Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 78521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“Because I ruined the dress, Skye. Besides that, the black pearl choker, and a pair of earrings, which I saw and imagined on your beautiful ears, have I tried to buy you in any way?” I take a sip of coffee.
I expect her to contradict me. In reality, I bought the jewelry because it seemed it already belonged to her. Certainly not to woo her with my money.
“No, I’ve never felt that way, so I doubt that’s what your brother’s doing.”
I’m impressed. She didn’t contradict me. She gets it.
“My brother is extravagant,” I say. “He likes lavishing the women in his life with expensive gifts.”
She lets out a giggle. “I can’t see Tessa turning her nose up at expensive gifts.”
“Does Tessa only date rich men?”
She swallows her bite of bacon. “Of course not.”
“Then she’s perfect for Ben. He attracts money grabbers because he throws his money around.”
Skye picks up her coffee mug. “I suppose it all depends on whether Tessa is available. She may have plans with Garrett this weekend.”
“Would it be better if I called her and invited her?”
“No, I’m happy to invite her. How will Ben feel about all of this?”
“I don’t care. I don’t plan to tell him.”
She drops her forkful of eggs onto her plate with a clatter.
“Wait a minute. You’re bringing your new girlfriend home to meet your family for the first time, and you’re bringing along a friend for your brother, without telling them first? As much as I’d love having Tessa with me, I’m not sure that’s cool.”
I pause a moment, rubbing the stubble on my chin. Sometimes I get ahead of myself. Ben hates it when I question his taste in women. “You may have a point.”
“If you want to get them together and see if they hit it off, why don’t the four of us go out sometime?”
I nod. “All right. You’ve convinced me. It’ll just be the two of us at the family dinner.”
A wide grin splits her face.
I won’t give her the satisfaction of admitting she’s right. She already knows, anyway.
“Do you still want me to come?” she asks.
“I do. I suppose if I’m going to have a girlfriend, my father should meet her.”
She smiles again.
“What about your parents?” I ask.
“They live in Kansas.”
“So we go to Kansas. Or we fly them here. Your choice.”
“Hold your fire.” She lifts her hands in mock surrender. “Let’s get your father and brother out of the way first, okay?”
“I can live with that.” I bite a piece off a slice of bacon. “Wear something…refined.”
Her forehead wrinkles in an adorably sexy way. I supposed refined could mean something completely different to her.
I laugh. “Not jeans. Dress slacks or a skirt and blouse. Either is fine.”
“Okay. What will you be wearing?”
“Probably slacks and a jacket, no tie.”
“All right. Then of course, don’t forget I leave for New York Sunday evening.”
I swallow a drink of coffee. “We leave for New York Sunday evening.”
“Are you on the same flight?”
“I am, but you aren’t. We’re taking my jet.”
“But Eugenie sent me a tick—”
“I took the liberty of canceling the ticket and refunding Eugenie.”
She stiffens. I’m not surprised, of course, but why shouldn’t I fly her in my jet? I’m going anyway, and it won’t cost anyone anything more.
“You’ll find the private jet much more comfortable,” I say nonchalantly.
“It’s a one-hour flight, and she sent me a first-class ticket.”
“Trust me, the jet is still much more comfortable.”
She twists her lips. “Braden, I never gave up my control outside the bedroom.”
“I’m not interfering with your control.”
She stands, looking adorably impudent. “You commandeered my meeting last night, and now you canceled my flight for my meeting next week. That is definitely interfering with my control.”
“Do you want this new career move to be a success?” I ask.
“Of course I do.”
“I’m about as savvy a businessman as you’ll find. Most people would kill for my advice.”
“I want your advice. I truly do. I appreciate how successful you are, and I admit you know a hell of a lot more about business than I ever will. But horning in on my business meeting is not offering advice. Neither is canceling a plane ticket.”
I stand as well, towering over her.
She takes a step backward.
I take a step forward.
Even now, I’m disoriented in her presence. She affects me like no woman ever has, like I never imagined I could be affected by anyone.
The need to possess her completely thrums through me like a hurricane.
I must have her.
I will have her.
Her complete surrender.
“What would it take, Skye, for you to give me control over everything in your life?”
She opens her mouth—
But I silence her with a kiss.
Chapter Fourteen
Her lips are already parted, and I dart my tongue in.
She responds.
I knew she would. I didn’t kiss her last night, and God, I missed it. Kissing Skye is like heaven. Her full, sexy lips beg for it. I love to flick my tongue over and around them, suck that luscious lower lip into my mouth. When she opens for me and I slip my tongue in, she responds instantly and kisses me back with so much desire and passion. She’s an aggressive kisser just like I am, and damn…it’s so hot.