Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
My tongue feels thick in my mouth as I stare at him. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to how handsome he is. “Hey,” I say dumbly.
His gaze travels down my body and back up again. I try not to let that look affect me, but my traitorous nipples pebble, and I cross my arms over my chest. It’s the hormones. At least that’s what I’m telling myself, anyway.
He smirks as if he knows exactly what I’m trying to hide from him. “Are you packed?”
I lift my eyebrows. “Uh, did you really expect me to pack because you told me to?”
He cocks one hip out, takes the hat off his head, and holds it to his chest. “Well, I was hoping it would be that easy.” He gestures toward the front door. “Come on, we can pack while you talk.”
I move to stop him from entering my house. I hold my hands up, and they go straight to his chest. I planned to tell him we’ll talk out here, but I lose all train of thought as I feel his muscles flex under my palms. “Uh… so… I thought….”
He puts his hat back on his head and then brings his hands up and covers my hands with his. I expect him to pull my hands off him, but he surprises me when he seems to hold them exactly where they’re at. “Give it up, Camille. You’re taking the job. I’m going to help you pack, and then I’m going to carry all your things to my truck.”
I shake my head. “Stop. You have to listen to me.”
He nods. “I’m listening.”
“Wyatt has told the whole town I’m a homewrecker. No one else will hire me.”
He grits his teeth. “I’ll take care of Wyatt, and you don’t need to work anywhere else. I’m hiring you.”
I pull my hands away and step back. “You’re not listening to me.”
He puts his hands on his hips and smiles that panty-melting smile at me. “Trust me, sweetie. I’m listening to every word that comes out of your pretty mouth.”
I suck in a breath. “If I work for you, you’re going to be the talk of the town, Elliott, and no one…”
He reaches for me and puts a hand on each side of my face. “The only reason I care what people in this town say is because I don’t want you hurt. I’ll take care of that.”
It feels as if my heart flips in my chest. “But…”
He shakes his head and lets his hands slide to my shoulders. “There’s no buts. I need an assistant. You need a job. It’s done. Now let’s go pack.”
“But you haven’t even interviewed me.”
He literally rolls his eyes at me. “I’ve talked to you every day for two months. I know you’re qualified.”
“Oh.” I rear back. “Oh, is that what you were doing? Was that sort of an interview for the job?”
I try not to let the disappointment show on my face, but even I can hear it in my voice. He shakes his head. “No, that wasn’t an interview. That was just me getting to know you.”
I put my hand on the front door, but before I open it, I have to ask him again. “Are you sure about this? Have you thought about what hiring me will do to you personally… and to your business?” Just thinking about it makes me sick. I know how the people in this town can be, and I don’t want to put him in a bad spot. “You know what? Forget it, this is a bad idea, and I shouldn’t have gotten you all the way over here.”
I start to ramble, but Elliott just laughs. “Too late. You’re coming with me.”
“Elliott—” I start, but he just puts one hand at my waist and the other one opens my front door. Gently, he guides me into the house and doesn’t stop until the front door is closed behind us and we’re standing in the middle of my living room.
“You’re coming with me, Camille.”
“Are you going to be bossy? I mean, I know you’re going to be my boss… but are you bossy?”
I scrunch my nose up like I don’t like the idea, but secretly there’s a part of me that likes the idea of being told what to do. I’m not sure what that says about me exactly, but I keep the look on my face for good measure.
Elliott searches my face and then crowds me, pressing his body against mine. I know this is inappropriate, but I stand my ground, and he leans down until our faces are inches apart. “I am bossy… but I promise you that I’ll never have you do something that’s not good for you.”
I practically gasp at the possession in his eyes. I start to talk, and it sounds strangled, so I clear my throat and try again. “Okay, I’ll go pack.”