Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
“I don’t. I also have an apartment downtown in Marina Del Rey. Some people use a house as their primary residence and a boat for fun. I do the opposite.”
Hmm… Interesting.
We talked the rest of the short drive to my place. Our conversation was casual, but it was impossible to feel completely relaxed near Grant. He just took up too much space—both literally on the seat next to me and metaphorically inside my head. The driver slowed as we turned down my street.
I pointed to the tall apartment building, suddenly glad I lived in a nice neighborhood. “This is me.”
The limousine pulled to the curb, and the casual and relaxed mood abruptly came to a halt. It felt like the end of a date with an awkward goodbye, rather than saying goodnight to the CEO of the company I worked for.
I put my hand on the door latch and spoke really quickly. “Thank you for the ride home.”
Grant leaned forward to his driver. “Give me a few minutes, Ben. I’m going to walk Ms. Saint James to the door.”
“That’s not necessary,” I said.
Grant reached and put his hand over mine, which was still holding the door handle, and pushed open the car door. He climbed out first and extended his hand. “It’s necessary.”
With his hand on my lower back, Grant guided me ahead of him up the narrow walkway. I felt the heat from his palm scorching my skin and wondered if it was my body or his that was on fire. Maybe it was the connection between us.
My apartment was on the third floor, and he insisted on riding the elevator up with me, too. At my door, Grant shoved his hands into his trouser pockets.
“Thanks again for the ride,” I said.
“Of course.”
“Okay…well…you have a good night.” I did some sort of a curt, clumsy wave and fumbled to open the lock. Stepping inside, I looked back and smiled awkwardly one last time before shutting the door. Then I proceeded to lean my head against it and bang a few times. “God, you’re such a doofus around that man.”
Sighing, I walked toward the kitchen. But the bell stopped me after a few steps. Grant must’ve forgotten something. I walked back and checked the peephole before opening the door.
I smiled playfully. “Miss me already?”
Grant shook his head and frowned. He looked like he wasn’t very happy to be standing where he was. Blowing out an audible breath, he said, “Go out with me Friday night.”
“Uh... You sort of look like you’re asking me something dreadful.”
He raked a hand through his hair. “Sorry. I know it’s probably not the smartest idea, but I’d really like to take you out.”
I nibbled on my bottom lip. “Is it not the smartest idea because I work for you, or not the smartest because we met by me sending you a drunk email to tell you off?”
Grant smiled. “Both.”
I liked his honesty. And his jawline. And that tiny little dimple on the left side of his cheek that I’d just noticed for the first time. In fact, I couldn’t think straight when gazing at his handsome face.
So I looked down to gather my thoughts, but all that did was remind me of the other things I liked about him: his broad shoulders, narrow waistline… Damn, big feet, too.
Yet even with all that beautiful packaging, I still wasn’t sold. Though my reasoning wasn’t the same as his. Grant was wary because I worked for him. I was wary because something told me this man could eat me alive.
After inwardly debating the pros and cons, I looked up. “How about drinks? We see how it goes?”
“If that’s what you prefer.”
I exhaled. “I think so.”
“Then drinks, it is. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Could we have them on Leilani?” I asked. “Maybe watch the sunset?”
The muscle in Grant’s jaw flexed. “My apartment overlooks the harbor and faces west. The terrace gets a beautiful sunset. Or there’s a nice bar down at the pier.”
“I’d prefer your boat, rather than your porn palace.”
Grant’s lip twitched. “Porn palace?”
“You said you use your boat to live and your apartment for fun.”
His eyes roamed my face. “If I say yes, is it a date?”
I wanted to say yes in the worst way. I was incredibly attracted to him physically, but I also found his direct, no-bullshit attitude a turn on. Not to mention, he’d let down his guard around his grandfather and shown there was more to him than the gruff exterior. Yet…something about him terrified me.
I looked him in the eyes. “Do you just want to sleep with me, or do you want to actually take me out?”
Grant smiled. “Yes.”
I laughed and shook my head. “I appreciate the honesty. But can I think about it?”
His cocky smile fell. “Of course.”
“Thank you. Have a good night, Grant.”