Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
All of the contestants are gathered in a big conference room at the hotel once more. We’re about to break into one-on-one sessions for interview practice, and it’s the first time I’ve seen Trek since our crazy encounter in the dressing rooms.
Aside from his initial greeting to me, which is was neutral and to the point, Trek hasn’t looked at me once this afternoon.
I sigh and look toward the ceiling-high windows, wishing I was anywhere but here and, at the same time, completely unable to imagine where I might go or what I might do. That’s how confused I am. I let my gaze sweep over the view of the city as my thoughts wander.
The cityscape outside the conference room is stunning. The sun’s already beginning to set, casting a soft, orange glow across the length of the conference room. The light makes the space feel hazy and romantic, an exact reflection of how I am already starting to feel toward Trek, whether I admit it or not.
At least, I’m not going to admit it out loud until I know exactly how he feels about me.
I don’t doubt that the man likes me, or at the very least, is attracted to my curvy figure. That much was made clear during our scandalous bikini fitting the other day. But I don’t know if his attentions are just a part of the whole pageant business, like he claimed back when we were in the dressing room.
“At this point, we’re going to break into individual sessions now,” Narax announces to the girls. I try to pay attention because it must be important. “Unless your name is called, you should wait here. Interview practice will last thirty minutes to an hour, so please be patient. Take the time to practice your question list with one another.”
I nod along with the other women.
“Sarah, you’ll come with me,” Narax continues.
The curvy brunette nods enthusiastically.
“Kelly, you’ll go with Kixson.”
I glance at my friend, whose eyes are wide and bright as she turns her attention to the handsome man.
Huh, I wonder if they’re going to have sex again.
“And Posey, you’ll go with Trek.”
I quickly turn my focus back to Narax. “I’m sorry— me?”
Narax nods. Trek’s eyes are on me, but I don’t dare meet them.
“Yes, you’ll work with Trek. The rest of you, just hang out here in the meantime. We’ll come and get you when we’re ready.”
The room erupts into a burst of lighthearted chatter. Kelly doesn’t waste a second before she is at Kixson’s side. They exchange an easy smile and walk out of the room together, not holding hands exactly but their bodies less than an inch apart.
Narax follows them, escorting Sarah out of the room. The girl’s practically panting with excitement, and I can guess why.
I remain rooted to my chair, paralyzed as a mixture of emotions swirl through my chest. Should I …? Are we going to…? A large figure suddenly looms before me.
“Ready?” Trek asks, his voice a mix of honey and thunder. He extends one big hand in my direction.
I slip my own hand into his and let him help me to my feet. But once I’m up, I pull away. I want to touch him, but I’m scared of what holding onto him might do to me.
It’s not for lack of desire. In fact, holding Trek’s hand sent a bolt of lightning through my body. A sensation so powerful that I can barely breathe.
And that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.
Trek says nothing about my strange behavior. In fact, the only indication that he’s even noticed my odd reaction is a small twitch in his jaw. Then he smiles, and it’s devastating. My heart flip-flops as my knees go weak.
“Let’s go,” he growls.
Then, he starts walking without a second glance my way. My feet follow him, as if I have no choice. Goodness, this man has me on a leash already. Once we’re in the corridor, the huge alpha male turns to me.
“We are going to Suite 1512,” he says in a conversational tone. “We have these suites for the entire week, actually, so we can take as long or as short as we like,” Trek explains, filling the silence.
“That’s thoughtful,” I murmur.
When we reach a door in the hallway, Trek keys open the door and pushes it open so that I can enter. The space is beautiful—and bigger than my studio apartment. There’s a large sitting area with two deep blue couches, a cozy kitchenette, and a door leading to another room which must be the bedroom. The wallpaper is sky-blue and gold, the design made up of a mix of soft flowers and exotic birds.
I immediately cross over to the massive windows at the far side of the room, drawn by yet another stunning view of New York City.
I let out a low sigh.