She didn't want to fight her attraction to James anymore, and she knew her dreams had a lot to do with it. The one last night had taken a particularly surprising turn when she had been the initiator, ripping the shirt from his shoulders, pleasuring him on her knees, and then pushing him to the bed. She'd mounted him with complete abandon and hadn't stopped until they had both been drained.
Now she concentrated on the way his body moved, the way his peridot eyes twinkled, the dark locks of hair that dropped charmingly over his forehead, his close-cropped beard framing his square jaw, the broad, built shoulders, the sprinkling of chest hair that teased from the parted neck of his linen shirt. The list could go on and on.
The man was built like a god and her mind circled constantly with various thoughts and observations of his gorgeous body, often in combination with scenes from her oh-so-vivid dreams.
"This is my office," he announced, his voice casual as they stepped into the first room off the second-floor landing.
It was annoying how completely unaware he was of her inner turmoil. Of course, it would be a total disaster if hedidknow what was going on in her head.
Or would it?
"You don't like it?"
Anna blinked. "Pardon?"
His brow furrowed as he studied her. "You were staring at the wall when I asked what you thought of my office." His eyes dropped to her lips and she tightened them in reflex. "Three times."
To her horror, a ridiculous, nervous giggle bubbled from her mouth.
She tapped her forehead with her index finger while her brain scrambled for an answer. "Sorry. I was… I was thinking about my aunt's upcoming visit. She texted me yesterday that she's decided to extend her stay."
James nodded, his eyes softening. "Family can be difficult sometimes."
"No." Anna waved her hand in the air. "Aunt Louise isn't like that. She's been my surrogate mother since my parents died." She glanced around the room. "I was just thinking that it'll be difficult to work when she's here. So I need to clear out more orders before she arrives."
She put her hand on his arm, her fingers flexing. She noticed for the first time how firm and warm he was, making her wonder if he was as muscular and built as he was in her dreams. "Don't worry, you'll like her."
His eyes dropped to her hand and paused for a moment, then his gaze snared hers. His lips curled in a satisfied smile that nearly took her breath away.
"I'm sure I will," he finally quipped. "So what do you think? I love the light in here." He gestured to the three large windows in the north wall.
"It's a great space, but it’s too cluttered." She pointed to the corner crowded with several short side tables. "There should only be one cabinet there. Maybe put one behind your desk." She scanned the room as her inner artist took charge. "And you need some greenery in here. A few spider plants will help clean the air."
Her eyes moved back to him and she barely held back a flinch when she saw his soft look of longing. It was a sharp contrast from his previous predatory expressions she’d witnessed.
"Those are great suggestions. Thanks."
Anna bobbed her head awkwardly, her hand dropping to her side. "I love the flooring in here," she commented. "It's a great color." That wasn't a lie either. The light walnut finish enhanced the colors of the room.
"It is. It's bamboo." He held an arm toward the door. "Let me show you the rest of the house."
Anna forced herself to pay attention and made comments when he asked for her opinion. One particular room caught her interest as he led her to the end of the hallway. The master bedroom was located in the southwest corner of the house, and it boasted the most square footage of any of the rooms she’d seen on that floor. But even then, it wasn’t enough.
James had stuffed his massive bed and several overlarge dressers in a space that should have been double the size. Nothing fit right. To make it worse, the small bathroom adjoining the room was just that: way too small. It was more like a closet that featured a toilet and a shower.
"There are ten bedrooms on this floor, nine minus your office." She met his bright, seafoam gaze. "Do you need all of them?"
His brows shot up. "Are you suggesting I take walls down? Combine two rooms?"
"I was thinking more like three rooms. Two could cover the master bedroom and the third would be the bathroom."
"Huh." She watched greedily as he turned slowly in the middle of the room, scanning the walls. Her eyes lingered on the sexy flex of his jaw. Surprisingly, it made him look even more masculine. She hadn’t believed that was possible.
Did it get hotter in here, or is it just me?
"It would take special permits because the house is historic,” Anna commented. “But it's not impossible. Gus has a cousin who works for the city. They could expedite it if you want to speed up the process."
"I like the idea," James commented absently as he walked to the small bathroom. "This is too small for my tastes. I'd prefer to have a large porcelain bathtub in the corner, not just a shower."
