Tears Of Pride. Lisa Jackson

There was nothing personal about it.”

      “Save that for someone gullible enough to believe it.”

      She glared at him defiantly but held onto her poise. “Quit beating around the bush and just say what it is that’s bothering you.”

      “You came over here with the intention of contacting Ben. You were sidestepping me. Don’t take me for such a fool. I know that you were deliberately trying to avoid me.”

      “Only because you were being completely unreasonable!” she snapped. He was impossible! When she looked into his intense cobalt eyes, she felt as if she wanted to float dreamily in his gaze forever. The smell of burning logs mingled with the earthy scent of Noah’s wet body. Raindrops still ran down the length of his tanned neck.

      “I’m not an unreasonable man,” he stated calmly. His hand reached up to touch her chin, and Sheila felt a shiver skitter down her spine. His eyes studied her face, noting in detail the regal curve of her jaw, the blush on her creamy skin and the seductive pout on her full lips. “Please stay,” he implored.

      “Why?” She longed for an excuse, any excuse to spend some more precious time with him.

      “We could start by talking about the winery and your plans for it.”

      “Would you change your position on the insurance settlement?”

      The corners of his mouth quirked. “I think you could persuade me to do anything.” His finger trailed down her chin and throat to rest against the collar of her coat. Her heart fluttered.

      She stepped away from him and crossed her arms over her chest. Eyeing him suspiciously, she asked, “What would it take?”

      “For what?”

      “For you to listen to my side of the story.”

      He shrugged. “Not much.”

      “How much?”

      Noah’s smile spread slowly over his face and his eyes gleamed devilishly. “Why don’t we start with dinner? I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than listen to you over a glass of Cascade Valley’s finest.”

      He was mocking her again, but there was enough of a dare in his words to tempt Sheila. “All right, Noah. Why not?” she countered impulsively. “But let’s set out the ground rules first. I insist that we keep the conversation on business.”

      “Just come with me,” he suggested wickedly. “The conversation…and the night will take care of themselves.”