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there.”
    â€œDidn’t want to make a total fool of myself,” he half joked, “especially with you watching.”
    â€œCan I get you anything else from the bar?” the waitress said, snapping the line of tension between them. She picked up the empty plates and looked from one to the other.
    Ashley took the reprieve to ease her hand out of Elliot’s warm grasp. “I’m fine, thanks.”
    Elliot lifted his half-empty glass. “I’ll have another.”
    â€œRight away.”
    Elliot leaned back in his chair and appraised Ashley from beneath lowered lashes.
    â€œWhat?” she finally said, after his stare began to make her uncomfortable.
    He gave a slow, short shake of his head. “Can’t quite figure you out.”
    â€œWhat’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œDon’t get twisted out of shape. I’m just saying I can’t figure you out.”
    â€œFunny, I thought the same thing about you.”
    The corner of his mouth jerked up into a grin. “Really?”
    â€œIt wasn’t a compliment,” she lightly teased.
    He leaned forward. “It’s late. I should get you home.”
    His sudden change in demeanor caught her off guard. Barely seconds ago he was practically in her lap and now he was ready to dismiss her like the final class of the day. She flicked a brow, and picked up her purse from the table.
    â€œReady when you are.” She stood.
    Elliot got up and took her jacket from the back of her chair. “I don’t think so,” he whispered and helped her put it on.
    Ashley glanced at him over her shoulder, but his expression was unreadable. She adjusted her jacket and tucked her purse under her arm. The warmth of his hand at the small of her back seeped through the fabric. She walked just far enough ahead of him that he hadno choice but to let go. For a moment she was smugly satisfied. She knew it was a childish little triumph, but she didn’t care. How dare he turn off and on like a light and expect her to do the same? Who did he think he was anyway?
    She pushed through the door and out into the cool evening. With every step they took in the direction of the car, she grew more annoyed. She stopped in mid-step and swung toward him just as his arm snaked around her waist and pulled her flush up against him. His dark eyes burned into hers and she could feel her heart banging against her chest.
    â€œI’m not the one to play with,” he said, barely moving his lips.
    Her eyes widened in a mixture of alarm and sexual excitement. She could feel the hard lines of his body, the heat that rose from his skin, the danger that radiated from his eyes.
    â€œI would give you the same warning,” she said on a husky breath, “but I know you don’t take advice very well.” She pulled away from him and challenged him with a hard gaze of her own.
    His mouth moved into a lazy grin and his soft chuckles taunted her. “Come on. I’m tired.” He continued toward the car and she fell into silent step beside him.
    Seething as she jammed the seat belt into place, she prayed for a quick end to this torturous assignment.

Chapter 6
    A shley awoke the following morning totally exhausted. For the few moments of sleep that she’d been able to catch, she’d been tormented by images of Elliot. He’d chased her throughout the night, turning up around corners, behind doors, at the end of every path she took. Each and every time he had that self-satisfied look on his face. But she’d always been able to slip out of his grasp. Just as he would reach out for her she would dart away. Until the last time. She’d struggled so hard to get out of his hold that she’d nearly fallen out of the bed.
    So here she sat bone weary and bleary-eyed. At least it was Saturday and she didn’t have to worry about going into the office. Groaning, she eased out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom for her