Sins from Her Past (Scandalous) by Jules Bennett

thinking of heading to Key West,” he told her. “There are some amazing little cozy places there that I’d like you to see.”
    She eased back in her seat, eying him across the table. “Is this how you normally work? I know you fly all over, but doesn’t that get tiresome? Couldn’t you just, I don’t know, call someone or use email?”
    He shrugged. “If I want to see something or research something I prefer to do so in person. Is there a problem?”
    “Not really, but I have to say you’re really spoiling me for my next client.”
    He grinned. “Spoiling you is a great idea, but we’re traveling for business.”
    “Believe me, everything you’ve done since taking me on is spoiling me.” She sighed and patted her stomach. “I am so stuffed. That was amazing. Usually hotel food isn’t that great.”
    “But it should be,” he told her. “Every part of the experience should be satisfying.”
    She smiled. “You know, most businessmen care about the almighty dollar. But you care about the person.”
    He shrugged, not wanting her to think he was some softy when it came to work. “If the patron isn’t happy, they won’t come back. You have to cater to the people, not to whether or not you’ll make more money than the previous fiscal year.”
    Evelyn groaned and came to her feet. “Please, don’t start with the business talk. That crap makes my eye twitch.”
    “You’re in business for yourself,” he reminded her while standing. “These are things you’ll have to deal with in time.”
    “My business isn’t near on the scale yours is. You’re a millionaire and I’m, well, not anywhere close.”
    He laughed. “Maybe not, but you could be.”
    “No, thanks. I want to be successful, but I want to be happy and comfortable, and I want to be able to keep control over my business.”
    He studied her, noting that this was not the first time she’d mentioned being in control.
    “That’s most important to you, isn’t it?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
    Cocking her head to the side and pursing her brows, she asked. “What?”
    “Control.”
    She turned to the living area and took a seat on the couch. “It’s everything,” she told him, looking up to meet his gaze. “I have to be in control.”
    He remained where he was, not wanting to do anything to bring the fear back to her eyes.
    “Everything circles back around, doesn’t it?” he asked softly.
    She nodded. “You have no idea.”
    “Does every decision hinge on your past?” He moved and took a seat in a wingback chair next to the sofa. “Do you have to be in control with everything?”
    “Pretty much.”
    “Is that why you’re so reserved?”
    She smiled. “Is that a nice way of saying I’m uptight?”
    “Maybe I used to think you were a little uptight, but that only made you that much more intriguing.” He eased forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Now I realize you’re just guarded.”
    “That’s one word for it.”
    He eased down onto the floor, took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. “You don’t have to be. Let your guard down. Let me be your guard.”
    “You’re getting too deep for me.” She smiled, as if trying to lighten the mood because she was uncomfortable. “We’re not going to go any further with this topic. Yes, I’m guarded; yes, I have a past that is very personal, and no, I don’t intend to share it with you, Dylan or anyone else.”
    While he admired her strong will, he knew if she didn’t discuss what was going on, she’d break. He intended to be very, very close in case he needed to pick up the pieces.
    “Good for you,” he told her. “I admire you for your courage. Since we’re putting this all in the past, you won’t mind if I move forward.”
    Not giving her a chance to speak, he cupped the side of her face and claimed her mouth. He wasn’t gentle, but he wasn’t forceful. He slid his tongue along the seam of her lips until she opened, allowing him