Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
For now, she had to steer clear of her ex, which hadn’t been difficult given the distance between their two offices. The day after his shocking behavior, he’d met her at the elevator with flowers and apologies. She’d told him to shove the I’m sorrys and tossed the flowers in the trash. He’d left her alone ever since.
Dex hadn’t. To her surprise, he’d shown up daily, the times varying. The first morning, he arrived with a latte, guessing what she preferred and getting it wrong. But he’d introduced her to a new favorite flavor. Caramel. The next day, he showed up with flowers, stopping by on his way to a meeting. These blooms she kept on her desk in her direct line of vision, liking the reminder that Dex cared.
He was quickly becoming part of her life and whenever she was alone, her thoughts would drift to him and their time together, and not just the one incredible night of mind-blowing sex. The long talks they’d shared both in the Bahamas and in New York had gone deep, and she’d revealed more to him than she’d ever done with Jeremy.
Dex’s playful banter during intimacy was new and refreshing. His protective nature merely added to his appeal. And the sex? She squirmed at the thought of her legs over his shoulders, him focused on making sure she came first.
Dex Sterling was a special man. But her life was a cluster and every self-help book she’d skimmed said not to jump into another romance too fast. But did that mean she couldn’t have Dex in her life? Friends with benefits suited her just fine and based on his past, Dex didn’t seem to be in the market for a serious relationship either.
And she wasn’t ready to give him up.
A knock sounded on her door. Knowing Brandy was outside and would let her know if she was leaving her desk, she called, “Come in!” without worrying about Jeremy being on the other side.
Dex strode into the room, a bag of food with the name of a restaurant she recognized in hand.
She rose from her chair, taking in his relaxed stance and clothing. Wearing a pair of black sweats and a gray T-shirt, those strong arms with flexing muscles called to her.
“Hi!” she said, happy to see him.
“Hey, beautiful.”
At the endearment, her body warmed and she flushed under his heated gaze. “I hope you brought enough for two?” she asked.
“I wish I could stay and eat with you, but my sister asked me if I could help her move a few things around her gallery and I couldn’t say no.”
She smiled at that. “I’m sure she appreciates you.”
“She does. You’d like Fallon,” he said as he walked toward her desk and around to where she sat.
He sat on the desk and leaned close. “Tell me you’re okay. That you feel safe here. Jeremy’s leaving you alone?”
She nodded. “I honestly think he scared himself. He wouldn’t want to ruin his reputation at work any more than his affair with Marley has.” She shuddered at the reminder.
“And she’s gone?”
“From the office, yes. From his life? I don’t know nor do I care,” she said.
It was still hard to believe her anger outweighed the hurt. Even harder to wrap her head around the relief she actually felt that his cheating had saved her from marrying him. She’d been stuffing down so much unhappiness she was just letting bubble to the surface now. Every day she processed something new about her old life. When she wasn’t thinking of Dex, that is.
“Where did you go?” he asked.
“Sorry. I was just musing about how I’m so much more angry than hurt.” She raised her shoulders in a small shrug. “And then I was thinking about you.”
He leaned in, closing the distance between them, and pressed his lips to the sensitive spot behind her ear and she let out a low moan.
“I hear that sound in my sleep,” he said in a gruff voice.
His rumbling voice caused her nipples to harden and peak behind her silk blouse, and her panties were now wet. She wasn’t leaving this office anytime soon, she thought, doing her best not to cross her arms over her chest. She was so turned on, she couldn’t come up with a coherent reply.
“I can’t stop thinking of our night together.” He kissed her jaw, then brushed his lips over hers. “And I can’t stop thinking about you. Is a repeat on the agenda? After I take you to dinner?”
Her heart thumped hard in her chest at his suggestion. “On one condition.” She’d been thinking about being with him again but she’d also considered what she needed in order to agree. To keep herself sane and not fall under another man’s spell.
“Name it.” The words were an order.
He didn’t step away and his scent wrapped around her like a sexy blanket and her thoughts scattered. “Oh umm…”