Since his forearms were covered by shirtsleeves, she let her attention slide leisurely downward. She almost smiled when she got to his shiny Italian leather shoes, wondering if it was true what they said about men with large feet.

‘Did you bring it?’

‘What?’

It was impossible to mistake the gleam in his eye. The man knew that she’d been checking him out.

‘The vibrator.’

‘Of course, that’s why I’m here.’

‘Then let’s take a look.’

April reached into her bag and pulled out the oblong box showing a busty half-naked blonde touching the pink vibrator to her red pouting lips.

Bloody hell. It would have been bad enough handing the box over to any lawyer, but to a man who seemed to fan her sexual flame just by breathing? It was impossible not to imagine him taking it out of the box and using it on her. They’d both be naked, and she’d be spread out beneath him while he treated her to that cocky grin as his big capable hands slid the vibrator between her legs...

Her core was wet and throbbing, but she held Logan’s gaze as she handed the item across to him. ‘This is from the same batch,’ she explained, her voice thready with lust. ‘The only difference is the colour.’

He took it, perused the box as if it held something mildly interesting. ‘These things come in different colours?’

April nodded. Her pulse hammered when he opened the box and held the vibrator up to study it. Her eyes zeroed in on his fingers as they slowly stroked and glided over the smooth plastic before moving to the ridged areas of the toy. More heat shot between her legs. She wanted to clamp her knees together, squirm in the seat to get some relief, but he was looking at her with that steady blue gaze.

Saying nothing, he flicked the switch with his thumb and raised his eyebrows when nothing happened.

‘New stock,’ April explained, annoyed that she’d forgotten to ready the toy. ‘It needs batteries.’

‘Right.’ A flicker of something deliciously wicked came into his eyes as he handed over the toy. ‘Maybe you should handle that.’

She wondered if he was imagining exactly what she was picturing. How his hands would subject her to the same slow and steady torture with which he’d made his acquaintance with the vibrator. Strong, leisurely strokes that would incite an aching need everywhere he touched...making her crave, making her burn...

Every cell of her body fired with the intensity of her thoughts as she slipped the batteries out of the box and pushed them into the toy.

She was so primed, so aware of him, that the sudden whir of the vibrator as it sprang into action made her start. The pink giant oscillated and pulsed, adding to the sensual heat April was trying her hardest to ignore. When Logan held his hand out for the toy she basically threw it at him. No bloody way was she going to make any kind of physical contact with the man while she was in this state of heightened arousal.

He smiled, and she knew he was aware of every thought and reaction she’d had.

‘It’s got three speeds,’ he said, holding the toy in one hand, while reading from the box. ‘And it can be used in the shower.’

Logan flicked the switch again and the vibrator went into top-speed mode. It started undulating. Oh, for pity’s sake. She couldn’t take much more of this.

Her intimate muscles contracted so hard she feared she might climax just from the sight of his adept fingers manipulating the thing as it continued to tilt and roll. Bloody hell, but she suspected Logan’s hands were a damn sight better suited to manipulating more interesting things than a piece of plastic.

‘And you’ve sold hundreds of these?’

Of what?

April gave herself a fierce mental shake. ‘This kind of toy is one of my top sellers, but this is the first time I’ve used this particular supplier for them. They were offering a limited time deal and I sold them as a special offer. They turned a decent profit.’

Thankfully he switched off the vibrator, but he continued to hold and study it.

‘Did Veronica Lebeck purchase the product through your website?’

‘No. Party-plan. Most of her friends bought one. I pretty much offloaded all the stock I had with me that night.’

‘When was that?’

‘About six weeks ago.’

‘Anyone else complain of problems with their purchase?’

‘No.’

April had an image of him in full legal wig and gown, interrogating some poor sap on the witness stand. She imagined he’d look pretty spectacular.

‘How’s business right now?’

‘It’s good.’

‘No need to cut corners? Take below-standard stock in the hope of offloading it fast?’

‘No.’ Her annoyance levels rose rapidly. ‘I would never deliberately sell sub-standard stock. I’ve got a good reputation...a huge percentage of returning clients. If you want to see testimonials, I can provide those easily enough.’

‘Testimonials?’

‘Satisfied customers.’

His grin flashed quick and sexy. ‘Excuse the pun?’

Still annoyed by his questioning of her standards, April glared at him. ‘I’m glad you’re finding this funny. I’m afraid I can’t share the sentiment.’

‘What’s the deal with your insurance?’

‘I forgot to renew it. Believe me, I’ve had sleepless nights about it, but I was distracted at the time. Personal matters. It was a foolish mistake.’

Logan studied the toy again, turning it this way and that. He placed it down next to the box on the table beside him, then walked over to his desk and picked up a sheaf of papers. ‘You might as well complete these while I take a closer look at the terms and conditions on your website.’ He handed them to her. ‘Something wrong?’

‘You need me to complete forms? Just to get your advice?’

He shrugged. ‘You’ll need to do them at some stage—might as well be now. Whoever handles your case will need the information, so go ahead and fill in the paperwork.’

