Page 19 of Just a Number

“Do you know it?” he asks, brows quirked.

“I do. My friend Cassidy… she’s in a relationship with the owner.”

“I’ve not met her yet, but I’ve heard lots about her from Abby. Tom’s not a big talker, but he seems like a good guy.”

“Yeah, I’ve met him a couple of times and I think he’s good for Cassidy.” I smile fondly as I think about the clear adoration they have for each other. It’s cute. “We drink there quite often. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you there.”

“I’ve mostly been cleaning up and serving food, but I’m going in early today so that Abby can show me the ropes behind the bar.”

“That’s a good sign. They must be pleased with your work,” I reassure him, but inwardly, jealousy creeps insidiously through my belly. If Alex is working closely with Abby, will they get together? Will she decide to take the ‘new blood’ for a ride?

“Yeah, hopefully. I’m gonna need all the shifts I can get. Thanks again for letting me stay. I really do appreciate it.”

“No worries.”

He pauses for a moment and I watch as his gaze falls from my eyes downward and then back up. I glance down and notice that the neck of my blouse is sitting rather low, giving him a glimpse of my lacy, pale blue bra. I pull at the collar, trying to cover it as my cheeks heat from the worry that he thinks I’ve done it on purpose.

“Sorry,” he blurts, his jaw set firm with a pained expression on his face that I can’t figure out.

“It should be me apologising. I didn’t mean to flash you.” I laugh, hoping this awkward moment will pass.

“I wouldn’t mind if you did, Mel.” His voice drips with suggestion, causing my nipples to harden.

“W-what?” I stutter.

“I wouldn’t mind if you did flash me.” Heat prickles my skin as his gaze moves over me.

“Alex, that’s not appropriate.” I try for my most responsible voice, despite imagining his reaction if I gave him a slow striptease.

His head tilts to the side, his cocky smirk making an appearance. “Mel, you’re stunning. Please tell me you realise that. I could happily look at you for hours.”

Chapter eight

Alex

Idon’t have a clue what I’m doing, but I want to push this woman’s buttons. Actually, I want to undo her buttons. Specifically, the buttons of her blouse so I can see more of that creamy flesh and blue lacy bra.

I want to get a reaction out of her that isn’t politeness. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that she’s letting me stay here and I don’t want to overstep, but I get the impression she doesn’t realise how fucking hot she is. And that seems like a crime.

She should be strutting around with confidence, owning her innate sensuality.Fuck, now I’m getting all poetic.

Her blush sits prettily on her cheeks and she’s lowered her gaze, staring at the floor and avoiding my eye. Without thinking, I take several steps closer.

Her home office is small, and it’s been torturous not looking down when I noticed the flash of colour of her lingerie peeking through where her blouse had ridden low.

What I’d give to close the distance between us. I’d slowly unbutton that silky blouse and get a good look at her. She shivered yesterday when my fingers touched her hand. I want to see her reaction when I run my fingertips down towards her breasts.

I want to hold them, feel their weight in my hand. I want to pluck at her nipples while I run my lips over the pulse point on her neck. My cock starts to pay attention to my thoughts, and the joggers that Zack loaned me are starting to tent. She’s not looked up, even as I moved closer.

I want her attention. I want her looking at me. I try to see sense, to hold myself back.This is Zack’s mum.Except I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen her as that. She’s Mel. And she’s attractive. And I want to fuck her.There, I admitted it. But what am I going to do about it?

“I’m attracted to you.” Arousal curls around the edges of my voice, lowering my tone. Her hands twist in her lap.

“You can’t say things like that.” She still won’t look up at me.

“It’s the truth.”

“Alex, it’s not right. I’m way too old for you. I’m forty, for goodness’ sake.”

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