Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 47187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Damn. His words send a shiver of lust down my spine. “You’re just saying that because I’m in this fancy dress.”
“I saw you on TV, remember? Gray suit with a light purple blouse. It showed off just enough of everything.” His smile grows before his gaze flicks back to the road.
I laugh again. “So, you hear about a murder and you’re sizing up the cop investigating it?”
He dismisses it casually. “Why not? There’s always some murder or another in this city, right? I like staying informed about my city.”
“Unfortunately,” I agree easily. “But the question still stands.”
“In the spirit of honesty,” he begins, handling the steering wheel like a champ even if he is going about fifteen miles over the speed limit. “The newscaster was talking, but your face was on the screen, so I muted her and watched you.”
“Like a stalker.”
He laughs. “Like a very observant man,” he counters. “It’s all about perspective.”
“If you say so, Damien.”
“I do. Where would you like to go on our date?”
I turn to him with a playful, almost flirty smile. “Aren’t you supposed to figure that out?”
“Sure, but I haven’t gotten to know you well enough to know what you like and, more importantly, what you don’t like.”
“Fine. I love Mexican food the best, followed by Italian and Greek. Pretty much anything Asian except sushi. I like my meat cooked.” I realize what I say seconds later, but Damien doesn’t comment on it.
“Thanks for the help.” His smile is sincere, not playful or teasing, and not flirtatious. “I hate guessing games.”
“Me too, so I’ll ask, why me?”
His brows dip. “Why you, what?”
“Why do you want to go out with me?” I’m not fishing for compliments. I just like to know where I stand. “Be honest.”
He’s quiet for a full minute, following the navigation system and efficiently weaving through traffic. At a stoplight, he turns to me. “For starters, you’re gorgeous as hell. Been having the dirtiest thoughts about you all evening,” he admits. “For another, you’re smart and capable. And tough. I like a tough woman, and I like it more that you don’t treat me like I’m special just because I have a lot of money.”
“You have a lot of money?” I laugh at his shocked look. “At least three people asked me how I know a billionaire tech genius.”
His brows lift, a playful glint dancing in his eyes. “They called me a genius?”
I stare at him for a second and then burst out laughing. “Seriously?”
“What? It’s always nice to hear,” he insists with a chuckle.
All too soon, we’re turning onto my block, and disappointment washes over me. The evening will soon be over and for the first time in a long damn time, I’m sad to see a man go.
“Hey, Frankie. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, just thinking about how surprising this evening has been.” That’s all I’m willing to admit, at least to Damien.
“It’s been surprising for me, too. Usually, I hate these things. Everyone either has their hand out for money or photos, or they’re looking to snag a rich husband.”
“Poor little rich tech genius?”
He laughs, totally not offended by my teasing, which is a point in his favor. “No, just exhausting. Tonight was exhilarating, and I think it’s all because of you.”
The car comes to a stop at the curb right in front of my house, and I sigh before I turn to Damien, smiling. “I guess we’ll find out if you ever figure out where you’re taking me for dinner, Mr. Wolfe.” With those words, I step from the car and close the door with a reluctant sigh.
“Frankie, wait up!” Damien jumps out of the car and catches up to me. “I’ll walk you to your door.”
It’s an unexpected gesture. Most men assume I can fend for myself—which I can—but it’s nice of him to offer. “That’s sweet.”
“That’s me, a sweet billionaire tech genius.” He laughs before his hand goes to the small of my back. “Nice place.”
“It is, and it’s mine.” It’s what matters to me most, that I have a place that is all mine.
We reach my doorstep too soon, and I turn to look up at Damien. “Thanks for the ride. And the walk to the door.”
“My pleasure.” His smile is warm as he leans forward, and I think, no, I know he’s going to kiss me.
My body heats up until I feel a bead of sweat slide down my spine in anticipation of the feel of his lips, soft and thick, against my own. It’s been too fucking long since I’ve had a man between my thighs, making me writhe and moan with pleasure. And now that the chance is here, I’m hungry for it.
But Damien’s lips never touch mine. His lips land on my forehead in a kiss that’s so tenderly sweet, so soft and equally hot that my panties go up in flames.