Page 9 of Holiday Hire

"You just froze and pinned your eyebrows together."

"So?"

"So you looked upset."

"No, just surprised. Is that a sin?" I question.

He pauses, then nods. "Ah. I get it. You only hang out with those California boys who don't know how to be a gentleman."

"Ummm..." I close my mouth, thinking about his statement.

Alexander shakes his head. "Pinned that one correctly."

"No, you didn't."But is he right?

"Really?" he challenges, shooting his disapproval deeper into me.

I have the same reaction as before, and I curse myself.

Why does he make me feel so flustered? He's an asshole.

And who cares if my boyfriend Lance and other men I'm around don't hold my door open?

Well, it's kind of nice.

Why do I even care? I can open my own door.

He tears his gaze off mine and shuts the door. Within seconds, he's inside the truck next to me. His scent of musk, sweat, and the outdoors fills the cab, and it's like an aphrodisiac. I inhale it deeply, my heart racing faster.

He starts the truck and maneuvers us down the ranch's long driveway, pulling through the magnificent wrought iron gates.

"Your ranch is really beautiful," I tell him.

He glances across the cab, dryly replying, "Thanks. It's been in my family for several generations. I assume you've never lived on a ranch before?"

My defenses rise. "No, but that doesn't mean I don't love the outdoors or animals."

He tightens his lips. "Sure." He refocuses on the road.

What a smug asshole.

I lower my gaze and freeze, my pulse quickening.

Alexander's jeans stretch taut over his thighs. The bulge between them is just as enticing.

The truck bounces, and he mutters, "Sorry. This dirt road's a bit rough right now."

I tear my eyes off his lower body and stare out the window. "No worries."

The cab goes quiet for several minutes. The unusually sunny day intensifies, warming the inside of the truck. Alexander's intoxicating scent grows stronger until my head spins and my heart pounds so hard I wonder if he can hear it.

What is wrong with me?

I have a boyfriend.

Not for long.

What am I saying? Lance and I only need some space. Then we'll be good again.

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