She’d rather not think about it either, but unfortunately that wasn’t so easy.

She unstrapped Daisy and lifted her out of the high chair, cuddling her close. The feel of her soft, sturdy little body gave her courage.

‘It was all my fault and I’m sorry.’ She plucked up courage to look at him, trying to look relaxed about the whole thing. ‘I was the one who gave you that stupid massage and I didn’t think—I mean, it didn’t occur to me that you’d—’ She broke off and bit her lip, cursing her shyness. Everyone else seemed to be able to talk about sex. Why couldn’t she? ‘What I mean is, the kiss was all my fault and, please, don’t think you’ve offended me by stopping when you did. You were Chloe’s lover and I never should have—’

‘I was never Chloe’s lover,’ he said impatiently, a frown touching his dark brows. ‘And Chloe has absolutely nothing to do with what happened between you and I last night.’

‘I still believe Daisy is your child,’ she said hoarsely. ‘The only thing that’s changed is that you’re not the man I first thought you were and I’m sorry I misjudged you.’

His longer fingers tapped a rhythm on the table. ‘You didn’t misjudge me.’ His handsome face was inscrutable. ‘I drink too much, I party too hard and I’m very careless about women’s feelings. I’ve never had a relationship that’s lasted longer than three months. I’m everything you believe me to be. You didn’t misjudge me.’

She gave him what she hoped was a light-hearted smile. ‘Well, at least I’ve taught you to eat breakfast.’

There was no answering smile in return. ‘You’ve taught me more than that,’ he drawled softly, his eyes never leaving her face. ‘Like the fact that I do have a conscience. And that conscience, my dear Jenny, is the reason that you’re still a virgin this morning.’

She was mortified that he’d guessed but after her reaction to him the night before it was hardly surprising.

‘We wouldn’t have—’

‘Oh, yes, we would.’ He drained his coffee. ‘And I’m warning you to keep your distance, Red Riding Hood. The wolf let you escape last night. I can’t guarantee it will happen a second time.’

Her heart banged hard against her ribs and her mouth was suddenly dry.

So he did find her attractive.

It wasn’t just her that felt the special connection between them.

‘I agree that you should move out,’ Alex replied bluntly. ‘There’s no way I’ll be able to keep my hands off you if you’re continually wandering around my house.’

She stared at him. ‘But I don’t try to—’

‘You really don’t know much about men, do you?’ he observed dryly. ‘It’s the fact that you’re not trying that makes you so appealing. That and the fact that you have absolutely no idea how attractive you are. Even clothed, I’m struggling to keep my hands off you.’

Her stomach tumbled and she suddenly found breathing difficult. ‘But I’m not doing anything.’