Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“It’s simple,” he says with a grin. “You lied about cooking the food to impress my family. You wanted your soon-to-be in-laws to like you … because you like me.”
“There’s nothing simple about anything you just said.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Red.” Julian cradles my face in his palms. “You’re trying to complicate shit, but the truth is, everything about us is really fucking simple, and the sooner you realize it, the quicker we’ll be able to move forward.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “But don’t worry, Red. I’m in no rush. Take all the time you need to figure out what I already know.”
“And what’s that?” I breathe.
“That you and I are inevitable.”
chapter twenty-three
JULIAN
“With the timeline we’re working with, I’d probably say …”
Ana strolls into my office, stopping me mid-thought as I rake my gaze down her body. I had to be at work early for a meeting this morning, so I didn’t see her before I left. She’s dressed in a sexy black pencil skirt, a white button-down blouse, and a pair of fuck-me heels. I briefly wonder if I can convince her to let me slide that skirt up and over her ass and fuck her from behind with her bent over my—
“Jesus, man,” Ryder says, reminding me that he’s in my office. “I can practically hear your dirty thoughts from here.” He stands and shakes his head. “We can finish this conversation later … when you’re not busy fantasizing about your fiancée.”
“You don’t have to leave on my account,” Ana says.
“I need to get home anyway,” he tells her. “Nora is craving chocolate-covered pickles and swears if I don’t somehow find a way to get them for her, she’ll die.” His eyes widen at his slipup. “I mean …”
“I already told her.”
“And I won’t tell anyone,” she promises.
“Thanks. We’re announcing it soon. I’m sure you’ll be invited to the party.” He rolls his eyes. “Speaking of parties, have fun in Vegas … but not too much fun.”
“Yes, Daddy,” I say, making Ana laugh and Ryder glare.
He leaves, closing the door behind him, and I turn my attention to Ana.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of you visiting my office?” I smirk playfully. “Hoping to get fucked? Because I can make that happen.”
She snorts out a laugh and drops a file onto my desk. “The day-care plans have been drawn up by the architect and approved by the engineer for the remodel. I need you to sign off on them.”
“Okay, cool,” I say, pulling her into my lap. “I’ll look over these on the plane tomorrow. Now, what do you say to me bending you over this desk and fucking that perfect pussy of yours until you come?”
“Mmm.” She grinds against me. “I would say—”
Buzz.
“Mr. Parker, sorry for the interruption, but you told me to let you know if Sonia calls. She’s on line one.”
“Shit, I need to take this.”
I pat Ana’s butt, and she pouts, but this call is too important to blow off.
“Seriously, you go from wanting to have office sex to dismissing me?” she says as she stands with a huff.
“Sorry, I need to take this call. Rain check?”
“Whatever,” she grumbles. “I’m heading home to finish packing. Maybe I’ll pull out my pink vibrator and give it a go. B.O.B. has been feeling a bit left out.”
“Touch yourself, and you’ll regret it,” I warn, the thought of her coming without me making me see red.
“Oh, really? Then, you’d better get home quickly to stop me,” she sasses, sauntering out and slamming the door behind her with a cackle.
I grab the receiver, hoping this call is quick so I can chase after my woman. I planned to stay late to get some shit done since we’re leaving first thing tomorrow morning for Vegas, but my priorities have shifted—number one: getting home to make my gorgeous fiancée come.
“Sonia,” I say when I answer. “What can I do for you?”
“You can meet me for dinner at Carlson’s tonight.”
Well, shit, there goes my night.
Anastasia
“You can meet me for dinner at Carlson’s tonight.”
I stop in my place as a sultry voice practically purrs the words over the speakerphone to my fiancé.
“Whoops.” Josie quickly lifts and drops the receiver, silencing the call. “I forgot to click transfer,” she says with a nervous smile that has my hackles rising. “With the new system, if I don’t click …”
She rambles on, but my only focus is on the fact that some woman seems to think Julian is going to meet her at Carlson’s when he’s meeting me at the house.
My phone dings with a text, and I pull it out, finding a message from Julian that has my heart plummeting into my stomach.
Julian
A last-minute meeting came up. I’ll probably be home late.
Me
Guess the vibrator it is.
Julian
I’ll make it up to you. I promise.