Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 61868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Frustrated, he tossed off the covers and headed for the shower, meeting up with Chloe in the kitchen. She was dressed in a pair of black leggings and high-heeled short boots with one of the man-styled shirts she favored, this one in pink, and it reminded him of her wearing his dress shirt the other day. She’d looked vulnerable and sexy and so fucking appealing at the same time.
One hip propped against the counter, she drank her coffee, and there was another one waiting for him.
She picked up the mug and held it out. “Morning!” she said cheerfully.
“If you say so,” he muttered, taking a long sip and hoping the caffeine improved his mood.
“Sleep well?” she asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.
He narrowed his gaze. Had she tested him last night, going into her room alone just to see if he’d invite her in? She was definitely smart enough to know that he’d been unsure about how to handle their sleeping arrangements, and she’d taken control of the situation. And probably knew he’d regret letting her slip away.
“Drink your coffee. It seems like you need it,” she said, a grin on her pretty face.
Yeah, she’d known what she was doing. But it wasn’t coffee he desired. Drawing a deep breath, he reminded himself he was through with the internal bullshit and could have her if he wanted her. And he did.
He stepped close, took the mug out of her hand, and placed it on the granite beside her phone. Grabbing her by the hips, he pulled her flush against him until his cock settled between her thighs.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a trembling voice.
“Making up for what I missed out on last night,” he said and brought his mouth down on hers.
She immediately wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back, eagerly accepting him as he thrust his tongue past her lips. He tasted her sweetness, and every reason not to be with her fled in the wake of their incredible connection.
He ran his hands down her back and cupped her ass, and she moaned as her sex rubbed hard against his erection. So much for work. He’d much rather make time for this, he thought, when the ring of her cell interrupted them.
She lifted her head. “Ignore it.”
She didn’t have to say so twice. He dipped his head and recaptured her lips. Their teeth clashed and their tongues tangled … and her damned phone rang again.
“Ugh. I’d better see who’s looking for me.” She pushed herself away from him and turned toward her cell. “It’s Linc.”
Shooting Beck an apologetic glance, she answered the call. “Is everything okay?” she asked in place of the standard hello.
Beck drew a deep breath and adjusted himself in his pants, but he definitely listened to her end of the conversation.
“No, I didn’t see Page Six. Why?” she asked.
Beck narrowed his gaze, immediately taking out his phone and looking up the site online.
“We were going for dinner, and I didn’t see anyone take a picture of us.” Chloe met Beck’s gaze, but he’d already found the photo and headline.
Jilted Bride Moves On? The photo below was a picture of Beck helping Chloe out of the limousine outside the hotel, but they were definitely staring into each other’s eyes. And though he hadn’t seen anyone using their phones to take a photo either, obviously someone had. Since the club was located on the top floor of a hotel, of course there had been people walking around outside.
“Hang on. I’ll look,” she said.
Knowing he had no choice, Beck turned the screen toward her.
She closed her eyes and sighed. “I just saw it,” she said to Linc. “Ignore it. I plan to.” She listened and her eyes opened wide. “What? I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that, and I can’t believe you care what people think!” she said, raising her voice.
What the fuck was Linc’s problem now? Beck wondered.
“Well, that’s what it sounded like. It’s my life and I’ll see who I want, when I want, and live where I want.”
Beck wanted to applaud her for standing her ground.
“You want me to meet you for lunch?” Chloe asked her brother. “After you just gave me a hard time?” She rolled her eyes. “Okay, yes. Fine. Where?” She paused. “Ocean Prime? Are you trying to wine and dine me, big brother?”
Beck waited not so patiently to hear why Linc was giving his sister shit now, ignoring the pit in his stomach from wishing he had a sister to care for, take for lunch, and worry about the way Linc did Chloe.
She grinned. “One o’clock is fine. And yes, I know you love me, but can you take a step back before you come at me? I can handle things.” She must have liked what she heard because she said, “Love you, too, and see you later,” before disconnecting the call.