Every atom in his body wanted to argue her point. But she was right. He'd stood in his apartment not five days ago and told her their attraction couldn't be acted upon. Yet, his damn protective beast couldn't be caged, not with her, and for months, he'd been rattling the chains of restraint, roaring to get free. He was this close to saying screw common sense.
She chewed her lip. "Mrs. Atherton is coming our way. Widow, chairman of the garden society, and just had her first grandchild. A girl. I'm going to run to the restroom. Ask her to see pictures of the baby. It'll keep her occupied while I'm gone." She went to step around him. "And remember to smile, Mr. Gaines."
Her barb at addressing him formally hit its mark. Napalm right to the chest. To avoid a nervous tick or fidget, he fisted
