Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I keep that info to myself, though.
“It doesn’t sound weird at all,” she drawls. “As long as Mr. Hottie pays up front.”
“He has, and he put me up in the penthouse suite of a very expensive hotel. I’m about to raid all the snacks.”
“Okay.” She lets out a sigh. “But check in with me every morning and night, so I know you’re alive.”
“I will.” Changing the subject, I ask, “How are things on your side of the planet?”
I lean back against the counter and toss some nuts into my mouth.
“Boring. I can’t wait for my vacation time in December. I wanted to keep it a surprise, but seeing as your life got busy all of a sudden, I’ll spill the beans. I saved up for a trip to New York. Got my passport last week.”
My jaw drops, then I shriek, “You’re coming to visit me?”
“Yes,” her tone is filled with laughter and excitement.
“I’ll finally get to hug the crap out of you,” I shriek happily.
“No hugging the crap out of me,” she chuckles. “I’ll allow you thirty seconds, though.”
“Okay, thirty seconds it is.” Teasing her, I add, “But brace yourself for ten short hugs spread throughout the day.”
“Do you want me to cancel the trip?”
Laughter bubbles over my lips. “Fine. One hug a day.”
Her tone is filled with warning. “Laurie.”
“Finnnnne. One hug hello and one goodbye.”
“That I can deal with.” She yawns then says, “I just got to work, which means you should get some sleep. I’ll talk to you when you wake up.”
“Okay. Good luck at work.”
We end the call, and with a grin on my face, I turn around, only for it to drop right off when I see Adriano sitting on the couch.
I didn’t hear him come in!
He looks like a king on a throne, his ankle resting on his knee, and his arms spread out across the back of the couch.
Tilting his head, his tone is nothing but a low, deep timbre as he says, “I have zero social skills?” His eyebrow lifts. “And I’m a grumpy bear with a sour personality?”
Crap.
I set my phone and the nuts down on the counter and give him an apologetic look. “You heard all that?”
Slowly he nods, then he asks, “Who were you talking to?”
“My friend.” I brush my hand over my hair that’s still damp from washing it earlier. “She lives in Belgium.”
He nods, then gets up and walks toward me.
I notice he’s changed out of the suit and into a pair of soft-looking jeans, a black T-shirt, and the leather jacket he was wearing the first time I saw him.
Dammit, I’m wearing old yoga pants and a camisole, sans bra.
“Are you here to make sure I didn’t run off with your money?” I ask, getting more and more nervous as he keeps coming closer.
By the time he stops right in front of me and looks down, my pulse is racing a mile a minute.
“No. I came because I wanted to see you.” He lifts his hand and brushes his knuckles down the side of my face and along my jaw. Pinching my chin between his index finger and thumb, he nudges until I tilt my head back.
Oh God. Is this a booty call?
I’ve never slept with anyone I didn’t have feelings for, and honestly, the thought of getting naked with this man scares me.
What if I strip and he doesn’t like my body?
Really, Laurie? That should not be your top concern right now.
Adriano’s eyes slowly drift over every inch of my face before he stares deep into my eyes until it feels like he’s looking into my soul.
“You have the most exquisite eyes I’ve ever seen,” he whispers, sounding like he’s in awe of me.
Not wanting to be rude, I say, “Thank you.”
Instead of initiating sex, he takes a step back and lets go of my chin, then leans his hip against the counter and continues to stare at me like I’m some piece of art he’s considering purchasing.
“Go get your ID,” he suddenly orders. “I need a copy for the contract.”
I walk to the bedroom and take the chance to dig a sweater out of my suitcase. After putting it on, I grab my ID from my handbag and return to Adriano.
I watch as he snaps a photo of the card before handing it back to me. Setting it beside my phone, I glance up at him, only to find him staring at me again.
Seconds tick by, stretching into an awkward silence, and feeling more and more confused, I eventually ask, “Is there something else you need?”
“No. I’m taking my time admiring you.”
Seeing he means every word, heat creeps up my neck, and I lower my eyes to his chest.
“Hmm…” The predatory growl rumbling from him is the same sound as earlier, all animalistic, making goosebumps scatter over my skin.