“Was she really in the men’s change room, or is that just some kind of fantasy? It’s the talk of the club this morning and probably the story is being embellished.”
“She was there.” He nodded. “In the showers. That’s all true.”
Jacquie’s eyes widened. “Looking for you?”
“Apparently, since I was the only one there.”
“Even though it’s against the rules of the club?”
“Farah believes that rules are for other people.”
Jacquie studied him for a long moment. “So, you want me to just forget that you stood me up for a shared cab?” She shrugged and started to turn back to her work, dismissing him. “Consider it done.”
Pierce had to say something, fast. “How about a rematch? Maybe you could beat me to a pulp for my mistake?”
Jacquie looked him right in the eye and he knew she’d decided something. “No. I won’t put up with anyone letting me win, and a physical confrontation would be too easy for you. If you’re going to apologize, you need to do something that’s hard for you. That’s the only way to make amends.”
Pierce felt a flicker of alarm. He had no idea what she was going to propose.
It was fascinating and terrifying.
“I see two choices.” She held up a finger. “Just forget the whole thing. That would be easy for both of us.”
He shook his head and folded his arms across his chest. “No. That’s the one solution I don’t like at all. And I would argue that it wouldn’t be easy anyway.”
“Why not?”
Pierce decided to be blunt himself. “Because you interest me, Jacquie Morgan, and it’s been a long time since a woman did that. I want to learn more about you.” It wasn’t like him to admit his thoughts or feelings but he didn’t feel that he had a choice. Jacquie was demanding more from him and Pierce respected that.
He was starting to like it.
It was really sexy to have her challenge him. It made him feel that they were evenly matched, and not just in the kickboxing studio.
They both knew how to play hard.
When she didn’t say anything, he decided to push his luck. “I can’t help wondering, after that kiss last night, whether the feeling might be mutual.” It was a huge admission for him, but she wouldn’t know that. She blinked quickly, and he wondered whether she had guessed. Either way, he’d take it. He lifted a brow and offered a hand. “How about that second chance?”
Jacquie looked at his outstretched hand but instead of taking it, she held up a second finger. “That’s only going to happen if you take option number two.”
“Which is?”
“Tell me the truth about Little Miss Expensive. I suspect you don’t explain yourself very often, so that’s what I want. The true story of you and this Farah. It’s the only price you can pay to get that second chance.”
Pierce was startled. He didn’t tell stories. He didn’t share his past with anyone. He certainly didn’t confide in anyone. But Jacquie’s eyes were bright with challenge—she knew she’d found something hard for him to do.
And that made his decision obvious.
He nodded. “An explanation for a fresh start.” He offered his hand again. “Deal.”
She wagged that finger. “Only if I think the explanation is the truth.”
“That’s only fair. I don’t tell lies, by the way.”
“No, you just withhold information,” she said, apparently understanding his nature with unexpected ease. Pierce felt like he’d met a worthy opponent, a person as perceptive as he was, and his fascination with her increased again. She gave him a hard look, maybe even knowing that he was startled. “I want the truth.”
Pierce respected her demand. It felt like familiar ground.
“The truth,” he agreed.
Only then did Jacquie stand up and put her hand in his. Her grip was firm, her skin both smooth and soft. He was reminded of her strength—and of that kiss. He wanted to pull her closer and seal their agreement with a kiss, but her gaze told him it was too soon. “How about now?” she said and once again he admired how direct she was.
She wasn’t going to give him time to be evasive.
That she thought he might try to be once again made his next move obvious.
“How about a coffee to go along with that confession?” Pierce asked with a smile.
Her gaze dropped to his mouth. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. You’re blunt. I haven’t known many women who just say what they want. It’s refreshing—and intriguing.”
“Not even Farah?”
“Farah is only interested in what she wants. That’s different, and a lot less appealing.”
To his relief, Jacquie looked pleased by the distinction. “Then coffee it is.” She got her purse out of the drawer of her desk and by the time she straightened, Pierce had lifted her coat from the rack. She frowned slightly. “Not just in the lobby?”
“No. I like a little privacy. There’s a quiet place around the corner.”
It was quiet because it was comparatively expensive. He watched her smile with anticipation.
“Then I want one of those croissants, too,” she said, her gaze brightening.
So, she liked to be spoiled a little. Who didn’t? That she didn’t expect it told Pierce a lot about the financial realities of her life. She probably sacrificed a lot for her kids.
He had a definite urge to make up the deficit.
“Changing the terms?” he asked lightly.
“Maybe a little.” She was right before him, his hands almost on her shoulders as he held her coat, and Pierce caught a whiff of her scent. It was a clean scent, not a perfume, just moisturizer, soap and the musk of her own skin. It sent a jolt of awareness right through him, one that was followed by a sizzle of need. Her quick upward glance was bright, as if she could see all of his secrets—even that one. Pierce held her gaze, fighting his urge to look away and hide his thoughts. He let her look, wondering what she saw. She smiled slowly. “Problem
