Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
6
MIXING BUSINESS AND PLEASURE
Maddox
I’ve never been so grateful I rented a car—or so annoyed. I’d have jumped at the chance to spend another fifteen minutes with that charismatic charmer.
But as I near my Lexus, I fight free from the stranglehold lust has on me. No more elevator kisses, no more innuendo, no more flirting. Tonight was a one-time slip. My mantra from here on out is business, and only business.
With my head clear at last, I’m ready to see friends and relax. Tomorrow, I can figure out how the hell to work closely with someone I want so intensely.
But Zane follows me out, his footsteps loud on the concrete as he strides right up to me. “Maddox,” he says, his tone intensely serious.
I straighten my spine. “Yes?”
“When will I see you again?” he demands. “And what’s next exactly?”
Normally, I’d spend a day with the client, learning who they are so I could nail the best deal for them. But Zane and I hanging out together for a day? In a town car? Just us?
That would be a huge mistake.
I’m tempted to conduct this relationship from a safe distance over phone, text, and video calls.
Hey, let’s spend a day zooming.
But my business acumen tells me to treat him the same as any other client. Stars like a personal touch. They like attention. They deserve it. Zane might not yet be one of the best-known ballplayers, but in time, with my guidance and with his bat, I’ve no doubt he’ll be tops. All I need is a day to learn what makes him tick.
I flip through my mental calendar. I’ve memorized his schedule. At the beginning of next month, he’ll be in my town, on my turf. I can be in control as I get to know him better. We can spend some time together during the day before his game that night. We can’t get into any trouble while the sun is up.
“Two weeks from now, you’ve got a series against the Los Angeles Bandits. What are you doing on that Tuesday before your game?” I ask.
The look in his eyes says he’ll be taking me apart in my bed.
But the words that come out of his mouth are, “Doing everything I can to resist kissing the fuck out of you again.”
Zane and Maddox’s sexy-as-sin love story continues in TURN ME ON. Turn the page to enjoy!
TURN ME ON
A STANDALONE ROMANCE
1
VERY BIG THINGS
Maddox
It’s been two weeks since I broke every rule and, for the first time in my career, kissed a client.
The first and the last time.
I repeat that reminder as I shower on Tuesday morning, then again as I turn off the scalding-hot shower, dry myself, and wrap a towel around my waist.
I’m all focus, too, as I shave, the door open to cool the sauna of a room. While I slide the blade along my jaw, I review the day’s plan. I’ll head to the main drag in Venice Beach, claim a table at Edge & Plow, and wait for Zane’s town car to arrive.
“Ugh, Edge & Plow is so faux trendy,” I mutter as I flick stubble and shaving cream into the sink.
I’ll come up with a better spot. Text him a new location.
Wait. Nope. That looks noncommittal.
Trendy it is.
Besides, today’s agenda is to learn more about the client. Whether he likes faux trendy or not will be useful intel.
As I finish shaving, footsteps pad down the hallway and stop at the door. Bryan stands outside the bathroom, barefoot, as per my house rules, eating a banana. “Question—why the fuck do you shave after you shower?”
I roll my eyes. “Question—why do you care when I shave?”
“Someone has to look out for you, man. Keep you mildly dateable,” he says, then takes another bite of fruit.
“And you’ve volunteered?” I splash hot water on my face and pat it dry.
“I’m your best bet. So, I ask again, why shave post-shower instead of, oh, say, during the fucking shower itself? That just makes sense, man. Are you aware of the existence of mirrors for showers?”
I reach for my aftershave from the medicine cabinet. “Yes. Are you aware of the existence of other houses to live in?” I ask my guest.
“Ouch. Stab me in my free-loading heart.”
I laugh. Bryan knows he’s welcome to stay here until he closes on his new home. “Anyway,” I say, as I slap on some aftershave, “now you know my dirty little secret. Besides, I have my reasons. It’s good practice.”
My buddy arches a brow. “Fine. I’ll bite. Practice for what?”
A smirk curves my lips as I set the bottle back in the cabinet. “Some men find it fuck hot—a guy with a towel slung low on his waist, concentrating intensely as he uses a steady hand to shave precisely. Carefully. Patiently,” I say, painting a favorite picture. “And one day, some guy will wake up here in the morning—not you—and he’ll stroll across the bedroom then stop short, unable to look away as I shave.”