Total pages in book: 767
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
“It’s more than some fleeting attraction that’s going to be satisfied by us going at it a couple of times. And there’s no misplaced anything. Admit it.”
Her legs lost strength, so she moved to an armchair to sit down.
“I’m a possibility thinker, Willow. And I see the start of something good here. We could make a good team. An excellent one, even. You have talents that Jaxon Media needs and that I value.”
“You’re not listening to me.”
“I have eight minutes left.”
It seemed to have escaped him that she actually hadn’t agreed to his request. He was a relentless force of nature.
“This is opportunity for both of us.”
“Is that what I am to you?” Her skin prickled. “An opportunity?”
“I meant no offense.” He held up an apologetic hand. “With your degree in social work, you’ll have a perspective of the world that I don’t. You think money is being squandered or at the least could be put to better use. You would have my full support in your endeavors. Perhaps you could establish a foundation and you could be in charge of it, or at least the final decision maker. As you may have noticed, I have an already-established platform you can use.”
At what cost? Putting up with him every day? Enduring his attitude?
“Every relationship starts somewhere. Couples build together based on a shared vision. We can grow together, fall in love, do good together. Build a brighter future. I’d like to support some sort of charity for kids, camps, that sort of thing. We can do it together.”
Damn him. Jaxon Mills, master persuader, had captured her interest.
“Tell me you’ll think about it.”
She didn’t want to. But she was already picturing herself happily giving away his fortune.
“You’re someone who will stand up to me, tell me when I’m wrong, help me be a better person.”
She let out a shaky breath. He was so very tempting.
“You need to get to know me. I get that. So tell me what you want in a husband?”
“I’m not looking for a husband,” she reminded him.
“Okay, we’ll do it your way. Hypothetically.”
She didn’t want to soften toward him, but he was wicked good at changing her mood. “Things in common.”
“We both like sex.”
A tingle shot up her spine at the way he narrowed his eyes. “Sex isn’t a good basis for a relationship.”
“Okay. Agreed. So tell me what is.”
Willow needed to stop this conversation before it went any further. “I know what you’re doing, Jax.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re hoping I’ll convince myself that marrying you is a good idea.”
“Caught me.” He grinned. “You are wise to my nefarious ways.”
Damn him for being irresistible.
“Indulge me. What else matters to you in a life mate?”
She might be wise to his nefarious ways, but she wasn’t immune to them. “Common values.”
“And we both agreed, no cheating.”
“Is everything about sex with you?”
“At this moment. Where you’re concerned, yes.” His dick pointed straight up.
“That wasn’t what I meant. I meant like family, children. How we spend our time.” Once again on solid ground, she folded her arms. “The way we go through the world and inspire people…using a carrot and not a stick.”
“I’m open to discussion,” he conceded. “What other attributes in Mr. Hypothetical?”
This time, when he left the bed, she didn’t stop him. He walked toward her, a step at a time.
“I want love, Jax.”
“I’d say we’ve got potential.” With extreme gentleness, he held her by the waist. “The idea of another man touching you enrages me. This isn’t any fancy social-worker term, Willow. It’s raw. It’s real.” He stroked her hipbones with his thumbs. “I want to take care of you. I’m exposing my heart to you, knowing I could get hurt as badly as you could.”
“You’ve swept me up in some sort of storm.”
“I’ll keep you safe from them.” He leaned toward her, his eyes vibrant, intent on her. She knew how he’d built his empire now. When he focused on something, he was relentless in its pursuit. Yet his words weren’t grandiose—they were filled with sincerity.
Maybe he wasn’t all bad. Maybe.
“I’d like to kiss you.”
A sensation rocked her, that of standing on the edge of a cliff and wanting to jump. “If you do, it doesn’t mean we have to get married.”
“Of course not.”
She looked at his face, trying to decipher his words. “I’m not sure I believe you.”
“Oh Willow. Do you ever give up?”
“Do you?” she countered.
“See there? And you thought we had nothing in common.” He smiled, draining away her tension. “Now, as for that kiss.”
“Yes.” She cradled his face and rose on her tiptoes to meet him.
Jax wrapped his arms around her and claimed her mouth with tenderness and a heartfelt promise.
Once he recognized her surrender, he deepened the kiss, his tongue plundering her, asking for more than he’d taken before.
Lost, she clung to him and gave him what he demanded.