“Why me? Can’t you just book somebody else? The agency has lots of nice women you can choose from.”
He inched closer to her as Sabrina sank back into her corner of the couch. She tried to pull her hand away, but he didn’t release her. “I feel comfortable with you. I’d like to spend more time with you.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. Misty doesn’t like us to get too comfortable with our clients,” Sabrina lied.
“Misty didn’t seem to have a problem with it when I negotiated the deal with her this afternoon.” Daniel pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed it tenderly.
His kiss spread a wave of heat throughout her body. “I can’t do it. Sorry. Choose somebody else. There are plenty of women who’d jump at the chance to have sex with you. But I’m not one of them.”
“You’re not interested in having sex with me anymore?” His eyes narrowed.
“No, I’m not.” She couldn’t remember ever having had a bigger lie come over her lips.
He gave her a long look. “Fine.”
Good, she’d finally convinced him that she wanted nothing to do with him. Now all he needed to do was to cancel the booking, and she and Holly would be home free and out of trouble.
Sabrina shifted on the couch to get up, but his arm pulled her back down before she’d even had a chance to lift herself up.
“I said fine, no sex. But I didn’t say you’ll get out of the booking.”
She glared at him, shocked. If he didn’t want sex, why hire an escort? What was wrong with this man? “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. You’ll call the shots when it comes to sex. If you don’t want to sleep with me, I won’t force you. But you’ll come to the wine country with me this weekend. I’ve reserved us a little bed and breakfast for tomorrow night. And you’ll share my bed. And I’m allowed to kiss you.”
She was so screwed. How was she supposed to not want to have sex with him when he insisted on them sharing a bed?
“You’re crazy.”
“Be that as it may, that’s my compromise, you spend the weekend with me, as well as the evenings and nights when we’re back in town, and you’ll sleep in my bed. I’ll make no attempt to have sex with you unless you want me to.”
Daniel seemed serious about the proposal. But she didn’t understand him. “Why would you book an escort knowing she doesn’t want to have sex with you? That’s the most hare-brained idea I’ve ever heard.”
He shrugged. “I like your company, with or without sex.” He moved his head closer to hers, looking suggestively at her lips. “Maybe you should say yes right now, before I have to use other means of persuasion, which might not be appropriate for a neighborhood coffee shop.”
Sabrina shot him a shocked look. “You wouldn’t!” Would he really embarrass them both and make out with her right in the middle of the coffee shop where everybody could see them? He couldn’t possible have in mind to touch her the way he’d touched her before when they were alone.
Looking at the wicked glint in his eyes, she realized he had no scruples. And knowing that he was from out of town, he probably didn’t even care if he embarrassed them. He didn’t have to come back here day after day to get his coffee. She did.
“Baby, you have no idea what I’m capable of.”
His lips brushed lightly against hers in a barely-there kiss.
Sabrina gasped instantly. “Okay. But you have to keep your side of the bargain. No sex.”
“As long as you keep to yours. You share my bed, and you’ll let me kiss you.”
Seconds ticked by until she finally nodded in agreement and Daniel pulled back and smiled. “I’m glad we finally agree. Even though, this could have been fun.”
She cringed when she saw his wicked smile before he broke out in hearty laughter.
“Come, I’ll walk you home so I know where to pick you up tomorrow morning.”
“No, that’s not necessary.” It was better if he didn’t know where she lived. “And besides, it’s against company policy.”
“Ms. Snyder authorized it since I’m taking you out of town tomorrow.”
He took her arm and led her out of the shop.
As they arrived at her building, he took her hand into his again. “Bring some casual clothes, we’ll be touring the vineyards in Sonoma. And a swimsuit. There’s a pool at the place we’re staying. I’ll pick you up at 9am.”
He kissed the palm of her hand then let it go.