The hours ticked by, and to her surprise the two men did not get tired. Knowing that Samson had barely slept the night before when they had—nevermind. And then he’d been in business meetings all day. Well, it was none of her concern anyway. He was a grown up. If he didn’t think he needed any sleep, she wasn’t going to care. At least tomorrow was the weekend, and nobody would have to get up too early.

She suddenly suppressed a yawn and glanced at the clock.

“Wow, it’s almost six o’clock.”

Samson and Amaury looked at each other.

“Damn,” Amaury exclaimed.

Samson said something to him Delilah couldn’t hear, and Amaury nodded.

“I’d better get some sleep. Good night,” she said and got up, switching off the computer.

Samson stood and followed her out of the room. “ ‘Night, Amaury.”

“ ‘Night.”

In the hallway, her suitcase was still at the same place she had dropped it earlier. Before she could pick it up, Samson took it and started walking upstairs with it. Tired, she followed him.

“You and Amaury didn’t have to stay up with me this long. I could have done this by myself.”

“Don’t worry about us. We’re used to being up late. And besides, it’s my company. I have a vested interest in finding out who’s trying to pull a fast one on us.”

As they reached the top of the stairs, he headed for his bedroom, while she made a move toward the guest room. She stopped when she saw where he was going, still holding onto her suitcase.

“I need my suitcase.” Delilah reached out her hand, expecting him to hand it to her.

“That’s why I’ve brought it up with me. Come.” He opened the door and turned to wait for her to join him.

“I don’t think you understand: when I told you that I don’t date clients, it wasn’t a joke.”

“Then I’m afraid I’m going to have to fire you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m not. I’m practical.” He hovered at the open door.

Delilah crossed her arms in front of her chest, assuming a defensive position. She needed all the strength she could muster. “Even if you fire me, I won’t sleep in your room. I’ll be in the guestroom.” She spun on her heels and walked away.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” There was no malice in his voice, just a firm determination.

“Watch me.” She made her challenge clear. If he really thought he could get her back this easily, he had to be completely loony.

“I would hate to have to beat up Amaury.”

“What?” She turned. What did Amaury have to do with this? It made not a lick of sense to her. If his plan was to confuse her, he’d succeeded. She was all ears.

“I would hate to find the two of you together in the guest bedroom. He’s staying. So unless you want to start a big fight between two good friends, I suggest you stay with me.”

So that was what the two of them had been whispering about in the office. He’d tricked her. “You were planning this, weren’t you? You know what? I can sleep on the couch in the living room.”

Samson shook his head, and his eyes gazed at her, full of softness and warmth. It wasn’t fair.

“I’m still mad at you.” She hadn’t wanted to say this, but it just came out.

“I know that. You have my word: I won’t touch you. I know when I’ve made a mistake, and I know when to apologize. But would you please give me a chance to explain things to you, so that maybe you can forgive me?” His tone was pleading. “I don’t want this to end.”

Delilah met his gaze. “What?”

“Us.” He stretched out his free hand. “Please talk to me.”

Hesitantly she moved toward him, her feet not following her brain, which told her not to fall for his charm again. Seconds later, she was in his bedroom and heard him shut the door behind her. She was alone with him. She needed to be whipped, severely. Had she not just five minutes ago promised herself to stay away from him?

Samson switched on the fireplace and sat down in front of it, looking into the flames. “I never wanted to hurt you.”

“Well, you did.” She wouldn’t make this easy for him. If he wanted her forgiveness, he’d have to work for it. Hard. Just looking so darn irresistible wasn’t going to get him out of this quagmire.

Sure, tell your body that! Oh, shut up!

“And I’m very sorry about it. I know I can’t take it back, but I would like you to see my side of it, too. You showed up at my house, completely unexpected and so enticing. And then you instantly wrapped me around your little finger—”