The Ex Factor - Erin McCarthy Page 0,14

he said, clearly not intending to back down one itty-bitty inch.

“What a surprise. Of course you do. Because you’re arrogant.”

This was going so well already. Not.

Chance hit a bad chord and set his guitar down. “That always solves problems, Jolene, name calling. It’s really so totally helpful.”

“We’re writing a damn love song!” There. That was proving a point.

Dolly came bounding out of the water, dripping everywhere, taking the stick up to Chance. He pulled it out of her mouth and tossed it again. “I can’t write a love song. I just can’t. Not if I’m not feeling it.” His voice was determined.

Jolene was so annoyed she was shaking in her sundress. Maybe he could just point out one more time that he didn’t love her. Because she hadn’t heard it the first two times he said it. Lord, the man was thick. She was so pissed she had no words. And because he was an idiot he didn’t notice. Instead, he kept talking.

“In case you haven’t noticed, Jolene, we’re actually right where I wanted to start the album--with a fight. Why don’t you tell me how you feel and I’ll put it to music.”

How was she feeling? She wanted to shove his sexy ass right into that pond. That’s how she was feeling.

So she did just that.

Only when her hands palmed the warm flesh on his back and shoved, he barely moved. He jerked forward a little, but so did she, slipping on the grass, the side of her face connecting with his shoulder.

“What the hell are you doing?” he asked, turning to look back at her.

“I’m trying to push you into the pond but apparently arrogance is heavier than anger. I can’t get your stubborn ass to move.” She pushed him again with the same result.

“Stop pushing me,” he said. “You’re pissing me off.”

“That’s fine with me, because you’ve already pissed me off.” She shoved harder this time.

Chance reached around and grabbed her, startling her. She screamed and Dolly barked and pranced nervously. Chance had her hauled around and sprawled across his legs before she was even sure what the hell had happened. “Let me go.”

“No. If I’m going in the pond, you’re going in with me.” The corner of his mouth turned up in a mischievous smile.

The position she was in wasn’t exactly dignified. She was on her side on his thighs and her boob had popped out of her sundress. He was clearly aware of that fact, because his eyes drifted down to her chest. It turned her on, even though she was still annoyed.

“Why can’t you listen to me, just once? Why are my ideas never any good in your eyes?” she asked, not wanting to let it go. Needing to hear his answer.

Something flickered in his eyes. “I never want you to feel that way, Jolene. You have amazing ideas. It’s why you’re successful. But I’m stubborn, I can’t help it. I know I’m right on this one. Let me prove it to you. Let’s write the album like this, and I promise you you’ll love it.”

She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She hesitated.

“If you hate it, I promise we can write love songs.” He reached down and gently brushed her hair off her cheeks. “I was lying, you know. I can feel it with you.”

Her heart softened. “Feel what?”

“A big old boner.” He grinned.

Nice. She rolled her eyes. “I feel it too, right under my butt, you creeper.” How could he have an erection when he had fully admitted he still thought their relationship was a mistake?

Same way she had damp panties she supposed. The science of sex was the devil.

“You’re my ex and my business partner. It’s not creepy.”

She was done with the pointless conversation. “You promise to pull the plug on any song if I hate the outcome?”

There was a just a brief pause, but then he nodded. “Promise.”

“Fair enough.” Jolene started to sit up.

But then suddenly she was sailing through the air. She hit the chilly water with a loud smack and sank into the fetid pond before she could even process that he’d tossed her like a ragdoll.

It should have ticked her off.

But as she clawed to the surface, she found herself amused. She’d deserved that. Plus she liked that Chance kept her on her toes. On her back. Damn, the cold water was definitely what she needed. A couple of hours and things were already heating up between them in more than one way. In a way,