Page 9 of Driven to Love

She suppressed the spark of heat whirling in her belly and threw her haughtiest look his way. “The wet T-shirt look?”

“I bet you won more than a few.” He chuckled, rich and deep.

She locked her knees at the sound.

“I was referring to the relaxed look. Not perfect, but happy. It makes you more approachable.” He pushed off the doorframe and closed the door.

“Is that so?” Addison hesitated, not sure if that was a sincere compliment or a backhanded one. She pivoted on her heels, fully facing him. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing bad. I never heard you laugh like that before… relaxed, carefree. It’s a good look on you.” He fumbled a little, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Addison blinked at his awkward movements. Not what she’d expect from a charmer like Nash. A serial dater. And she’d bet her favorite shoes he had a line of women waiting for that smile to turn their way.

One look at him and she had him pegged. He was gorgeous, with a body that screamed “daily gym habit.” It was a temple if she’d ever seen one. Then there was all that thick, dark hair. Not to mention those deep blue eyes that could mesmerize any woman in seconds. Nash had the kind of eyes that made a woman want to strip all her clothes off with a mere blink.

And they were staring at her now. Shit. What was he saying?

Little crinkles bracketed those gorgeous blue pools.

She tore her focus from him and frowned. He was smiling. Her reaction to him didn’t go unnoticed.

Time to make it clear—nothing would ever come of this silly attraction. Ever. Except in my fantasies.

She pushed back her wayward reactions and looked him dead in those panty-dropping eyes. “Well, don’t get too used to it.”

Good. Her voice didn’t even waver. She turned to the sink, giving him her back. Yup, we’re done here.

Strong hands gripped her shoulders. She hadn’t even heard him move.

He turned her back to face him. Heat radiated from his hands, shooting down her body.

Okay, maybe they weren’t completely done. Toughening her resolve, she scowled at him.

He relaxed his grip. “Listen, I don’t know how we got off on the wrong foot, but we should try to get along for Cade and Laney. Don’t you think?”

“Oh, that’s a low blow, using our friends’ happiness against me.” She closed her eyes and willed herself the strength not to punch him in that toned stomach. Addison exhaled. She couldn’t let him be the only adult here. She opened her eyes and looked into that sickeningly attractive face. “Fine. For Laney and Cade.”

Nash’s face lit up, and he stepped back and held out a hand. “Good. Friends then?”

She looked at his hand like it was a snake that would bite her. This was a bad idea, but she shook it. Skin to skin, a spark of attraction arced. Whoa. Too much… power.

She severed the connection, rubbing her palm on her dress. “I don’t know if friend is the right word, but I can be civil.”

“It’s a start.” His words were low, but she heard them. Nash didn’t move, his body a wall of muscle and temptation inches from her. She should run, but couldn’t. Something in the way he stared at her with those captivating eyes had her pinned in place.

This was definitely a bad idea.

She swayed closer to him. The man had a powerful force field, one that tugged at her core.

The back door flew open. “Hey, Addison.” Marti walked in. Her focus ping-ponged between the two of them before she added, “Laney said help yourself to anything in her closet.”

“Thanks.” Addison stepped back from the magnetic man in front of her.

Her friend’s smile turned wicked. “Unless Nash will lend you his shirt?”

“No!” She cleared her throat. “I’ll go check out Laney’s closet. Thanks.” The last thing she needed was Nash taking his shirt off.

“Bummer.” Marti blew him a kiss, then ducked out the door.