She leaned back in the chair and stretched, T-shirt creeping up her stomach. She pulled it down when she sat up again, a chill running through her when she saw a figure lingering at the edge of the room.

Biggest drawback to this job was his house was also the office. Her lips twisted and she looked away from the silhouette. “Sorry if I’m keeping you up.”

Zach made his way to the fridge. A second glow whispered through the darkness when he opened the door, illuminating the fact he wasn’t wearing anything besides sweat-shorts. She studied his bare chest and back, looking away before the memories could resurface.

His soft reply carried in the quiet room. “I didn’t know you were still here.”

It was easier to forget what had been there before if they kept the conversation strictly business. “I thought I had the answer like, four hours ago. I didn’t want to lose the thought driving home.”

He crossed the room and set a can on the table. “How’s it going?”

She tried to ignore the tingle when his hand brushed her arm, and the tinge of disappointment when he stepped back. She took a long swallow of the cold coffee drink. It made her smile that he still knew what she liked. “Same as yesterday. And the day before. And always.”

He leaned over her, chest brushing her shoulder. “Those are the numbers?”

She nodded, glum spreading through her chest. There was no accusation in his question, but she knew it was her fault. He and his friend had this amazing game. All she had to do was make sure they could advertise, and she couldn’t. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you kidding?” he teased. “Now we only have to mortgage one of the houses. Scott’s, definitely, since mine is home base.”

She giggled. “Nice.”

He turned, face inches from hers. “I haven’t heard you laugh in forever. I missed it.”

A pulse of want raced over her and she pushed away, chair almost topping. She hoped the dim light would hide her flush. He didn’t want her. The flirting was just who he was. She wished she believed her own rationalization. “Don’t.”

The corners of his mouth pulled down, eyes sliding over her face. “Are you going to keep playing this game, or am I really the only one this is killing?”

In her gut irritation churned with regret and longing. She pushed aside the avalanche of thoughts. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He crossed his arms, expression hardening. “Just make the numbers work. That’s what I’m supposed to say now, right?”

When he turned away, emptiness throbbed inside her. She licked her lips, mouth suddenly dry. “Wait.”

He didn’t turn around. “What?”

The chair’s metal casters screeched on the tile when she stood. She closed the distance between them, but didn’t dare touch him. “I didn’t…I just…I’m sorry.”

He shrugged, muscle rippling under skin along his back. “We’ll find the money somewhere.”

Her pain grew at the callous response. “Not about that.”

Zach turned, hurt on his face. “I can’t do this. You’re hot and cold. You push me away even when your body language says you want me around. I’d say this is a bad time, but I don’t think any time really works for whatever the hell it is you’re doing.”

She swallowed and stepped forward. Resting a hand on his chest, she felt his heartbeat racing against her palm; he was as nervous as she was. She locked her gaze on his. “I get that. I’m sorry. Pretenses dropped. I want you. I need you.”

She stood on her toes, brushing her lips over his. Her breath caught when he didn’t respond, leaving an ache behind her ribs.

Abruptly, his fingers wrapped in her hair, and he pulled her closer, lips crushing against hers. She whimpered and pressed into him. She felt every inch of him through her clothes, from his solid chest, to his growing arousal against her hip that called to the throb between her legs.

His free hand slid under her shirt. He growled and yanked her head back, mouth sliding hungrily down her throat.