Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 18896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 94(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 94(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Curious about what changed his mood, she turned to see Stephan standing beside a man who looked like an older version of the twins. Stephan and… Brandy drew a sudden blank.
Oh, Lord. For as quickly as they’d connected, she didn’t even know his name.
He brushed his knuckles across her cheek in a gesture more tender and caring than overtly sexual. She could have melted at his feet. And then there was the heat rushing through her body. She felt on edge, the desire inside her out of control.
He rose to his feet. “I’ve got to go greet the old man but no way are we finished.”
She bit the inside of her cheek. When she’d decided to go after Stephan, the firm’s bachelor, she’d known nothing long-term could come of it. She’d just wanted to enter the new year feeling good and knowing she could get the man she thought she desired, if just for a brief time. But she’d kissed the wrong brother—or the right brother depending on her perspective—and knowing nothing about him, all bets were off.
So she could continue her bold act and see where things led or she could run, something she’d seen her mother do too many times. Brandy Bloom didn’t run.
“Oh, we’re finished all right.” She licked at her dry lips. “At least until you tell me your name.”
“It’s Max.” Amusement mingled with desire in his blue-eyed gaze.
She grinned. “Bye, Max.”
He shook his head. “Only until later, Brandy.” His words held certainty, his voice the promise of sharing more than just an introduction. With a last glance, he reluctantly turned and walked away.
She watched as he approached the older man and witnessed what was so obviously a reunion between a father and a son he loved deeply.
A lump rose to her throat. Looking at Max, Brandy saw concern and love cross his handsome features, no hint of the playful man in sight. Apparently, this conversation was emotional for both men.
But as Max broke from his father’s arms, he said something light enough to make Stephan laugh. Then he turned and, from across the room, his compelling gaze met hers and he treated her to a sexy wink. One that assured her he hadn’t forgotten her or his promise of seeing her later.
Her stomach twisted in anticipation and searing heat assaulted her senses. She shook her head, amazed. Not only had she been naughty, she’d most certainly gotten her man. Just not the man she’d expected. Fate and irony were at work tonight. She touched her fingers to her lips and imagined the feel of his mouth working magic over hers, his warm breath and his masculine scent wrapping her in seductive heat.
She let out a sigh, knowing the night was about to get much, much hotter.
* * *
Max hadn’t wanted to leave Brandy’s side, not for an instant, which he supposed told him something about the strength of his attraction to a woman he barely knew. An attraction he wanted to explore further.
After spending time discussing everything but business with Max, the older man had grown tired and said he’d see Max at home tomorrow. They hadn’t gotten together in a while so he’d invited Max and with the old man’s health scare, he couldn’t say no. He just hoped the truce they’d begun to forge today lasted once Max told his father that no offer, no matter how supposedly enticing, could coax him into the family firm. The most the older Corbin could expect from Max was a loving son who’d always be there for him. Max hoped it would be enough.
But before he had to deal with tomorrow, he had tonight ahead of him and he looked forward to every last minute. He walked down the darkened hallway, lit only by lights from some occupied offices, and stopped by the door his brother had told him belonged to Brandy.
Light shone from beneath the partially closed door and the low strains of music sounded from inside. Anticipation and arousal beat heavy inside him as he let himself in. Brandy was emptying her office, packing boxes and singing while she worked.
The woman couldn’t carry a tune to save her life. Max folded his arms across his chest and grinned. “You can serenade me anytime.”
She yelped and jumped. “You shouldn’t sneak up on me like that.”
He stepped forward, moving closer. With each step he took toward her, she inched back until she hit the wall, looking up at him with wide eyes. “What are you doing?”
“What you asked. Making my presence known.”
“As if I could miss it,” she said wryly.
“But you’re afraid of me.”
She shook her head in denial but he backed off anyway. He wanted this woman in many and varied ways but frightened wasn’t one of them.
“You don’t scare me… Max.” His name fluttered off her lips. Then, as if to prove her point, she held her hand out for him to shake. “And it’s nice to officially meet you.”