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two before that point.”
    “So in other words, no.”
    “Are you asking me if I would like to have a no strings attached affair with you, Naja?”
    “Yes. I’m only here for two weeks like yourself. We’re clearly attracted to each other. I think we’re both intelligent, rational and professional people. You need to unwind and so do I. Why not do it together?”
    He chuckled. “The corporate attorney in me likes your negotiation skills.”
    “And the woman in me desires the man in you.”
    “What if I told you you’re offering me something I’m not interested in?”
    Naja grinned. “I wouldn’t believe you. You’ve tolerated my presence too long. You’re definitely interested. The question is in what.”
    Sterling turned his attention to the water. “There’s a reason why I’ve been reluctant to get back into the social scene. I’m a man who doesn’t have time to play games. I have no desire to end up in a different woman’s bed every night. Nor am I looking to get married right away. What I want is true companionship. Someone I can take out, get to know without all the pressure and hassle of trying to figure out what comes next. If that leads to intimacy, wonderful. If it turns into something more, even better. But the most is important thing, Naja, is I want to take my time.”
    Naja stifled a sigh. This man was saying everything she’d want to hear if she were in a position to have a relationship. But that wasn’t what she craved right now. When she returned home to Raleigh she had a schedule that would make any event planner scream. But she liked it that way.
    She had a job she loved and couldn’t imagine doing anything better.
    The unfortunate thing was her career had wreaked havoc on her social life before. Event planning wasn’t a nine-to-five job. Then men in her past hadn’t enjoyed having to compete with her first love. There were often inopportune times when she was interrupted by the call of duty.
    As much as she hated to give into a challenge, she and Sterling were on complete opposite sides of the playing field right now. Her physical attraction to him was off the charts and he appeared to be just as interested, but not in the same way.
    It was just her luck because something deep within told her he’d been just the man she was searching for when she’d decided to come to Myrtle Beach. Closing her eyes, she stifled a sigh. This wasn’t going the way she wanted, but so be it. Maybe she could find another prospect at Imani and Carson’s Fourth of July party. Two days. She could hold out until then.
    Opening her eyes, she gazed over at Sterling and smiled. “Thank you for your honesty, Sterling.”
    “I know no other way to be.”
    “I appreciate the offer to join you for lunch.”

    “I’m grateful that you prepared it. Hopefully this won’t be the last time we have the opportunity to share a meal.”
    “I’m sure it won’t,” she murmured. “After all, we are neighbors.”
    Too bad we can’t be more.
    Her gaze dropped to the strong hand gripping his wine glass. Oh yeah, he could definitely work magic with those fingers. Too bad they wouldn’t be stroking her body in all the ways she craved. Shaking her head to clear it, she grimaced. No need to torture herself unnecessarily.
    “Judging by the expression on your face it looks as if you are attempting to figure out the best way to escape.”
    She stared at him, struggling to keep her mouth from falling open. “Excuse me?”
    Sterling leaned a little closer to her. “I’ve been told I’m a pretty good observer and I’ve picked up on quite a bit while sitting here with you.”
    “What does that have to do with anything?”
    “More than you think. Ms. Westbrook, something tells me you’re a woman who is used to getting her way.” He paused, one corner of his mouth tilting upward. “And you should, within reason.”
    Her mouth fell open. Somehow the man had managed to insult and compliment her at the same