Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
“So, what do you have planned for today?” she asked instead.
“Well … my family’s coming this afternoon for a barbeque. We switch off houses and normally do it on Sundays, but today was easier for me since the movie starts filming on Monday…” His voice trailed off, no doubt as he caught her expression.
Somewhere between shocked and horrified would cover it, she thought.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
He was such a man. “Considering how Dash reacted to me being here, do you really think I’m ready to see them again all at one time?” She could only imagine how his mother and sister would react. Not to mention his new half sister. She shuddered at the thought of being frozen out by the women in his family.
His expression softened and he reached out, placing his big hand over hers. “I called them this morning. They’ve all been given a heads-up and warned not to act like Dash did. And if you’d like, why don’t you invite your friend Cassidy? I’m sure that will help make you feel more comfortable.”
She blinked in surprise. “Maybe you’re not such a typical guy after all. That was … nice.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “I can be nice,” he muttered.
“Not recently. I mean, if we’re being honest, not until today. Unless you count last night’s order for me to pack up and come stay here. But like I said, that was a command.”
Her lips twitched as she teased him, her entire body relaxing now that she knew nobody would actually confront her. And the fact that he’d thought ahead and had her back? Surprising and gratifying at the same time.
This was not the man who’d greeted her a few days ago or who’d awkwardly told her to choose a room last night. “What changed?” she asked.
“What?” He removed his hand and picked up his mug of coffee.
“You’re being … kind to me. Why all of a sudden?” She couldn’t hold in the question.
He ran a hand over his beard in a move she’d quickly come to like, the same way she now appreciated the feel his facial hair on her face when he’d kissed her. The thought had her squirming in her seat.
“For one thing, we need to coexist under the same roof,” he said, taking her question seriously.
“And for another?” Because it was clear he had more on his mind.
“I’ve been doing some thinking.” Those intense blue eyes stared at her.
“About?”
“Us.”
Her mouth parted in shock. Closing it again, she waited for him to continue. Meanwhile, her heart had begun pounding rapidly in her chest.
He stood up and pulled his chair closer to hers. “We can agree the chemistry is still there between us, yes?”
Xander, the man who’d wanted to keep his distance, was suddenly so close she found it hard to think clearly. Still, she managed to nod even as she wondered what point he was trying to make.
“I still want you,” he said, his knuckles gliding over her cheek in a gesture that was both gentle and sexy and caused a rush of warmth between her thighs.
She drew a deep breath and inhaled the masculine scent that was pure Xander.
“This is where you say, I want you, too,” he told her, a confident tilt lifting his lips.
She blinked, certain she’d stepped into an alternate universe where they’d never broken up and he’d pick her up and carry her to bed. “But…”
He slid a finger over her parted mouth. “First, tell me if we’re on the same page,” he said in a gruff voice.
“Desire doesn’t change the past,” she said. “Or the future. Or our issues.” One of them had to think clearly. “I don’t understand how you’re suddenly past it all?”
He shrugged. “I wouldn’t say I’m past it. But I am pragmatic. At least now I am. Last time we were together, I expected more from you than you could give. This time I know what’s possible and what isn’t. I know we can be together while you’re here filming and part ways when it’s time for you to leave. Except this time, we’ll be friends when things end.”
Friends. Part ways.
His words made perfect sense given the differences between their lifestyles, careers, and the fact that she lived across the country. So why the painful churning in her stomach and disappointment that settled in her chest? She pushed aside those feelings and focused on the present and the things she could control.
“Well?” he asked.
She leaned closer. “I want you, too,” she said, staring into eyes that darkened behind the glasses.
She lifted the frames and slid them off his face, placing them on the table. Now she could look into his gorgeous gaze that was deepening with every second that passed.
Taking her off guard, he reached out and pulled her onto his lap, so she straddled his strong thighs. There was only soft material between her sex and his thick erection, and she couldn’t contain the moan that escaped at the feel of him exactly where she needed pressure the most.