Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77309 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77309 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“I propose that you get off your ass and go handle Allison.”
He gives me a tight smile. “I think I like this new side to you.”
“Oh, shut up, you asshole.” Silence falls. I rub my temple, grimacing as a headache pulses behind my eyes. I’m so exhausted, and suddenly the weight of this job shoves down against my chest, but I can tell I went too far right there. “Look, I shouldn’t talk to you like that. Okay, I get it, I’m just overwhelmed.”
He stands and comes around the desk. I stare at him, heart racing, half burning with rage and half embarrassed over my outburst.
“Sometimes I need to hear that.”
I glance up, confused. “What now?”
“Sometimes I need someone to tell me that I’m being an asshole.”
“You want me to call you an asshole?”
“When I deserve it, though I can’t promise I’ll always take it this well.” He’s not smiling, but there’s some humor around his eyes. “I’m used to treating you like my assistant. This new role is confusing.”
“No kidding. I feel the same way.”
“We’ll have to come up with a new job description.”
“I assume wife isn’t on the corporate hierarchy.”
“I was thinking more consort to the CEO.”
“Even worse.”
“We’ll workshop.” He glances at the door. “What should we do about the girl?”
I relax slightly. I like the we in that sentence, and he seems like he’s trying at least. Besides, I can’t blame him for being confused over our roles.
I’m confused too.
“Go talk to her,” I tell him. “I’ll back you up. Explain to her the deal.”
“If she won’t listen?”
“I don’t know. Gag her.”
“I don’t think that would be appropriate, given my history.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s not funny.”
“You’re right, it’s not.”
“At least ask her for a reprieve while we figure this out. She might listen.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“I doubt it, but I’ll be there anyway.” I sigh and stretch. “All right, come on, better hurry before she starts smashing windows.”
“Do you think she could?”
“Absolutely. The girl’s terrifying. For real, Con, she’s scary.”
He laughs and follows me to the elevators.
Chapter 16
Isabel
It takes an hour but we manage to convince Allison that hunkering down and waiting for at least a couple days is her best option. Conlan had to bribe her with all the free room service she can eat—which he was already going to give her—plus unlimited access to all the hotel amenities, from the pool to the sauna.
I’m exhausted when we get back to his place only to find two big suitcases in the kitchen. Now I get the pleasure of unpacking.
“I forgot about that,” Conlan says as he follows me into the room.
“You forgot I was moving in with you when we drove here together?”
“You’re my assistant. You come with me all the time.” He rubs his face and starts to unbutton his shirt. “I need a shower.”
“Uh, you could wait until you’re upstairs to start undressing.”
“You’ve seen it before.”
“And I don’t need to see it again. Take it to the bathroom.”
He groans. “Are you going to make me change all my habits?”
“Do you normally strip down in the kitchen?”
“More than you’d imagine.”
“Wrong, actually. I’ve seen you saunter downstairs in nothing more than a loincloth too many times to count.”
“I don’t own a loincloth, but I like that you’re picturing me nearly naked.”
“Get over yourself, I’m just making hilarious jokes.”
He laughs as he heads upstairs. “Make yourself at home, wife.” The shower turns on a few minutes later, and I’m left alone to lug my bags up into the guest room.
“Asshole,” I mutter to myself as I get unpacked. The act of organizing my space calms me down and gives me time to start thinking about what the heck we’re going to do.
There’s no way Allison’s playing along unless we find some incentive for her. And based on how things are going so far, I’ll be the one that absorbs the brunt of her tantrums.
Which means that asshole Conlan’s going to get what he wants, since I’m going to figure his problem out for him.
The idea hits me as I finish up the first bag. I stand there staring at the empty suitcase, feeling a strange, vague malaise, until I realize that keeping my hands busy gave me a goal and a sense of purpose. I hurry toward Conlan’s room, shoving open the door.
“I got it,” I say, beaming with pride. “We need to give her—”
And stop abruptly as Conlan turns to me, wearing nothing more than a towel, still damp from the shower.
My mouth opens, my tongue tries to form words, but nothing comes out. Instead, I lick my lips.
Stacked abs. Muscular shoulders and arms. Sculpted chest. He’s smirking slightly, that confident, cocky grin driving me insane. His hair’s damp, his eyes are shining with mischief, and I wish I’d stayed home.
“Yes, wife?” he asks. “You barged in here to say something and now you’re staring at me. Should I drop the towel and give you a show?”