Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“So basically I saved you?”
She laughed, and it was throaty and sexy. “If that’s what you need to believe, have at it.”
I found myself smiling at her constant need to put me in my place. Never met a woman who did that, not even Bethany had done that, unless she really meant it and wanted to hurt me.
“You’re free to use the Escalade. It has a lot more room than your sedan.”
“Thank you, but the Escalade is my work car, and I am officially,” she glanced down at the sleek black band on her left wrist and smiled as she got to her feet, “off the clock.”
“I’m your boss, and I’m telling you it’s okay to use it.” Why was she so stubborn? I got up too, feeling more confident now that I was back on my feet, on equal footing with Lucy.
Her gaze inched up my body, and I took a step back realizing how close I was, and how big our height difference was. I didn’t want her to think I was intimidating her on purpose. “I’ve been doing this for a long time Mr. Rush and I have a system for keeping things professional, but thanks again for the offer.” She flashed that smile that made it feel as if she had a secret that only she knew.
“Dante.” Why I felt the need to keep reminding her to use my first name I had no idea, though I was sure Alex would have plenty.
“Right. Dante.” She took a few steps back, but not before I caught a flare of desire in her eyes.
Interesting. No, it wasn’t interesting. It was unfortunate, because neither of us could act on it. “Was that so hard?”
She rolled her eyes. “You have no idea.” Her gaze swung to Lena who still counted clouds. “Do you want a progress report now?”
I shook my head and waved her off. “Monday is soon enough. Enjoy your night Lucy.”
“Oh yeah, big night of packing and loading up my car.” She laughed nervously. “You too…Dante. Bye Lena, see you later.”
“Buh bye Lucy!”
She turned and walked across the backyard.
I mentally patted myself on the back for only staring at her ass for a few seconds when I actually really wanted to stare until she disappeared from my view.
Chapter 9
Lucy
“Wow, you ordered from my favorite barbecue place? You must’ve really missed me.” I smiled across the table at Toni as we unpacked the bags of food that smelled so delicious my stomach growled in response.
Toni shrugged, but the blush that stained her pale cheeks told me she had, in fact, missed having me around the apartment. “You haven’t called.” She didn’t look up, and I frowned. Toni was the tough one, but clearly my oversight had hurt her.
“I’m sorry Toni, getting settled has been harder this time around.” I knew she would have questions, and since I owed her an apology, I folded them together. “Because I failed to check in with you, I’m going to give you the best gift in the world.”
She pulled out the last aluminum container and sat. “Oh yeah? I’m listening.”
As we made up our plates and ate, I gave Toni the rundown of my week, starting with the interview. “Imagine my surprise when the door opened and the father turned out to be that gorgeous prick who caused the accident.”
“No!” Her wide green eyes filled with the same shock I’d felt in the moment.
“Yep. And it turns out that he’s even more entitled than I initially thought! Though I suppose that comes with living in a mansion and stuff.”
“A mansion, like a real life mansion, or just a big suburban home?”
“No Toni, an actual mansion. It’s a big sprawling ranch style mansion, complete with a circle driveway, a small well-kept wooded area just beyond the manicured backyard. It’s stunning.” It was the perfect playground for an imaginative little girl like Lena.
“How did he react to you showing up on his doorstep?”
I laughed and rolled my eyes, giving her the whole story until she cried with laughter. “He actually thought I was there trying to get money from him for my car.”
“Oh wow. You set him straight?”
I nodded. “I did. There’s something about him that makes me feel bolder and sassier. I hold my own with him, and I don’t’ think he’s used to that, because he turns his grumpy meter up just for me.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she waved a dismissive hand. “He’s grumpy as all get out, but what I really want to know is, how hot he really is. Was that day on the road just a trick of the light, or was my vision impaired by my hangover that day?”
“I wish!” I groaned and shook my head. “He’s even sexier, especially when he smiles. And when he’s dressed casually. He does sinful things to a pair of denim.” The thought of him in those jeans was enough to fill my mind with dirty thoughts of tugging those jeans off his long legs. “Thankfully he’s irritating as heck, or else I might find it hard to stay professional. Well that, and the fact that he thinks I’m hideous.”