Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81581 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 408(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81581 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 408(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
“I just don’t like talking about my past or my reason for doing things,” I admit as I set my mug down.
He mimics my actions and gives me a crooked grin that sends a swarm of butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. “Can we start over? Can we be friends?”
With him sitting in my living room, looking like he belongs, and turning on the charm, I feel some of my inner ice thawing. “I’ll only be around for two more weeks, Gray. Maybe being friends isn’t such a good idea. I’ll be gone before you know it, no longer in your hair.”
His eyes darken and I notice a tick in his jaw. “There usually isn’t a timeline on friendship. Maybe I still want to be your friend, even after you leave.”
I chew on my bottom lip for a minute contemplating his motives. There really is no hidden reason why he would want to be friends. I mean, maybe his definition of friendship leans toward the fuck buddies territory, but I can thwart his advances. He knows I’m leaving and hasn’t necessarily tried to prevent me from doing so.
“Please.” His word isn’t a plea but more of an olive branch.
“I’m afraid I would be a terrible friend,” I admit with an embarrassed smile. “I don’t have any because I never really wanted any.”
He regards me, his eyes doing that strange thing he does now—ever since he seemed to snap out of Mad Max mode yesterday—where they skim over every part of my face as if he’s trying to memorize each freckle on my flesh. “I’m the worst friend you’ll ever know. Just ask Bull.” He winces at the name, which only makes me want to know why.
“Who’s Bull?”
“Jeff.”
I crack a smile at the sheepish way Gray is behaving. Normally, I see the powerful, arrogant, one-track minded madman who runs the company I work for. I’ve never seen other sides of him. Bashful and vulnerable. Playful and grinning.
“What exactly do friends do?” I question, changing the subject. “We’re not sleeping together.”
A beautiful smile curves his lips and his entire handsome face lights up like never before. Just one look at him like this has me chiding myself. Don’t lie to the sex god, honey. We both know you’re eventually going to let that man into your bed.
His eyes narrow as they drop to my throat. The heat is painted on my skin—I can feel it. I clear my throat and tap the paper to distract him. “Have you been to the resort?”
“Once before. The moment I settled into my suite with a glass of brandy and sat in the armchair that overlooked the chilly Atlantic, I knew I wanted it for myself.” His hand covers mine as he draws it away from the picture. He’s looking down at the stunning boutique resort, but I’m focused on the way his large hand lingers on mine. I swear my heart is thudding so loudly he can most certainly hear it.
“Do you just take everything you want?” My words are meant to tease but they come out in an accusatory tone.
He leans into me as his hand squeezes mine. Warm lips brush against the shell of my ear, and hot breath tickles me when he speaks. “Always. When I want something, I do whatever it takes to get it.”
We’re not talking acquisitions anymore.
Or maybe we are.
“And what happens when you finally get it?” I can’t help but poke him a little more.
He lets out a heavy exhalation that sends shivers of need coursing through me. If he asked me to get naked for him right now, I probably would.
“I don’t let it go,” he says finally. He pulls away and takes the folder from me. I’m frozen in place, assuming he’s about to scoop my melted body up and take me into my room where he’ll spend hours ravishing me. I’m disappointed when he stands and clears his throat. My eyes drift to the large erection bulging in his slacks.
“Are we done here?” I murmur before reluctantly pulling my gaze from his dick to meet his hardened glare.
He runs those long fingers again through his now messy hair. I could think of a good use for those fingers…
“For now. I’ll pick you up at seven for dinner.” He doesn’t wait for a response before he stalks toward the door. “Take a nap until then. You look exhausted.”
I rise on shaky legs and follow after him. “Dinner? I thought we were just friends.”
“Friends don’t eat dinner together?” he implores with an impish grin.
I roll my eyes at him but I’m smiling too. “Last meal we had together went badly. You were an ass.”
His smile falls and a fierce stare finds me. His hand raises to cup my cheek. “I’m sorry. I was out of line. It won’t happen again. You just…” He drops his hand and looks off behind me toward the windows. “You just looked too damn pretty to be prancing around without a bra on for all those perverts to see.” His eyes snap to mine and fire flares in them. I’m definitely melting again under his glare.