Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
I smiled at his words. “Is that your professional or personal opinion?”
“Professional. My personal one is much more…personal.”
“Oh?”
He grinned, setting Hedgy on the sofa beside him and pulling me onto his lap so I straddled him.
“You’re everything I said before, but also sexy, funny, witty. Exasperating. Sexy.”
“You already said that.”
“It stands being repeated. I have never wanted a woman as much as I want you. You’re on my mind constantly.”
I linked my arms around his neck. “Is that a fact?”
He kissed me, nuzzling my lips softly. “Yes, it is. Undisputed.”
Our gazes locked, the heat between us building. His grip on my hips tightened, his erection growing between us. He pulled me closer, covering my mouth, stroking my tongue with his. I whimpered as he cupped my ass, then I giggled as a small ball of fur wiggled between us, meowing and purring as he crawled up to Alex’s shoulder. For a moment, Alex stilled, his head thrown back as he found his patience.
“Is that what is going to happen from now on? Cockblocked by a cat?” he asked dryly.
I slid from his knee. “I’ll put him in his room. Go do your work.”
“I’d rather do you.”
I winked. “Something to look forward to.”
He grumbled all the way to his office. I fed and petted the kitten, but as soon as I put Hedgy down, he raced to the open door, disappearing down the hall, and I heard Alex’s admonishing. “No! Down! Hedge, I said—dammit, stop licking my face and making that infernal noise.”
A few moments later, I peeked in then left them alone. Hedgy was on Alex’s shoulder, his eyes already shut. Alex had given up and was working on his laptop. Hedgy looked happy. Alex looked resigned.
But I noticed he didn’t call me to come and take him.
Chapter Eighteen
MAGNOLIA
“Have I mentioned you look beautiful tonight?” Alex asked, staring at me across the table.
“Not in the last few moments,” I replied with a smile. He had been very vocal since I appeared in the living room, dressed for our date.
“Remiss of me. You are gorgeous. I love the dress.”
I smoothed the silk down my arm. “Thank you.”
“The color is spectacular.”
“I don’t wear red often.”
“You should. And I can hardly wait to see it on the floor by my bed.” He paused with a wink. “If we make it that far. The living room might be as much as I can stand.”
“Stop it,” I murmured, loving every second of it.
“Where’s the zipper?”
“What?”
“The zipper. It’s pretty, and I don’t want to rip it.”
“Left side.”
“Gotcha.” He picked up the menu. “So, before I get dessert, I need to feed you. What looks good?” He peered over the heavy paper. “Besides you?”
“I think I need protein.”
“Great idea. Steak for two, it is.”
We were almost finished dessert when a man approached the table. As soon as Alex saw him, his shoulders drew back, and I felt his tension. He’d been holding my hand as we finished our coffee, and his grip on it tightened. His face became expressionless.
The man stopped, his voice falsely surprised. He held out his hand. “Alexander. How nice to see you.”
Alex pursed his lips, looking at the extended hand. For a moment, I thought he would refuse to shake it, and then he stood and gripped the proffered hand briefly. “Terry,” he muttered.
I stared in surprise. This was the stepbrother.
“Are you going to introduce us?” Terry asked, indicating me.
“I’d rather not. But, Magnolia, this is Terry.”
He held out his hand. “His brother.”
“Stepbrother,” Alex corrected.
I took Terry’s hand, trying not to grimace at his clammy palm. He was decent-looking but lacked Alex’s finesse and image. His chin was weaker, his eyes too close together, and his suit didn’t fit him the way Alex’s skimmed his body. His hair was dark but receding, and his skin had a reddish tinge.
“Surprised to see you out and about,” Terry said. “Not holed up playing in the dirt.”
I couldn’t help my eye roll. What was it with his family?
“What are you doing here, Terry?” Alex asked, ignoring his words.
“Having dinner, of course. My date for the evening is in the ladies’ room.”
“For the evening?” Alex echoed. “Is that all they can stand to be with you?”
Terry narrowed his eyes. “I don’t like to be tied down.”
I wanted to laugh. Terry looked between us, a gleeful, evil smile pulling on his lips. “Wait. Didn’t Mother tell me your new secretary’s name was Magnolia? Fucking the assistant, are we, Alexander?”
Alex flung his napkin on the table and stepped close to Terry. “One more word, Terry, and I’ll take you out back and teach you a lesson you’ll never forget. Apologize to the lady.” He paused, his hands fisted into his sides. “Now.”
“Touch me, and I’ll sue you.”
“Turn and leave. Or risk me doing more than touching you. Once I’m finished, they’ll be burying you in one of those piles of dirt you think I play in.” He leaned close and said something.