Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Why opt for a relationship when it offers no amount of security, whereas my toys can always meet my needs like most men can’t? It just makes sense to me.
“No, and you know I’m not looking,” I remind her.
“You’re pushing thirty, Alina. I want grandkids.” She huffs. I roll my eyes, grateful she can’t see it.
I’ve told her I don’t know if I even want children. I saw how tough it was for her to raise me on a single income. And while, yes, I make good money now, that could change if I’m unavailable to work due to pregnancy or a newborn.
It’s so easy for men to just up and leave. It was different for my mom and me since my father didn’t leave us willingly, he passed away, but it didn’t take away from the noticeable absence of his presence.
She goes on to tell me about work at the same job she’s had, and loved, since I was a child, and the new neighbors who just moved in. It’s nice to check up on her and know that she’s doing well.
The Uber driver stops in front of a blacked-out storefront, and I realize we’ve arrived at the destination. “Hey, Mom, I’ve just arrived to meet the potential clients. I’ll call you back tonight, okay?”
“Of course. Tell me all about the space. Sounds a little bit raunchy doing a lingerie store.”
I laugh. “Calm down. We don’t know if I’ve got the contract yet.”
She scoffs. “As if they flew you all this way not to hire you. You’re the best of the best.”
I’m stepping out of the Uber with my carry-on suitcase as I say, “Thanks, Mom. Love you.”
I hang up and admire the building. It’s a bigger space than I expected, especially for a lingerie store. A tingle of excitement begins in my stomach.
I thought I’d stop by before going to the hotel because I’m just too excited to see the space that I’ll potentially be working with. If they don’t choose me, then at least I get to return to New York for a week, I suppose.
I push that type of negativity away. I know what I’m capable of, and a smile touches my lips at my mother’s words. You’re the best of the best.
The smile doesn’t last long when my Uber driver leaves, and I realize the black car parked in front of it eerily looks like the same one Will got into. Surely, it’s not.
I swallow hard as I walk to the front door that’s been left open. When I step inside, the first thing I see is a shirtless Will, standing next to the front counter and doing up his belt. My gaze inevitably roams down the front of his body, scanning over every ridge and dip. Fuck me.
Another man holds out a shirt for him. When Will looks up to take the shirt, he notices me, and a devilish smile appears on his lips, that singular dimple forming.
“Milady, you made it.” I cringe at the word, and at this point I know he uses it just to piss me off. But I don’t let it show as I lock eyes with the second man. He offers a brilliant, charismatic smile but briefly glances between Will and me before approaching. He’s well dressed in a very expensive white suit. And dare I say he’s prettier than Will?
Will is definitely attractive. He’s just a different type of attractive, a little rougher around the edges, whereas this man standing in front of me is very clean-cut and oozes power and money.
“I’m Dawson Taylor. Will has told me all about your work. And I’m looking forward to working with you.” He offers me his hand and I shake it, purposefully ignoring Will, who is moving to join us.
Why the fuck is he actually here?
“It’s lovely to finally meet you, and I’m excited to see what potential this baby has,” I say, looking around the shop. That’s when Will steps into my space, because Lord forbid this fucker is ever ignored.
“You’re not going to ask why I was half naked when you walked in?” he asks.
My gaze flicks to Dawson, who watches us as if it’s the most casual exchange transpiring in front of him. If he’s acquainted with Will he’s probably already acquainted with his less then desirable shit stirring personality.
I smooth a hand over my hair and make sure my long locks are covering the big fucking hickey on my neck from a certain asshole.
“Not particularly. I’m here for work. And why are you here?” I ask, trying my best to remain professional.
“You seemed interested when you were staring for so long,” he says with an arrogant smile, and I pin him with a lethal stare. “Haven’t seen a man without his shirt on in a long time, milady?” His top four buttons are still casually undone, revealing the tight muscles beneath, and I notice a scar on his shoulder.