No Ring Required. Laura Wright

was getting awfully tired of Ethan Curtis’s demands. “No way.”

      “This house is large enough for ten people,” he said.

      “Again. No way.”

      He scowled. “You’re acting like a child.”

      “I’m acting like a professional. Forget for a moment how it looks and feels to me, but how would it look to your clients if the woman you hired is also staying in the home you rented?”

      He shrugged. “Practical.”

      “No.” She lowered her voice as Harold pretended to inspect a wall sconce. “Like she’s also being hired for another purpose.”

      They stared at each other, a haze of lust blanketing Ethan’s expression. Mary felt helpless, weak for a moment as a quick shiver shot through her. She tried to control the sudden pounding of her heart, until finally the look on Ethan’s face dissolved.

      “You’re being paranoid,” he said roughly. “This is business. I’ll have offices here and so will you. You can take the entire second floor and I’ll remain down here. Barring business, we never have to see each other.”

      Mary sighed. She didn’t want to argue the point anymore, and poor, miserable Harold had all but tried to crawl up inside the wall sconce and disappear. She would figure out her situation on her own. “All right, Harold. Can you show me upstairs?”

      The man released a weary breath and started up the stairs. “There are some beautiful rooms to choose from and incredible views of the water.”

      Before she followed him, Ethan put his hand on her shoulder. “Make sure you get that shower. You’re still walking like a robot.” Then he leaned in, whispered in her ear, “And if you need any help…”

      Yes, she’d have to find another arrangement as soon as possible. Just the warmth of Ethan’s hand made her want to curl into him, nuzzle his neck and remove his shirt, but she detached herself anyway, and followed the agent up the stairs. “Hey, Harold, how old is this house did you say?”

      “It was built in 1891, but everything’s been updated for your convenience.”

      “Like the plumbing?”

      “Of course.”

      “And locks on the doors?”

      “Every one of them, miss.”

      She heard Ethan chuckle below, and the sound shot to every nerve, every muscle, every spot that ached for his touch.