“I’m sorry. Hell, I’m attacking you.” Bracing my hands on his shoulders, I try to rise from his lap, which turns out to be a much harder maneuver than getting there. Probably because I don’t want to go.

An unhappy growl pairs with clasping hands on my ass, holding me in place. When I stop trying to get up, Warner buries his nose in my neck, and I can feel him breathing against me, his hot breath raising goose bumps all over my skin.

“You’re not scared of me?” His whisper comes out hoarse, and arousal threatens to choke me at the feel of his mouth moving against my throat.

“No.”

“And you”—his fingers flex, gaining better purchase on my butt—“want me?”

Want him?

My imagination takes hold, playing out the rest of this scenario. How he’d reach in between us to unzip his jeans. Then, after pulling my underwear to the side, he’d push into me. And I would get to ride him all the way to orgasm town.

The fantasy makes me lightheaded, and I almost forget to answer. But when he pulls his head back to meet my eyes, my abrupt, question-prone nature takes hold.

“I want to have sex with you. When do you get off work? And do you want to have sex? With me?” I’m not sure how I’ll handle a rejection, but it’s better to get a clear answer up front.

Warner blinks, and his hands relax. But they don’t push me away. Instead, he trails his touch up and down my back.

As if to soothe me.

Oh no. Here comes that clear rejection.

“I’m not at work. Harvey lets me use his garage to store my projects.” He nods over my shoulder at the gutted bike. “We can leave whenever you want.”

So, that’s a yes?

“Now. I want to go now.”

Warner’s mouth curls into a breathtaking smile, as if I just told him he won the lottery.

Not that I’m giving myself airs.

But just as fast as it appears, the joy on his face begins to dim.

“No! What’s happening in your head?” My fingers press into his cheeks, as if I can force that glorious smile back on his face.

A chuckle sneaks out of his chest, but his eyes contain a wariness I want to make disappear.

“Zoey … you wanting to sleep with me … is that part of the apology?” He hesitates through his question.