Oh. He thought her better than the other women in his past. The knot in her chest eased a bit. “You have a dashed funny way of showing it.”

“I realize that. At the time, I thought I was doing us both a favor.”

“And now?”

“It was a mistake. I took the coward’s way out.”

She blinked. Something told her Clay didn’t often admit to acting like a coward. Her anger dissipated like ice on a hot sidewalk. “What does this mean? You want to continue giving me lessons?”

“Yes, and continue sleeping together.”

Desire unwound in her belly, twisting and turning along her veins, despite her best intentions to remain aloof. Their night together had been the best night of her life. Yet, it had also been the worst. She couldn’t allow herself to be hurt again. Taking lessons from Clay was one thing; engaging in intimacies was another.

Though it made sense to work with Clay. His casino was exactly the type she wished to open, except hers would be for ladies. Mulligan, while knowledgeable, didn’t run the Bronze House. Furthermore, Clay’s casino was also a closer journey from her home.

Admit it, you want to spend time with him.

No, this was not personal. It was purely a business decision.

She pushed aside the little voice in her head that whispered she was lying to herself. “I’ll return for lessons but nothing more. I cannot sleep with you.”

His eyes roamed over her face as he studied her. “May I ask why?”

“It never should have happened in the first place. We should keep things professional between us. That way, no one gets hurt.”

“I won’t hurt you, Florence.”

“You cannot promise that. Even if you did, I wouldn’t believe it. You did hurt me, Clay. And I won’t risk it a second time.”

He started forward, slowly coming toward her, his mouth curved in a small smile. “I’m a man of my word. Once I give a promise, I never break it.” He swept his hand under her chin, the backs of his knuckles brushing her skin. “I won’t push you. If you tell me there’s no hope then I’ll never mention anything physical again. But I swear on my life, on everything I own, I won’t run from you. I’m at your disposal, for as long as you want me.”

Her brain fumbled over the words. It wasn’t a proposal of marriage but it was . . . heady. He was offering himself up for whatever length of time she desired. He hadn’t said it, but he must care for her. You were different. Better. I hadn’t expected that.