A quiver runs down my spine when he focuses his full attention on me after Samantha leaves."As for your accusations, let me be straightforward.I never lied in my text."
I let out a disbelieving snort but inhale sharply when he steps closer.With our bodies inches apart, he lowers his head, and his fiery breath caresses my neck.
"Listen up."
I close my eyes as his rich voice reverberates through every cell of my body.
"I canceled our workout because I had an important online business consultation at 6:45 this morning.My reputation and paycheck depend on me doing my job well.I can't ignore and lose the trust of my clients, especially not now that I have a kid.I'm working more from my home office after Samantha moved in.So, instead of being immature, I'd call myself responsible."
Even his pissed-off voice is sexy.
"Okay, I'm sorry for that, but I still find you ignoring me in the elevator childish."
"I didn't—"
"You did," I cut in."You were staring at the wall the entire time."
"God, that mouth of yours really doesn't know when to stop, does it?"
"No.Not when I want clarity," I say with a shrug.
"Oh, then here is the clarity.You're not the only one with a healthy sexual appetite.When you entered the elevator, I was wondering...What is happening underneath that red outfit of hers?Are her nipples hard?Is she horny now?"he rasps, stepping closer, towering over me.His tone should make me angry, but it doesn't, and I can't stop looking at his mouth as he speaks."I may look calm and collected most of the time, but I'm a man with an animalistic, sinful side that was urging me to take action to get the answers to all those questions.That's why I was staring at the goddamn wall."
He inches even closer, and I can smell the spicy edge of his aftershave as his hot breath brushes my lips."So, quit blaming me for being grumpy.You threw that explicit information in my lap.I'm just trying to cope with it and not let it go to my head, because like you said, we are not compatible.Stop challenging me, Alisha Alexandra McQueen."
Before I can respond, he makes a one-eighty and charges off.
With his words still resonating in my head and affecting my body, I follow him until he's out of sight.God, he has an animalistic, sinful side?My core clenches at the thought.
Amanda's been trying to convince me to take it further since the moment I walked into the store and told her about the kiss.
"Tell him you want to have sex with him," she says as we walk to my car."The sexual tension between you two has tripled since the kiss.He's the answer to your 'I can't have sex' problem.A couple of positive rounds with him and your issue will be resolved.What have you got to lose?"
I run a hand through my loose locks."You should take your advice and ask Brian for sex."
Amanda's eyes widen, tension visible in her neck."It's not going to happen," she whispers, voice trembling."He's adamant about being just friends."
The pain dancing in her eyes stops me from pushing further."Thanks for walking with me."
She squeezes my arm, but suddenly the hairs on my neck stand straight up.I spin around, scanning the area.
"What is it?"Amanda asks, alert.
"We're being watched."My eyes sweep the parking lot while Amanda does the same.
"Nobody's here, Alisha.Breathe."
After another survey, I let out a tense breath.Must be my imagination.I get behind the wheel with shaky hands.
"Before you go talk to Cole, make sure you apply red lipstick."
"What?"
Her eyes shimmer."I once overheard him tell Nick and Brian he has a weak spot for women wearing red lipstick."
Thirty minutes later, I'm home, whispering "Safe" as I close my door.God, will this fear ever leave?
In my kitchen, I grab my favorite mug and fill it with water, chuckling at its text:Self-confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear.That's exactly what I need tonight when I ask Cole for a specific favor.
