For some reason, her feet were moving without her permission. And she found herself standing in front of him.
Then he placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head back.
“Look at me.”
Her eyes were shut and she shook her head.
“Maya. Look. At. Me.”
Didn’the realize he was asking the impossible? She couldn’t look at him. He was far too close, far too potent, and he smelled far too good.
Opening her eyes was impossible.
“Come on, Spitfire. I know you can do it. You don’t have to speak. Just listen.”
All right. That seemed doable. As long as he didn’t expect her brain to function while she was looking at him.
So she opened her eyes and stared up into his gorgeous face. A small sigh escaped her and she quickly tried to stifle it.
Oops. She hadn’t meant that to happen. Had he noticed?
His lips quirked up slightly, but he didn’t say anything. Maybe not.
Hopefully not.
“I know I said you didn’t have to talk, but I have to ask you one question.”
Uh-oh.
Pay attention.
“You weren’t procrastinating because you’re scared, were you?” he asked.
Surprise filled her. “N-no.” She glanced around the room, looking for a distraction as her body started to sway. Maya wanted to press against him. To feel his touch.
Bad, Maya.
Stop it.
“Keep those eyes on me,” he ordered.
Her gaze snapped back to his. Darn it. How did he have the ability to do that?
“I’m glad you’re not scared. Because at any time, if you ever feel worried or uncomfortable, I want you to tell me. Or you can simply say, ‘Red.’ Nod if you understand.”
She nodded. Relief filled her. Huh, maybe she had been a tiny bit concerned. Not that she didn’t trust him. But just because this was all a bit of an unknown with her.
“That’s a good girl. Now, if you’re ready, I’ve put some paper and a pen at the kitchen table. I’d suggest numbering each line so you don’t lose track.”
Urgh.
Was he really going to go through with this?
But he didn’t say anything more. So Maya dragged her feet as she headed toward the table. She stopped once and glanced behind her. Matthieu just stood there, staring at her.
This sucked so much.
26
