Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
“It’s beautiful here,” Nikki said.
He glanced over his shoulder to see her staring out the window, sunglasses covering her eyes.
“It is,” Corey agreed. “Wait until you’re on the beach and view the ocean up close. It’s like an endless stretch of sand, blue sky, and aqua water that makes you forget the rest of the world exists.”
“Mmm. Can’t wait.” Nikki’s expression softened even further as she considered his words and relaxed even more.
“Don’t worry. I’ll set your chair up in the best spot we have,” Corey said.
Nikki’s smile, despite all the trouble going on in her life, caused Asher’s heart to beat faster, almost as if she’d kick-started the long-dormant organ in his chest.
“I’d appreciate that, Corey.” Her voice was filled with gratitude to the other man, and Asher had had enough of their easy conversation.
She was his guest, dammit.
“Corey, update me on the issue with the pump in the pool,” Asher said gruffly.
He caught Nikki frown again before he turned and faced forward, then listened to Corey’s rundown of the status of things at the estate.
* * *
The SUV pulled up to a grand house with a white exterior and veranda that ran around the massive structure. Nikki immediately fell in love with the estate home, the palm trees and lush flora, all tropical visions she didn’t see in New York or where she’d grown up in Washington, DC. Still annoyed with Asher for cutting off her conversation with Corey about nothing more than the beach and the view, she kept her opinion of the outside and landscaping of his home to herself. At least for now.
Without waiting for anyone to open her door, she pulled the handle herself. She stepped out of the SUV and back into heat and humidity that exceeded what they’d left behind in New York. After the air-conditioned vehicle, the heat of the sun felt good against her skin.
Closing her eyes, she tipped her head back and let the warmth and vitamin D flood her system for a few brief seconds before refocusing on what was going on around her. Corey had just shut the back of the SUV and was walking up the stairs with her suitcase while Asher stood staring, his expression similar to when she’d awakened on the plane to find his gaze settled on her face.
He was such a contradiction, snapping at her and telling her to be quiet one minute, watching and studying her closely the next. Even with sunglasses covering his eyes, she felt the intensity of his gaze. What she couldn’t decipher was what went on in his head. Though it went against her chatty and curious nature, she waited for him to talk first.
“Let’s go in.” He gestured for her to walk ahead of him, and she strode up the steps to the house, treading carefully in her heels. After today, she was ditching them for flip-flops.
He opened the door and placed a hand on her back as she stepped inside, causing a ripple of awareness to rush through her. Cool air greeted her, a combination of the air conditioner and large ceiling fans in the shape of palm leaves, turning over head. She blamed her hardening nipples on the AC and not Asher Dare’s touch. Inside was pure Caribbean decor, dark wood, bamboo, light cream and baby-blue coloring.
“I love the design,” she murmured, unable to keep her promise to herself not to compliment him.
“Thank you. My cousin Lucy is an interior designer. She’s got great taste,” Asher said, the smile telling her he liked both his house and his cousin.
And she liked how he looked. His white teeth flashed against tanned skin, and with the harsh lines gone, he was even more handsome than the grumbling alpha he usually presented.
“You should do that more often,” she said, using his technique and staring at him.
“Do what?” he asked.
“Smile.”
Before he could reply, a plump, attractive, older brunette rushed to greet them. “Asher, welcome home.”
“Good to be here, Maggie.” Asher embraced her and stepped back. “Maggie, this is my guest, Nikki.” He turned. “Nikki, if you need anything, Maggie is the one who can help you.”
“Nice to meet you, Maggie.”
The other woman’s smile was warm and welcoming. “Aren’t you a pretty one?”
Nikki felt herself blush. “Thank you.”
“It’s good to see you bringing a friend,” Maggie said to Asher, obviously knowing him well enough to be able to insinuate herself into his personal life.
Asher shook his head and shot Maggie a warning look she ignored, still smiling when she glanced back at Nikki.
“Give Nikki one of the rooms upstairs. I have work to do, so if you’ll excuse me…” He walked away and strode across the open living area, his route taking him under an archway until he disappeared into a hallway or a room, Nikki had no idea which.