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Danvers, are worried you’ll fall madly, hopelessly in love with me during the short time we’re here together. And who can blame you? I’m told I’m a very loveable guy. This, of course, will mean a broken heart when we both go our separate ways. You would rather not live through that kind of pain and so are working to convince yourself spending time with me is a very bad idea. Am I right?”  
    “‘Madly, hopelessly’ huh?” she asked with a chuckle. He affected a mock-hurt expression which made her laugh outright. Grinning, she added, “Similar thoughts did cross my mind. Despite our rather – abrupt – meeting, you’ve been sweet and – ”  
    “ – kind and considerate and not at all manly. Shall we go and get our nails done. It’s been ages since I’ve had a pedi,” Nate cut in, affecting a lisp. Alicia howled with laughter. Then, sensing he was actually upset, she stopped walking and stood in front of him, blocking his path.  
    “You know how I feel. I’m sure I made myself more than clear during my blurt back there. The thing is, I don’t do flings, Nate. I can’t just give myself to someone on a whim. Having said that, I do still want to get to know you. Is it possible for us to simply ‘hang out’ without our respective libidos getting in the way, or should we just say ‘goodbye’ now?”  
    Alicia waited with bated breath for Nate’s answer. She would be sad if he decided they should walk away from one another, but at this point, her heart wasn’t engaged. Only her hormones, and they could be dealt with later, in the privacy of her hotel room. Sure, she’d be curious and wonder about him from time to time, but it was a far cry from developing feelings for him then having them shredded when he went back to his work and she went home to –  
    Ugh!  
    The thought of what did and didn’t await her when she got home was enough to knock the wind right out of her sails, budding friendship or no budding friendship. Alicia resolutely pushed thoughts of her lack of employment from her mind as she waited for Nate’s answer. * *  
    Nothing says ‘wimpy male’ like insulting yourself in front of a beautiful woman, he thought as he looked into Alicia’s face. And what the hell was with the lisp? Thank Christ she laughed!  
    Still, she wasn’t stupid. She’d heard the bitterness in his voice when he went “gay” on her. If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have stopped him. Then there was the look in her eyes as she waited for his answer. It clearly said – Nope. There was nothing clear about it. She was as confused as he was.  
    The realization gave him some comfort as he considered both her question and how desperately he wanted to kiss her. Was he deluding himself into thinking they’d be able to keep things platonic? Did he want to, or was he intending on following through with his original plan to seduce her?  
    Conscience and lust fought a nasty fight. Should he just tell her about Liz? Maybe if she knew she’d end up being the “rebound” sex, she would decide things for them both and walk away. He mentally shook his head. The emotions involved were still too raw. He blew out a sigh, deciding on a plan of action and feeling guilty as hell for it.  
    “I won’t lie,” he said quietly. “It will be difficult to fight this chemistry between us. And after the back and forth we just had, I can’t make promises. I will, however, make an honest effort to respect your wishes.” There. Now the ball was in her court. His conscience was also somewhat appeased because he hadn’t made a bunch of empty promises.  
    Alicia walked backward in front of him. They continued like this in silence for quite a stretch and he began to wonder if she was going to respond.  
    “Thank you. I can’t ask for anything more. You still up for shopping?”  
    Despite the seriousness of the situation, Nate had to laugh. There was a mischievous gleam in her eyes which told him he was about to