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“Last night I didn’t know you were the Grinch trying to steal my house.”

Grinch? Accurate. “I offered you two million dollars for it. If you take that deal, you’d be stealing from me.”

“I’m not a thief.” She snatched her hat from me. “I appreciate your offer, but I have to work on Wednesday night. I’m sure with your status as New York City’s most eligible bachelor, you’ll have no trouble finding a date.”

“Looks like I’m not the only one doing research.”

“I wanted to see who my new neighbor was.”

“I hope you liked what you found.” I backed her against the wall by the door, caging her in. “We’re not going to be neighbors for long.”

“Are you moving already? I wondered how a city man was going to manage out here in the suburbs.”

“I’m keeping my penthouse in the city.” I winked. “I’ll work from here on the days I’m not in the city. I’m not the one who is moving.”

“I’m not going anywhere either.”

I admired her fire. “It will be easier to oversee my project from here.”

“Your overpriced resort town?”

“My overpriced development will bring plenty of jobs and resources to this community.” I tucked her hair behind her ear. “You’re not the only one struggling in this economy. My project will enhance this town.”

“Your project will take away from the nostalgia of this neighborhood.”

“Your neighbors didn’t agree.”

“You bribed them.” She focused on my mouth. “Enticed them with a lot of money.”

“I offered more than a fair price and they took it.” I threaded my bottom lip between my teeth, holding her attention. “Once you realize that, you’ll follow suit.”

“I’ve never been much of a follower, Mr. James.”

“You followed my lead last night.” I cupped the side of her face in my hand. “Several times.”

“That was before I knew who you were.” She sucked in a breath when I dipped my head toward her. “It’s different now.”

“It doesn’t have to be.” I brushed my lips along hers. “We can go back to being who we were last night.”

“How?” When she ran her delicate palm along my jaw, a strange shift flowed through me. An unfamiliar force that challenged my determined demeanor. “You still want my house and I don’t want to sell it to you.”

“Let’s put a pin in that for now.” I held her face still. “I’d much rather kiss you.”

“What happens after the kiss?” She glided her fingers against my beard.

“I can take you upstairs and show you my new bedroom.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Maybe you’ll change your mind after I do this.”

I didn’t wait for her reply. I caught her lower lip with mine, a soft tearing friction that turned into desire. I claimed her mouth, driving my tongue inside with slow, heavy strokes that demanded her surrender.

The whorls outside the foyer vanished, replaced with the frantic beat of my heart and the warmth of her presence. I lifted her and backed her against the wall.

“Silver,” she whispered, her focus entirely on me. “I…”

The air between us felt electric, forcing me to seize the moment. I was just about to turn to the stairs, intent on not passing up this opportunity, when the sudden, jarring chime of the doorbell echoed through the house.