Unforgettable by Adrianne Byrd Page B

your phobia.”
    She shrugged. “I wouldn’t necessarily call it a phobia.”
    He chuckled and caused the bed to vibrate gently beneath her. An image of him reaching over and unbuttoning her blouse flashed through her head. As a result a sweet tingle shot through her body and curled her toes.
    â€œDiana?”
    â€œHuh, what?”
    He frowned. “I asked you what you would call your fear.”
    She blinked and shook the R-rated thoughts from her head. “I don’t know. Crazy, I suppose.”
    Another chuckle, another jiggle of the mattress.
    After a while the room grew loud with silence. Dianakept her eyes closed and concentrated on trying not to think about just how close their bodies were at that moment.
    â€œMind if I ask you a personal question?” Marcel asked.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAll right, I’ll ask it anyway.”
    â€œSurprise, surprise.”
    â€œIs there anyone special in your life?”
    Diana’s eyes flew open as she lowered the compress. “I fail to see how that’s any of your business.” She sat up.
    Marcel followed suit. “I realize I’m prying.”
    â€œBut?”
    â€œThere’s no but. I’m just curious. Seems to me any man would be happy to have you.”
    â€œI’m leaving.”
    Before she could pull away, Marcel’s electrifying touch restrained her. “Look, I’m sorry. You’re right. None of this is any of my business.”
    It wasn’t the words so much as the tone that kept her frozen on the bed. Frankly, she didn’t think he was sorry at all, but his underlying and seductive baritone instantly caused her pulse to quicken and her head to fill with erotic images.
    â€œIt’s okay,” she said in a shaky whisper. “But I really do need to get going.”
    â€œYou know you’re more than welcome to stay.”
    Her gaze jerked to him. “Stay?”
    He shrugged. “It’s late and with seventeen bedrooms, there’s plenty of space.”
    Again, the words were innocent, but the tone wasn’t. Was this the way the infamous Casanova Brown worked his magic?
    â€œIt’s a generous offer—”
    â€œBut?”
    â€œBut I think it’s inappropriate.”
    Marcel laughed and the bed bounced wonderfully beneath her.
    â€œDon’t tell me you’re afraid to be alone with me in a twenty-five-thousand-square-foot house.”
    â€œWe’re only three inches apart right now,” she said.
    His gaze turned somber as it locked onto hers. “Don’t you feel safe with me?”
    That tone again. “With you, yes. From you is a different story.”
    He blinked in surprise, turned and stood from the bed. “My reputation as Casanova Brown is more urban legend than fact,” he said defensively.
    â€œSo you haven’t slept with a lot of women?”
    He stalled as if he just realized he’d backed into a corner. “I’ve had a few relationships.”
    Diana crossed her arms. “How many?”
    He blinked again, and looked like a deer caught in headlights.
    â€œUrban legend—right.”
    â€œOkay, you’re right. I’ve overindulged in the past. But I don’t attack women in the middle of the night. I’m more than capable of being around a good-looking woman without having to jump her bones.”
    Good-looking? Diana’s hand instantly flew up to hermussed hair. She undoubtedly looked as if she’d been in a train wreck.
    â€œAnd what about you?” he asked, going on the attack. “How many men have you had sex with?”
    Diana jumped from the bed. “That is none of your business!”
    â€œAh, the good old double standard.” Marcel smirked. “Maybe I should be the one worried about being alone with you.”
    â€œThat’s ridiculous,” she huffed, tossing the compress on the nightstand and then storming toward the door.
    â€œCome on. Give me