Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
"I like it right here." That's a lie. I love it right here, with her sweet curves pressed to my frame, her warmth searing into me. Fucking hell, touching her feels a little like touching heaven.
"Back up, Alaric."
"Why?" I skim my nose down her temple, breathing her in. "Fuck, you smell good."
She exhales a sob, her entire body shuddering.
"Give me one straight answer. Just one, and I'll back up."
"W-which answer?"
"Do you remember me?"
She hesitates as floors tick by one by one, the elevator slowly descending toward the kitchens. And then a shuddering exhale leaves her lips. "I never forgot you," she whispers.
I close my eyes, reveling in her answer. She remembers me. Maybe she shouldn't. Hell, I don't know anymore. Until four days ago, I never thought of her like this, but now I can't unthink it. I want her. If that makes me wrong, fuck it. I'll be wrong. We never forgot each other for a reason. That means something.
"Am I the reason you came to work here, angel?"
"You said one answer."
"I lied," I growl. "Give me one more."
She bites her lip, staring up at me with those pretty eyes clouded with worry. "Yes. I mean, sort of. I mean, maybe?" She huffs out a breath. "I wanted to see you again. But I also want to work here. Can you please back up now? I can't think when you're this close."
"What's your name, angel?"
Her shoulders go back, her chin coming up in a stubborn display that makes my dick throb for relief. "I already answered your questions, Alaric."
I want to gnash my teeth in frustration. I want to bend her over and spank her until she's sobbing for relief. I want to promise her the world in exchange for her secrets. I hardly know which I want more. But I do none of those things.
"You're attending the Christmas party as my date tonight."
"I am not!" she gasps.
"You are," I growl, nipping at her ear. "You're arriving on my arm, and you'll be leaving on my arm. It's the only way I'll go."
"I…I can't go." She shakes her head. "I have things. Stuff. Lots of stuff. My ste…my dad!"
"Fuck your father, December. He isn't invited."
Her eyes shoot to mine. It might be my imagination, but she seems relieved. "He isn't going to be here?"
"No. The party is for employees and their families. Unless you invite him, he isn't invited."
"Oh." She relaxes slightly, leaning into me.
"Come with me," I murmur, nuzzling her neck. Christ, she's irresistible. "Just one date."
"I have conditions."
"Name them." I'll give her whatever she wants if it gets her to agree.
"I don't want to be photographed, and I don't want to talk to anyone important," she says quickly. "And I'm not going home with you."
"Deal," I agree before she can change her mind.
She eyes me suspiciously, but the elevator slides to a stop before she can argue.
"Come on." I reluctantly peel myself off her delectable body. "Let's go sample the hors d'oeuvres."
Chapter Five
December
"Why fashion?"
"Curvy girls deserve nice clothes that make them feel confident too," I say. "Most designer brands ignore the fact that the average woman isn't a size two. My sister and I are both curvy, but finding our sizes in stores is impossible. So I started designing most of our clothes myself."
"You made this?" His gaze rakes down my body, taking in my outfit.
"I did."
"Damn, angel," he murmurs, clearly impressed. "You're good."
"I want to be better."
"And you think we can help you get there?"
"It's kind of what you're known for." I smile. "Designers come here to work with and learn from the best."
Alaric grins wistfully. "Ma was the best. Blaze and I are just the stewards overseeing her dream."
"She'd be proud of you," I whisper, drifting along the row of desserts the caterer set out for us to sample. There are so many different kinds of chocolate and fudge. Just looking at all of them makes my teeth ache. "You and your brother should be proud too. You've done an amazing job."
"Thank you," he says, clearing his throat roughly. "I hope you're right."
I never met his mom, but I'm sure I am. Her company has flourished under their care, and everyone here loves them. Even though Blaze is a little bit grumpy, everyone speaks highly of him. They're happy here.
"Where do you want to start?"
"Start?" My lips pull down into a frown.
He nods at the table, making me groan. We've been sampling hors d'oeuvres for an hour already!
"No way. I've already eaten way too much."
His eyes heat. "I like watching you eat. It's a rather erotic experience."
I roll my eyes, my cheeks heating.
He strolls toward the table, his gaze sweeping across the treats. "Peanut butter fudge."
"What?"
"That's what you were eating in the garden that night," he says quietly, selecting a small square. "Peanut butter fudge."
"You remember that?"