Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 102560 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102560 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
How’s that for irony? All I wanted was not to be stuck in his orbit, and now I miss it.
With the spell broken, Mr. Archer takes the few steps until he is standing in front of me. He’s no longer looking at me, and I miss his gaze. Turning to Barbara and shaking his head, he says, “No, I don’t think we will need anything to drink at this time. But you can cancel the tour.”
I’m shocked. How did I do something wrong already to get the scheduled tour canceled?
I observe them for a second, looking for any telltale signs that he was in a bad mood, and my being late has brought on this change of plans. Despite Barbara’s earlier warnings, Mr. Archer seems to be in a fine mood when he peers back over to me and smiles.
“Hi, Mr. Archer. I must apologize for being late. I got lost on the way here.” I step closer, lifting my hand and extending it out toward him. “I’m Layla Marks. I work for Concept and Space magazine.”
His hand reaches out and shakes mine. The moment our skin touches, a shiver runs down my spine. Odd reaction. I force myself to take a breath and calm the frantic beat of my heart.
It’s just nerves.
It has nothing to do with the feel of his skin on mine, right?
He stares into my eyes when we shake, and the way he looks at me . . . Well, I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s unnerving. Persistent. He’s looking for something. I’m not sure what, but for some reason, I want to help him find it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Marks. Please call me Cain.” His voice is gruff and gravelly, but there is no malice in it. He seems genuine.
Barbara’s eyes widen. She’s in shock. Quickly, not to be rude, I shift my gaze back to the dazzling brown eyes belonging to Cain.
“And you can call me Layla.”
I reach into my bag and pull out the itinerary Mr. Walker provided me with before I left the city. “Again, I’m sorry I’m late, but I know my magazine would really appreciate doing an article on The Elysian. It says here on the agenda Ms. Olson sent, that I’ll be starting with a tour of the property with a Simon Murphy—”
“No,” he says forcefully, and I’m taken aback by the change in his voice. I move a step away from him, and he must realize I’m uncomfortable because he’s quick to soften his jaw, smiling again at me.
“Is there a problem with moving forward on this piece?” I ask, my voice low and cautious.
“Sorry.” He starts to pace the room, and I’m not sure what happened, but when he’s back to standing in front of me, he stops and speaks. “Simon won’t be taking you. I will.”
“But, Mr. Archer, you have—” Barbara intervenes, but Cain Archer raises his hand to stop her.
“Barbara, I said I’ll be taking Layla on her tour.” His voice is curt and to the point. “Cancel the rest of my day. Evening plans, too.” He leaves no room for objection. “I need to be the one to take you,” he tells me.
“But, Cain, if I could remind you of the plans for the fundraising event you are to review today—”
Glaring at Barbara, he mutters, “It’s Mr. Archer, and you get paid very well to make my calendar work for me. Make it happen.”
She nods and scurries off.
The idea of Cain Archer being my tour guide has the pulse in my neck picking up.
“Just today?” I ask. Please say only today. I don’t think I can be in this close of proximity to him and keep my cool.
“Actually, I’ll be taking you for your whole visit.” From his monotone reply, I can’t tell if he is pissed or just indifferent that he has to do this.
“While I appreciate that, I know you’re a busy man.”
“It must be me. No one else will do for you.”
I incline my head at his words. He must see the concern on my face as he averts his gaze momentarily. When he looks back, his eyes are brighter, and he smiles.
“You’re writing a piece on The Elysian. No one is better suited than me. The key to the project’s success can only be told by me. I need to ensure the correct information is shared. Not because I don’t trust you to convey it properly, but some of the other people involved in the project don’t have the eye or ability to convey the uniqueness of The Elysian.”
I nod. He has a point. As the architect, I’m sure this is his baby.
“Layla, will you mind if I’m your shadow for the next week?”
His voice reminds me of warm chocolate, dripping with sin. I can barely keep my head straight, and it’s only been five minutes. Can I do this for a week?