“So, um, was I too obvious about you staying with me?” she asked hesitantly.
The corner of his mouth lifted into that half grin and his eyes gleamed with amusement. At least he didn’t look pissed.
“Let’s just say that Joe and Edge are probably jealous sons of bitches right now. Nathan is happily married, so he’s out.”
“So in other words, I was obvious,” she muttered.
“I don’t mind,” he said mildly. “I like a straight shooter. It’s nice to always know where I stand with someone.”
“And do you know where you stand with me?” she whispered, staring into those mesmerizing eyes.
He cleared his throat. “I think so.”
“So where do I stand with you, then?” she said quietly.
“Can’t say I’ve ever had a conversation like this with a woman,” he said ruefully. “You have to cut me some slack. You—this whole thing—is way out of my league.”
“But you didn’t answer the question,” she said pointedly. “Look, Swanny, if you aren’t interested in me, just tell me. I’m a big girl. I can take it. I’m not good at the coy meet-cute stuff in relationships. My father always said that I was a take-the-bull-by-the-horns kind of girl, and I guess he’s right. I’d rather know now whether my attraction is reciprocated so I don’t continue to make an ass of myself.”
He crossed the short distance between them and hauled her roughly into his arms. He took her hand and guided it to his groin so she could feel his rigid erection.
“Does that feel like I’m not attracted to you?” he asked hoarsely.
She licked her lips nervously but she left her hand where it was, lightly caressing the denim of his fly.
“Jesus, Eden, you have to stop. This is starting to get painful.”
“After we discuss where I stand with you,” she murmured.
“What exactly are you after here?” he asked bluntly. “Am I a distraction to you? Something to keep you entertained for a few days before you move on to someone else?”
Hurt crowded her chest and she withdrew, her features carefully schooled. She was used to giving the camera whatever emotion or expression the photographer demanded. The last thing she wanted was for him to see that he’d hurt her with his frustrated statement. What must he think of her to have said that? But then she hadn’t given him any reason to believe she wasn’t exactly what he thought. Some bored spoiled woman looking for a good time and nothing else.
“Jesus, Eden. I’m sorry,” Swanny said, regret swamping his face. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
So much for schooling her features.
“It’s okay,” she said lightly, proud of the way her voice didn’t quiver betrayingly. “I understand perfectly and I get it. You don’t have to beat me over the head with it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get unpacked. There’s a lot to do between now and tomorrow morning. Perhaps we’ll order in room service a little later.”
Before he could respond, she turned and grabbed one of her suitcases and hauled it toward one of the bedrooms.
He cursed colorfully and called her name, but she ignored it and shut the door behind her. She’d venture out to get the rest of her luggage later. Right now she wanted a long soaking bath and to lick her wounds.
Swanny watched her go, helplessness seizing him. He’d royally f**ked that up completely. But it baffled him that Eden was attracted to him. That she thought him beautiful, for f**k’s sake.
He ran an agitated hand through his hair and stared at the suitcases still lined up in the middle of the living room. He should bring them into her room for her, but she’d likely locked the door behind her.
The hurt he’d seen in her eyes, just for a fleeting moment before her face had become expressionless, made him feel like he’d kicked a puppy. Most men would dream of having a woman like Eden throwing herself at him. But women didn’t throw themselves at him, and he couldn’t fathom the idea that Eden wanted him. She had to have an ulterior motive, but what?
She seemed genuine and sincere. She hadn’t teased or flirted with any of the other guys. For whatever reason, she’d zeroed in on him and he’d solidly stuck his foot in his mouth and likely f**ked up any chance he had with her.
He sighed and bent to pick up his duffel bag again before heading to the bedroom. He left his door open so he could stay apprised of Eden’s comings and goings. The last thing he wanted was for her to take off from the hotel room because she no longer wanted to be around him.
To his surprise a knock sounded at the door and he hurried out, meeting Eden at her doorway.
“You stay put,” he ordered, directing her back into her bedroom. “I’ll see who it is. Don’t come out unless I tell you.”
She retreated, her features bland, but her eyes told a different story. Damn it, he’d hurt her feelings and that was the last thing he’d wanted. He wasn’t an expert when it came to women, f**k it all. He had no idea what to do with Eden. Oh, he knew what he’d like to do, but just not how to get there . . . gracefully. Without appearing to be a bull in rut.
A woman like Eden deserved to be made love to. Not f**ked without finesse and have it all be over in two seconds.
He looked through the peephole to see Skylar standing in the hallway gesturing for him to come out. Perplexed by what she could want, he followed her out and shut the door behind him.