Page 15 of Until I Own You

As they go, Hazel laughs from her spot at the desk. I glance over at them.

Seth is making her laugh. How come he’s so nice to everyone else but only gives me grief?

Hazel leans on the desk, her hands clasped under her chin as they discuss…whatever.

Seriously? Doesn’t he have an appointment or something?

Hazel lifts her phone. “All available subs to the reception area, please.”

So, Seth is going to look at a line of women and get his pick…I see how it is. No wonder he doesn’t want his mom to know. He’s a veritable manwhore.

Amelia doesn’t need the horror of knowing that.

Fine. Two can play at this game.

I pull in a deep breath and turn back to Lex. “You really want a pair of those pants?”

He nods. “You kidding? The drama involved in that would be too good to bear.”

My cheeks get hot. “I bet.”

“You could make them, and then we could give them a trial run?” Lex winks.

My eyes widen.

Lex holds up his hands. “Only if you wanted.”

He flirts with everyone. It’s his personality. It’s not about me. Still, I can’t ignore the way my stomach drops. “That might be good. Durability test.”

He laughs, loud like Hazel. I can’t help but hope Seth is looking.

“Yes, exactly. We need to know just how sturdy your work is.”

I bite my lower lip.

I’m not going to do anything with Lex, but the banter is fun. And pushing Seth’s buttons is more enjoyable than it ought to be. “I have a measuring tape. We could get started on them now if you like.”

“Bespoke tearaway pants? For me?”

“I’ve wanted to get into men’s intimate wear. You can be my guinea pig.”

Lex steps back and spreads his arms.

God, he’s ripped. Muscles bulging out from the harness, thighs threatening to rip through the pants. A perfect specimen.

Perfect…but not Seth.

No matter. I reach into my purse and grab the rolled-up measuring tape. “Let’s start with the inseam.”

Lex raises an eyebrow. “You want to get familiar fast?”

“Alright with you?”

“Always, Ms. Vance.”

I want to tell him to call me something more familiar. Like Bridget. Or something even more…intimate. But he’s not my master. Wouldn’t be fair to cross boundaries. Unfurling the measuring tape, I give him a sweet smile. “Just doing my job.”

“Sure you are.”

---