perky and playful to a sexy elegance, though sometimes when she was excited that perkiness still came through. She probably had no idea what her uncle was up to. For as long as Dade could remember Teddy had said he wanted her to find a man that could love her the way she deserved. Over the past few years that had changed. He wanted a guy that would not only treat her right, but that could and would stand up to her parents. Dade was afraid that he had decided that guy was him. The prospect frightened him, because as usual Teddy might be right. Figuring he’d made her wait long enough he turned around and locked his gaze with hers. Her blue eyes were still a little red around the edges, but they weren’t as puffy. He wanted to pull her into his arms and croon soft sweet nothings in her ear, but now wasn’t the time. Dade didn’t know if that time would ever come either and it pissed him off. “Friday is fine,” He didn’t bother to tell her he already lived there and had for over two years. “But we need to discuss a few things first.” “I’m glad you brought that up. I have a few questions of my own.” She stood and instantly he wished she hadn’t. Her legs might be a little short, but they were creamy and curvy. “Those shoes will have to go. You can’t live here and expect to prance around like that.” “My shoes are perfectly acceptable. I know this because my uncle bought them for me and specifically told me to wear them when I came to visit.” The bastard was playing with fire. He knew Dade was a leg man. Heels like that were made to make a woman’s legs look leaner and longer. “Doesn’t matter.” He shrugged his shoulders. “They might be fine for your nights out in the city, and charity functions, but they’re impractical here. Get a pair of sneakers, or sturdy boots.” She narrowed her eyes even though she smiled and Dade began to think he didn’t have the upper hand even though they were on his home turf. “During the six months we have to stay here. I want full use of this study. You can have the office.” He laughed at her command, because he already did. “Fine. Have whatever you need sent over and we’ll have it installed.” “I want to be here to make sure it’s done right. Also I won’t bring any men here if I can expect the same courtesy from you.” “I don’t plan on bringing men here, or anywhere else for that matter.” She huffed out a breath and turned her back on him. “You know what I meant. I’d rather not have to meet any of the women you date.” He followed her to the desk stopping just a foot away. “Are you under the impression that I date a lot?” “You’re a se…single man I don’t see why you wouldn’t, unless there’s someone special in your life.” Dade heard the question in her voice and chose to ignore it. It wouldn’t hurt to let her wonder if there was a woman in his life and bed. “So I can assume since you won’t be having any company there’s no one special for you right now.” He didn’t step back when she spun around. Whatever retort was on her tongue she didn’t say it. She looked up at him and blinked a couple of times. Her long golden lashes captivated him and he leaned closer instead of stepping away and giving her the space he should’ve. With her head tilted back he saw her throat move as she swallowed and the vein that pulsed in her neck. Dade wanted to nibble that spot to see how sensitive it was. Her hand landed on his chest and she pushed, but he didn’t move. “I’ll be having plenty of company. My friends and I sit on a lot of boards and foundations I can’t be out of contact for too long, so I expect them to stop in regularly.” “Tiffany, Nicolette, and Sophia are welcome here whenever they want.” She seemed surprised that he knew their names. “Your uncle talks about you all the time and he’s mentioned them on occasion.” Her hand, which was still on his chest fisted slightly on