Firm and non-negotiable, April thought as he went back to perusing his laptop. Did anyone ever get the better of Logan Fitzpatrick? Unlikely. Which only heightened her disappointment that he couldn’t be her lawyer. Probably just as well, though, since April suspected she’d be paying off his fee like a second mortgage for the next fifty years. Lawyers of his calibre didn’t do discounts or mate’s rates.

Looking on the bright side, there was nothing stopping her from letting him be something else. Nothing in the way of her acting on her undeniable attraction for the man. She was single, unattached, and desperately in lust. It would just be sex. Where was the problem?

Somehow she managed to drag her thoughts away from carnal possibilities long enough to complete the paperwork.

‘Done?’ Logan asked as she put down her pen.

She nodded.

‘Good. Now I get to feed you.’

The way he said it made her stomach do crazy, stupid things, but it might have been the copious amounts of caffeine she’d swigged down while completing the forms.

She was still on edge from that display with the vibrator, and her gaze flashed to where it sat on the side table.

Logan followed the direction of her look as he walked around his desk. ‘I’ll hang on to that. Unless you need it?’

Since her hormones were enjoying their own private disco, and her stomach had yet to settle from its vibrator-induced rollercoaster ride, April knew that she’d definitely be needing something. It looked as if her sample stock drawer would be raided the moment she got home.

This rampant flare of sexual attraction wasn’t going to diminish any time soon. If anything, the more time she spent in Logan’s company, the more she bloody wanted him.

‘Keep it,’ she said. ‘You might want to do more research.’

‘Yeah, I might.’

He held out his hand, his fevered gaze inviting her to take it...and much more. Shivers of awareness rippled down her spine as his fingers wrapped around hers, and heat burned between her legs and made her knees wobble.

‘I’m starting to develop a fascination,’ he said.

‘With vibrators?’

His gaze dropped to her mouth, and he made a long and seductive perusal of her lips. Those shivers shot from her spine straight to her core. She was wet, and aching, and so turned on it was ridiculous.

‘Not just vibrators,’ he said, his fingers tightening even more as the compelling blue of his eyes caught her in their devilish depths. ‘Although I’d like to know more about how they work.’

Oh, and how I’d like to show you.

‘You’ve just had a practical demonstration.’

‘Of the basics. Not the logistics. Can those things actually make a woman come?’

Oh, God.

‘Of course.’ How the hell did she sound so composed when her whole body was firing on all cylinders? ‘Women don’t always get their needs met by a man.’

He waited a beat. ‘Then that man isn’t doing his job properly.’

April pulled her inner muscles up hard. Anything to stop the constant throbbing and intense need. It was getting unbearable.

‘I suppose you’re going to tell me you’ve never had any complaints.’

Why had she said that? Did she have some hidden propensity for torturing herself? For baiting him?

‘Not one.’ He moved a little closer. ‘Which is why my women prefer the real thing.’

Bloody hell.

‘That’s what they tell you.’

He caught her other hand in his, moving ever closer. ‘They tell me with a satisfied smile on their face. That’s if they’ve got the energy left.’

Unable to resist, and not wanting him to have all the fun, April stepped closer this time. She touched her breasts to his chest, enjoying the way he sucked in a breath.

‘We women are good are bolstering men’s egos. How do you know that as soon as you’ve fallen asleep your women don’t go and seek out Mr Sparkly?’

His throat contracted, then his eyebrows rose. ‘Mr Sparkly?’

Had she said that aloud? Who cared? ‘It’s one of the games we play. At parties.’

She was on a roll now, feeling bold and daring. If this thing between them was going anywhere, then it made sense to let him know that he wasn’t the one who’d be in the driving seat.

‘Sex toy parties?’

He tilted his hips and his erection nudged her stomach. This time they both sucked in air.

‘I prefer the term “adult toys”.’

His hands settled on her hips, fingers digging in. ‘How does it work? The game?’

‘There’s an instruction sheet inside the box. I put one in with all my vibrator products.’

His impressive bulge pushed harder against her. ‘I’m not much for instruction sheets. Prefer working things out for myself.’

‘Typical man.’

‘There’s not much typical about me.’

She shimmied against him. ‘So I’ve noticed.’

His hands moved to her ass, tugging up her skirt and coaxing her legs apart to guide that impressive bulge between them. She was ridiculously wet.

He brought his mouth to within a whisper of hers, held there as they both breathed hard. Tilting her chin, she raised her lips to his. It was the lightest of touches, barely skimming, but the reaction pushed deep into her being and made everything come alive. Her heart hammered, her senses spun.

The kiss deepened until it was hard and hot. She dragged her hands up his masculine chest, felt his heart beating fast against her palms.

‘I really, really want you,’ she managed between kisses.

He groaned low in his throat, his hands gripping her hips and hiking her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist.

‘And I damn well want you,’ he said, his voice rough and edgy. ‘It’s time to eat... And I don’t mean pasta.’

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