Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 649(@200wpm)___ 519(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 649(@200wpm)___ 519(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
While not bubbly or animated, she radiated positive energy. The flow of it was subtle yet constant, and it made her exude a sense of calm that put people at ease—just as it did the boy in her chair. Even with that air of mystery she carried, there was just something very steady about her, especially with that touch of unflappable cool—like a jungle animal that knew it had no natural predators.
He noticed that the male with the little kid watched her just as closely, but there was no lust in his eyes. No fascination or curiosity. But there was a glint of . . . something. Nothing sexual, though, which meant Dominic didn’t have to warn him off or—
The boy’s toy car fell to the hardwood floor. As Mila gracefully bent to pick it up, Dominic’s cock jerked at the sight of her heart-shaped ass encased in those flattering black pants. And when she stood upright, flicking that riot of curls out of her face, he damn near crossed to her and sank his hands into them.
Mila figured she should have known better than to think he’d back off. Guys like GQ didn’t take rejection well, did they? Still, she’d never have expected him to seek her out. Try his luck again at the club maybe, but not turn up here.
She didn’t like that he’d come. And yet she did. While she didn’t have time for the kind of games that such guys liked to play, it nonetheless felt good to have a diversion from the other shit going on in her life. And he was a very pretty diversion.
The moment their eyes had locked, her pulse had skittered, her stomach had done a little flip, and her whole body had come alive. Like she’d stuck her fingers in an electric socket. Then his mouth had curved in mischief, and that sexy-as-hell smile had made her nipples tighten.
Her cat had done a long, languid stretch as she came to full alertness. The feline was wary of who she allowed into her world, and she sensed that this walking enigma was trying to shove his way into it. The cat hadn’t yet decided whether she liked his perseverance or not, although his attention did stroke the pride that Joel had wounded in choosing another female over her.
Mila could feel Dominic’s gaze on her. He wasn’t simply ogling her, he was watching her carefully. Studying her. Probably looking for a damn weakness so he could barge his way past her defenses and get that bout of sex he was seeking just to satisfy his ego. Sigh.
Done with her young client, she led him and his uncle to the cashier’s desk. “I’d say your nephew was very well behaved.”
“He was,” agreed Dean, handing over cash. “He’s always fine once he sits in the chair, so I don’t know why he fusses.”
Mila offered Finley two of his favorite lollipops. “There you go.”
“Say thank you to Mila,” said Dean.
Gratefully taking the candy, Finley gave her a shy smile. “Thank you.”
“Take care, Mila.” Dean flicked Dominic a curious look on the way out, but the wolf paid him zero attention.
Once she’d cleaned her station, she gestured at the chair. “Ready when you are, GQ.”
Muscles bunching and rippling, he stalked toward her with a predatory purpose that sent a delicious little shiver down her spine. Warmth bloomed low in her stomach because damn if he wasn’t twelve levels of pure deliciousness.
She kept her smile professional and friendly, ensuring she looked unaffected by the visceral force of sexual chemistry that had snapped the air taut and sent her nerves haywire. And now he was looming over her, giving off all kinds of pheromones and generally muddling her thoughts.
“Want coffee or anything?” she asked.
“I’m good, thanks.”
That liquid-sex voice slid over her skin like caressing fingers. As he sank into the padded chair, his brooding eyes met hers in the large mirror, and the heat there made her stomach clench.
It wasn’t the first time that a good-looking guy had sat in her chair. Hell, there had been plenty over the years. They’d smiled and flirted and stirred her hormones, but none had ever rattled her. This one did, though. He made her feel . . . hunted.
She clipped a cape around him and then covered his nape with a neck strip. His hair was classically styled—short at the back and sides while the slightly longer hair on top was upright and swept ever so slightly to the left. She sifted her fingers through the silky strands, a little annoyed that such a simple thing made her nerve endings tingle. “It could do with a trim.”
“Which is why I’m here.”
She snorted. He was there because she’d turned him down, and his ego couldn’t quite handle it, but whatever. “Hmm.”
As she used the clippers to trim the back and sides of his head, Dominic asked, “How long have you worked here?”