Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
She slipped easily into caregiver mode, carefully maneuvering Archer until he reached the bottom of the stairs. She handed him his crutches, and he made his way to a big leather recliner in front of the bay window.
As soon as she’d seen him stuck on the staircase, it was amazing how quickly she’d forgotten that she’d seen every film Archer Davenport had ever made. Then again, since her heart was still racing, maybe she was just fooling herself that she was ready to deal with him as anything but a massive movie star.
“Glad you got here when you did,” he said. “I guess I need help more than I thought.”
With relief, she noted how good-humored he was. Or maybe, after weeks of living with Margaret, she was just used to more resistance.
Tessa couldn’t help but notice how strong he was and how good he smelled. He smelled like summers in Italy… or at least what she imagined summer in Italy would smell like, given that she had never been abroad.
The view of the ocean took her breath away. The blue sky seemed endless, and the beach begged to be walked on. The furniture was minimal and expensive looking. Lots of leather and steel, but comfortable cushions and throws. Several huge, leafy, potted plants softened what could otherwise have been stark. She hoped she’d get a chance to spend time studying the paintings on the walls.
Archer’s taste—or his decorator’s—was exceptional, and she longed to study each of the priceless artworks that felt as though they’d been chosen for their beauty rather than their investment value. At the same time, his home was definitely straight out of a magazine spread.
The minute she guided Archer into his leather reclining chair by the window, with his broken leg properly elevated, she shook her head at him. “Attempting the stairs without help was a foolish move. What were you thinking?”
Archer blinked at her, clearly shocked. “Nobody speaks to me like that,” he said.
Tessa’s heart plummeted to her sneakers. Of course no one scolded Archer Davenport: He was a world-famous celebrity. He was used to people asking for his autograph and telling him how good he was at his job. And now here she was, a nobody, telling him off like he was a school kid. With a flash of panic, she realized she was about to be fired from a job she’d barely started. She had no doubt whatsoever that Nina Patel would never work with her again because of all the money she’d lose the agency if Archer sent her packing right this second.
But before she could think of an appropriate apology, Archer broke into a cheeky grin. “Hey, don’t look so serious. I kind of like it.” His eyes flashed playfully with mischief.
Oh my. Margaret might have been right about that twinkle. Because if Tessa had admitted to alarm bells about this man before, now they were jangling louder than ever. And when he laughed, an infectious, joyful sound, she swore her knees actually went weak. She’d thought that was something you read about in books. But nope, here she was, doing her best to stay upright.
All because of his twinkling eyes and wonderful laughter.
She tried to calm down. This spark between them was nothing. Archer was a movie star, schooled in the art of flirtation. He probably wasn’t even aware that he’d switched on the boyish charm.
But no. The longer she held his gaze, the more she was convinced there might actually be a real connection between them. Because despite her inexperience with dating since her husband, Lewis, had passed away, the attraction was undeniable.
Tessa smiled nervously. Okay, so she wasn’t about to be fired. But if she was going to be living here for several weeks, she couldn’t let herself fall for this man. It would be bad for her on every level. Which meant she needed to come up with a strategy to keep her heart safe.
The first thing would be to look as plain as possible. Wearing her uniform was a good start, and she definitely wouldn’t wear any makeup around him—but she also made a mental note to switch from contact lenses to glasses and to sweep her hair into a practical bun each morning. She’d been told that her hair was her best feature, so it wouldn’t do to wear it in a girlish ponytail like she had today. And she certainly wouldn’t let the curls cascade down her back, as she’d done at the birthday party.
She composed herself and gave Archer her most professional smile. “No more going upstairs unsupervised. Promise?”
But he wasn’t listening—he was staring at her chest. She looked down in surprise, unable to stop the blush from spreading across her cheeks.
He raised a brow. “Why does your shirt have your name on it?”
She breathed out. He was only reading the embroidery. Of course. It was crazy to think he’d been checking out her curves.