Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 67711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
“From now on, if you notice anyone watching or following you, pretend you don’t see them.”
“Fine. Do you want to see the picture?”
“Yeah, send it to me. I’ll have Carter take a look at it.”
When he sent the picture, I opened it and knew immediately that Miles had been telling the truth. Those weren’t his men. For one, no employee of his would be dressed like they were in a poorly budgeted mafia movie, and two, they wouldn’t have allowed themselves to be seen so easily.
“Hopefully Carter can identify the men. You don’t need to worry about them anymore.”
Jay scowled. “What does that mean exactly?”
“It’s best you don’t know too many details.”
“Who are you? Because you’re not just an attorney.”
“A very rich man who likes fine things, winning arguments, and protecting those he cares about.”
Jay’s eyes widened. “Does that mean…?”
Fuck. I hadn’t meant to say that. “Or those I’m responsible for.”
“Of course.”
Was that hurt in Jay’s eyes? Did he want me to care about him? If so, was that just part of a power game? It was best if I assumed it was.
I heard the door open on the parlor floor above me, then the sound of the alarm beeping as it accepted the code. Jay was here, and I wasn’t mentally or emotionally prepared to have him living with me.
I’d spent part of the afternoon working with Carter and the rest of the time sitting here, pretending to work while fantasizing about Jay and all the things I could beg him to do to me. If only I was capable of just enjoying sex and leaving my heart out of it.
I had no doubt Jay wanted me. I’d been right all along. I was sure now that he’d wanted me from the first time we met. He might not have realized it for a while, but the spark had been there.
But if he had to face the reality of wanting me when he wasn’t three sheets to the wind, would he still admit what he needed? Maybe. As long as it was just sex. If it were more…. I didn’t think dating a man had ever crossed his mind. When we were done, I’d be nothing but his dirty little secret.
Are you sure?
What else could I be to him? He told me he wanted to use me, and I’d let him. Now I was his protection, so of course he was willing to stay at my place.
“Ford?”
Fuck. I had to get myself together.
“Come downstairs. I’m in the kitchen.”
I heard his feet on the stairs, then he appeared in the kitchen. “Are you cooking dinner?”
He sounded very skeptical. Was he insinuating I wouldn’t be capable? “I am.”
“For me?”
Yes, but I didn’t want to admit. “For myself, but there will be enough for you.”
“Right. Thanks.”
Dammit, I wasn’t going to be a jerk to him the whole time he was here. He was probably scared. He was being followed by men who would shoot him on sight if they were ordered to. Plus his grandmother’s condition was serious. I knew she might not make it. We needed to get this situation taken care of fast, so he could visit her again.
“There’s beer in the fridge. The food will be done in about thirty minutes.”
“Do you want a beer?” he asked.
“Sure. Thanks.” The tension in the room was way too high for comfort and trying to talk to Jay here, in my own kitchen, was awkward as hell. What was the worst thing that could happen if I started drinking? Maybe I’d let him fuck me against the counter. He handed me a bottle, I popped the top, then passed him the opener. Neither of us said anything else, and I turned back to the stove.
It has been ages since I felt this awkward around anyone. My stomach was in knots, and I was sweaty. I had no idea what to say. Insisting Jay stay here was a mistake.
I was going to spend the entire time he was staying with me thinking about him, obsessing over him. Miles had been right; this was totally a toxic relationship for me, and yet….
I glanced over my shoulder at Jay. He was watching me, his beer seemingly forgotten in his hand as it dripped condensation over his fingers and onto the table.
I smiled. He was nervous too and maybe a little bit obsessed with me. Why was I fighting this when I could have a delicious man fuck me all night?
He broke the silence first. “You never mentioned that you cooked.”
“There’s a lot about me you don’t know.”
“You could tell me more.” I shook my head like I was trying to shake my thoughts loose. I really needed to keep my distance before I got in over my head. Aren’t you already?
“No more flirting,” I snapped.
Jay grinned. “You like when I flirt with you.”