Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 66753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 334(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 334(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
I reach for it and his fingers brush mine, an electric charge zipping up my arm. “See how that works,” he says softly.
My God, I even feel his words low in my belly. This wicked attraction I feel for my boss simply refuses to be dismissed. I’m warm all over, and there is this ache forming low in my belly. How can I work with a man who makes me want to be naked all the time? How can I live without ever being naked with him again? How can I live with him walking around with another woman on his arm?
He arches a brow. I jerk my gaze to his changes. All I see is him naked in my mind, on top of me, riding me, his face distorted in pleasure in the most amazing way. I blink twice and force myself to read. “Good points,” I say. “Thank you. I’ll go handle this and come back to help. I have some time this afternoon. If you want me to, that is?”
“Gavin will leave when you get here,” he promises.
And just like that, I’m fairly certain I just agreed to have sex with him in his office.
At least my body did.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Bella
When I sit back down at my desk, my body is humming from my encounter with Tyler while my phone buzzes with a text message. I grab it from where I’ve just set it on the desk to find Becker on the caller ID. You’ve officially taught me that it doesn’t matter if I’m famous, I can still be blown off. Talk about humble pie, but I suppose we all need that. Though I’d rather learn this lesson from someone other than you, sunshine.
My lips curve. Silly man. And the truth is, from what I’ve seen at least, Becker’s actually a really humble, sweet guy. I can’t just blow him off. I’m sorry. I’m just insanely busy. I just got a massive deal for Dash. A TV series for his book and a true crime hosting job.
He replies with: Holy shit. Congrats! That’s badass, Bella. But you’re always a badass. I still think you’re blowing me off.
I consider for a moment my reply and ask myself what I would normally do in this situation if Tyler wasn’t consuming my mind and body right now. My answer comes fast. I’ll meet you at the show, I reply.
He pushes for more: What about meeting the puppy?
Not this time, is my quick reply and a firm one at that. Going to a concert is a thing we agents do. Inviting the prospective client to our homes is not.
I get it, he answers. Gotta prove my honor to meet the kiddo.
I laugh and type: I’ll see you tonight.
I set my phone down but swallow hard, reassuring myself all is well.
This concert thing is not an issue. I’ll talk sense into Tyler. I can’t be an agent and not have client dinners and shows to visit. That’s a solid must in this business, no matter if I’m with Tyler or not. I have no secret to keep, only logic to force on Tyler for both our own good.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Tyler
So much for Bella returning to help.
I glance at the clock that reads five o’clock and toss my pen down. I thought hearing the news about the legal side of the contract would at least show Bella I’m trying to fix this, but I really solved nothing. I’m still in the same boat. Still forced to fake an engagement and marriage. And she still doesn’t want that to be her.
“Go home,” I order Gavin, who is sitting at my conference table, reading one of the many files in the boxes.
“Here’s the thing, man,” he says as if we’re in the middle of a conversation we’re not having nor am I in the mood for, either. “We’re wasting time looking for some nugget your father might not have even left. Sure, keep looking, but you have to get the clock ticking. Based on the contract, if you announce an engagement now and marry in six months, you are free in nine months. Just get it done. Keep looking, but start the clock.”
“No,” I say. “I’m going to work around the clock until these boxes are cleared.”
“I’m sorry, man. I respect you. You’re my boss, but a delay is foolish. It opens you up to a board challenge. What if your father also has a back-up punishment for crossing him you don’t know about?”
I process that with a brutal slice of reality. He’s right. He’s too damn right. I haven’t considered the bounty of my father’s viciousness or desire to punish me for living when he’s dead.
“Every path but a woman will lead you to your demise,” he adds, “and frankly, there are worse curses than a hot woman in your bed. And I don’t give two fucks if you bang Bella all day and all night, but she needs to agree to this engagement and marriage now or you have to move on.” He reaches into his bag, pulls out a sheet of paper, and sets it on my desk in front of him. “The other names in case you threw them away. You need to look at them. You need to seriously consider them. If there was something between you and Bella that was real, she’d say yes. She’s not saying yes.”