Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
He was smart. Gorgeous. Fun. Protective. Occasionally sweet.
And darn good with his tongue.
Yeah, perhaps moving in with Reuben Jones wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
36
The man was impossible.
“You are not taking me shopping.”
“I am.” Reuben took hold of her hand and led her into the closet attached to the beautiful room he’d had created for her. They’d just had a shower together and they both still had towels wrapped around them. “Let’s find you something to wear.”
“But I don’t need anything,” she told him as he picked out a dress for her.
It was a light blue and white gingham with a sweetheart neckline and a belt around the waist.
It was adorable. But not what someone who was going out with Reuben Jones should be wearing.
Perhaps she needed a power suit. Did people still wear those? Shoot. She needed to look into what was fashionable right now.
And how are you going to pay for a wardrobe overhaul?
Fudge.
Next, he grabbed a pair of white sneakers and a white cardigan.
It was an outfit to die for. But she couldn’t go out of this apartment wearing that.
“Let’s get you dressed.”
“I can’t wear that, though.”
“Why not? Does it not match well? Or will you be too cold? There should be a coat in here.”
He drew out a caramel-colored coat that looked super expensive. It was even lined. Holy moly.
“No, the whole outfit is gorgeous. Really. You did a good job choosing it.”
“Then why can’t you wear it?”
“I just . . . are you sure you want to be seen with me looking like this? It’s a bit too sweet, don’t you think?”
He looked from the outfit to her. “Where is this coming from?”
“I’m just . . . I’m a bit, well, country mouse.”
“Who called you a country mouse?” he demanded.
“Kirsten,” she whispered. “She said I was chuck steak, although I’m not sure how that was an insult because chuck steak can be really nice if you cook it right.”
“You are not a mouse or chuck steak. You don’t need to pay any attention to what she says about you.”
“But you kind of thought it, too, right? That I don’t really dress or look or act the part.”
“I like the way you dress and act and look. And I don’t want you to change. Not for me. Not for that bitch. And you don’t need to worry about her. I’m taking care of Kirsten.”
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
A shiver of pleasure rushed through her.
Oh yeah. She was messed up.
He cupped her face in his hands and tilted her head back. “I was an asshole when you first started working for me. Do you know why?”
“Because you thought I wouldn’t be any good at my job.”
“You’re not very good at your job.” The blow was softened by the amusement in his face. Also, he wasn’t saying anything that she didn’t know. “And also, because I fucking wanted you from the moment you walked into my office. God. All I wanted was to lay you across my desk and devour you.”
Her breath caught. “You did?”
“Fuck, yes. I do not want you to change. Do you understand me?”
“It’s not just that.”
“Then, what is it? Hey, look at me.” His voice was almost tender, and it was enough to make her raise her gaze to his.
“You’re . . . you and I’m me and already the scales are out of whack. I don’t want to make them more so.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Is it because you’re so much hotter than me?”
Her mouth dropped open as she gaped at him. “W-what? I’m not!”
“Yeah, baby, you are.”
“It’s the complete opposite.”
“What is rule number two?”
“Honesty. But I am being honest. You’re gorgeous and sexy and suave and sophisticated, and I’m . . . not. I’m going to look completely out of place wearing that around your friends.”
“First, you don’t have to worry about my friends. I don’t have any other than Gwen and Alejandro. Gwen is a Little and Alejandro is a Daddy.”
“Gavin?”
“Just an acquaintance.”
She narrowed her gaze at him.
“And he’s a Dominant. Who looks at you too much, if you ask me.”
Uh-oh.
“And my sister is also a Little who doesn’t give a crap about fashion. For years, she only wore black.”
Juliet was a Little? She wondered if that’s why she’d felt so at ease talking to her.
“She wore black?” She stared at him in surprise.
“Yeah. So she’s not going to care about what you wear, baby. And who else would I give a crap about? I want you to wear what you like. What makes you feel beautiful. I think you look gorgeous in these clothes. Would I have bought these things if I didn’t want to see you in them?”
“I guess not.” That knot in her tummy eased.
“I know not. Now, let’s get you dressed.” He leaned over and pulled one of the drawers open. “And for being such a jackass when you first came to work for me, I’m going to buy you twice as much stuff as I’d planned to.”