Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
I am vaguely aware that we have both been silent too long and it is becoming awkward, but I can’t think of a single thing to say. But when Axel finally breaks the silence, casual like he didn’t notice the awkwardness, he asks me something that makes me long for the awkward silence to come back.
“How’s the search for the father of your heir going?” he asks gravely.
I freeze, then, to my mortification, stinging heat floods from the region of my chest, up my throat, on towards my cheeks, and continuing up all the way to the roots of my hair. My mind scrambles for a response. The truth is, I haven’t even thought about searching for someone to knock me up. That wasn’t part of the plan. But, of course, I’m not going to admit that to him. Partly because he might then call the whole thing off, and I am just getting started on those paintings, but also because who knows? Fate is a funny thing. I might go to a bar tomorrow, and someone perfect for me might walk in. So instead, I smile and try to appear casual, though I can tell I am still bright red.
“It’s all in hand,” I say, pleased that I managed to match his tone.
He studies me for a minute. I think that look means he doesn’t believe me for a second, not even a little bit.
“Really?” he asks, not bothering to hide his disbelief.
Rude man! “Yes, actually,” I reply, forcing a confident nod. “I have it completely under control.”
There is a dangerous glint in his green eyes, as if he sees right through me. “Consider me impressed.”
A strange warmth spreads through me, and my cheeks feel like they are on fire from embarrassment. This interaction might be short and fleeting as all our contact is, but it is undeniably charged and feels different from our usual cold exchanges. There’s a new teasing, almost playful edge to the tilt of his head and the faint lift of his brow. I find myself caught up in it, wondering why a single statement from him could affect me in this way. It is completely absurd.
I gather my courage and decide to play him at his own game. “And you? How’s your search going?”
He smirks. “I have a couple of candidates I’m working on.”
I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms, and offering a sly grin. “You’d better narrow it down quickly. The clock’s ticking.”
He chuckles softly, a sound low and controlled, but undeniably amused. “Keep me informed on your progress, and I will do the same.”
He laughs. I made him laugh. I’m too shocked to answer, so I just nod.
He turns and walks away, each step filled with the powerful grace of a panther, leaving a trace of his scent behind. I can’t name the feeling that comes over me as I watch him walk away, but it settles in my chest like a cloud of warmth.
I stand there, staring into empty space for a few moments after he’s gone. For the first time, I realize that we’ve had a conversation that didn’t feel clipped, cold, or hostile. No rudeness, no cold commands directed at me. It was human. Almost civil. I shake my head, exhaling slowly. Don’t read too much into it, I tell myself.
It could be that Axel has decided to actually give me a chance before deciding he doesn’t like me. It could be that he didn’t bother making the effort before because he was sure I would be a temporary fixture, and although that’s still true, a year can be a very long time if you don’t make friends with people who you live with. Maybe it’s none of those things.
Whatever it is, I just need to be cautious and remember that one civil moment doesn’t make Axel nice. One respectful conversation doesn’t erase all the other times he’s been brusque and impossibly arrogant. He’s not someone approachable, and I’ll be wise to remember it.
And yet my mind betrays me. It remembers the strong line of his jaw, the strength of those broad shoulders, the casual confidence in the way his hand shot out to catch me. I imagine what it would feel like to be close to him, to understand the man beneath the steely green gaze and controlled exterior.
And then, I scold myself for it.
Have you completely lost your mind?
He’s exasperating, and he’s openly hostile. He’s shown me who he is, and he’s not someone to get caught up in. I can’t let him turn my world upside down with one or two polite sentences. I shake my head.
Focus, Jo. Focus.
Right. I need to jump into the shower, then order a pizza for dinner. I was told I can put in a request with the chef, but he’s usually gone for the night by the time I finish work, and I don’t like to impose by forcing him to wait around for me.