Sharon held on to Robert's clammy hand even though it was obvious he wanted it back. Until everyone was ready to start playing, she wasn't letting go.

It wasn't like her to assert her will like this. Well, that wasn't entirely true. She had a tendency to take charge, but until Robert, she had never gone that far. Heck, she was practically roping the guy and hogtying him.

But he left her no choice. For some reason, this yummy hunk of a man was insecure, which made him a rare find. He wasn't dumb either, and he was a hard worker—she'd grilled Bhathian about him, and he'd confirmed that Robert was a very dedicated employee.

In short, he was her kind of guy, and a small detail like him dragging his feet because he was shy was not going to stop her from claiming him as hers.

He'd get used to the idea.

Poor guy. When Robert had agreed to come play poker at Eva and Bhathian's house, he'd probably had no clue about what was really going on, but Sharon knew what these two were up to. They were playing matchmaker for her and Nick, bringing over single young guys and girls from Bhathian's work under the guise of friendly poker games.

It would have been sweet if not for the motive behind it, which was to get rid of them. Eva and Bhathian were expecting a baby and planning on getting married soon. They didn't need her and Nick hanging around. But Eva, being Eva, wanted to make sure they weren't alone when the time came, and that they left of their own free will.

It had worked with Tessa, though that one had not been premeditated. No one had expected an eighteen-year-old boy to get so serious about the girl. But the guy was for real, and Tessa was happy for the first time in her life.

Kudos to Bhathian and Eva for introducing those two.

The unexpected success of that match must've gone to their heads, and they'd decided it was Nick's and her turn. The poker night's purpose was to force-feed them potential boyfriend and girlfriend material.

At first, Sharon had been peeved about the meddling. But then they'd brought Robert around. It had probably been Amanda's idea. The woman had excellent taste. She recognized Robert's untapped potential and dragged him over. A lousy poker player like him for sure hadn't volunteered to come play.

"I'm done," Robert said, as his pile of pennies dwindled down to four coins. "I'm no good at this."

Sharon patted his thigh. "You need tutoring."

Was he going to take the bait or pretend he didn't get it?

"Are you offering?"

Hallelujah. The guy wasn't completely devoid of flirting instincts.

"It would be my pleasure." She dropped her cards face down on the table even though she had a winning hand. The not-so-subtle game she was playing was more important than the one taking place around the table.

"Let's get out of this stink-filled room and get some fresh air outside."

Ugh, she hated the nasty smell. Eva had said the incense was for good luck, dismissing Sharon's objection that it couldn't be healthy for the baby.

Once again they sat on the swinging loveseat, but this time Robert didn't try to squeeze as far away from her as he could. It seemed he was getting used to the idea that he was hers.

Should she just go ahead and kiss him?

Because it seemed he would never take the first step.

Sharon wasn't shy, but that didn't mean she wanted to push Robert into something he wasn't interested in. Most of the guys she'd chosen for hookups hadn't needed so much prodding. Usually, it was enough that she showed interest and they were all over her right away.

"Do you like me, Robert?"

He looked surprised at her question. "I like you very much."

"I know I've been pushing you a little, but I'm going to stop if you are not interested."

"Why would you think that I'm not interested?"

She eyed him carefully to see if he was humoring her, but his expression seemed sincere. "Because most guys would be trying to get into my panties by now if I showed them as much interest as I showed you.

He glanced down at her crotch, making her uncomfortable. "I don't think your panties would fit me."

Was this guy for real? She lifted a brow.

"It was a joke. I know what you meant."

Sharon let out a breath. "Thank God. I thought I mistakenly picked up Rain Man."

Robert frowned. "Who is Rain Man?"

"You didn't see that movie? I thought everyone did. Rain Man was an autistic character played by Dustin Hoffman."

"Oh." He looked crestfallen.

Oh boy, she'd offended him. "But you're not. It was a joke. You are handsome and smart and hard-working, and I like you."

There, she said it.

He could hurt her now, say that she wasn't his type or something to that effect.

Robert took her hand, the first physical contact he’d initiated, lifted it to his lips and kissed the back of it. It was such a small gesture, and yet she found it oddly erotic. His soft lips sent a shiver of desire that traveled from her hand to her center while igniting nerve endings everywhere in between.

Damn. She was getting aroused by the smallest of touches like some innocent damsel of yesteryear. Was it because she found Robert so hot? Or was it because he was playing hard to get? Or was it because it had been a few weeks since she had been touched?

"I like you too. A lot. You are beautiful and smart and interesting and fun to be around, but I don't know if I can be the kind of man you need."

"I don't know either. But that's why we are here. To find out." Sharon sounded breathless but could do nothing about it. She needed him to touch her, to kiss her, to throw her down on the ground and do all kinds of naughty things to her.

Unwittingly, she found herself leaning closer and tilting her head up as if waiting for a kiss.

"We have an audience." He glanced through the sliding doors at the bunch playing poker at the dining table.

Sharon cupped Robert's cheek, turning his head to look at her. "They are busy with the game, and it's dark out here. They can't see us."