Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 45966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
“I don’t think that’s the bes—”
“Whose name is on those documents?” I interrupted my brother, and he cleared his throat before nodding for everyone to leave.
After they were gone and the door was shut behind him, I crossed my arms over my chest and focused solely on the woman who thought she could change me.
Again.
“Now that they’re gone, let’s cut the bullshit, Elle.”
“Mr. Saint Clair, I won’t remind you again to address me as Miss Woods.”
“How long do you plan on playing this cat and mouse?”
She stood abruptly, sliding the documents across the table as she spun, strutting her way to the door. “Take a look at the holiday itinerary for the next few days leading up to Christmas because I control you beginning tomorrow morning.”
I resisted the urge to argue, realizing all too quickly that it seemed like I’d be dealing with her the most.
“If that means I only have to deal with you, I’ll gladly take the bait.”
HR would have a field day if they knew I was admiring her luscious ass that swayed with each step she took. It felt like forever had passed, waiting for her to walk by me. Too many emotions and questions tore through my mind in those brief seconds, one right after the other.
The clicking sound of her heeled knee-high boots vibrated deep within my core the closer she got toward me. One by one, it added to all the chaos erupting in my mind.
My throbbing head meant a migraine was looming, and I was surprised I could still see straight with the uncertainty racing through my body. All I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and have her stop with the games she was trying to play. The wall she built against me; I worried I might lose this battle between us.
When she walked past me, I growled at my impulsive thoughts and grabbed her hand, tugging her back toward me. She instantly misplaced her footing and fell into my lap, catching herself on my chest while her knee flew right to my balls.
I loudly groaned as spots instantly danced around my eyes.
“Oh shit!” she exclaimed, jumping off me. “I’m going to get you some ice!”
I wanted to reply, but I couldn’t. Words couldn’t form out of my mouth when I felt like my balls were in my throat. From the moment she dropped to her knees in front of me, setting the freezing ice on my balls, I envisioned this scenario happening in a much different way.
“Hell of a defense tactic.”
She leaned back, sitting on the heels of her boots. “Are you alright?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Do you want me to take a look?”
“You want to look at my balls?”
“No, but I would if you were hurt.”
“Would you kiss them to make them feel better too?”
She bit back a grin, trying to pretend my teasing didn’t affect her.
I didn’t know what I was expecting.
What I wanted from her.
I liked having her here. With me. Just not in this town.
Her scent.
Her hair.
Her soft skin.
It all did something to me in the same way it used to.
Unable to revert, I spoke the truth, “You can play this game all you want, but we both know it’s only a matter of time until you’re dealing with us.”
She pushed off my knees, standing tall in front of me. “In your dreams. Me kneeing you in the balls doesn’t change our relationship, Nicholas.”
“But look what it’s done for your perception. You’re saying we’re in a relationship now.”
“Don’t twist my words, or this will be a very long day.”
“It will be if you continue this charade of not giving a shit about me.”
“I don’t know what you expect from me.”
“I’d love for you to give me a chance to make things right between us.”
“Which includes what?”
“How about we start with dinner at my house?”
“I don’t want to have dinner with you.”
“Dessert then? Breakfast? Shit, I’d settle for coffee.”
“Not happening.”
I smiled, eyeing her up and down, and I didn’t hesitate to remind her. “As you know, Elle, I never back down from a challenge, so consider this war, Miss Woods.”
And I meant every word.
CHAPTER 7
NOELLE: THEN
My dad was away for the weekend, and I was used to staying alone—military life.
“Cute candy-cane onesie,” Nicholas expressed, walking into my living room as I grabbed a blanket from the back of my couch.
We were going to watch a movie.
My cheeks flushed, and my belly fluttered. If there was one thing I learned about Nicholas since I met him a few weeks ago, it was that he spoke his mind anytime he opened his mouth. He never held back, and in the little time we knew each other, it was one of the things I liked the most about him. He seemed as genuine as they come.
It was refreshing.
He was my breath of fresh air.