Page 48 of Ardent Desires

Alexander frowns slightly, tilting his head. “Lena?”

“Yeah,” I say, biting my lip. “She’s always… I don’t know, giving me looks. Acting cold.”

He leans back again, sighing. “Lena’s harmless. She’s been my assistant for a long time, and yeah, she gets a little protective, but she doesn’t mean anything by it.”

I nod, but I’m still not entirely convinced. Protective or not, Lena’s attitude is hard to ignore. Before I can dwell on it too much, Alexander looks at me, a question in his eyes.

“Do you want your own office?” he asks, his tone casual but the offer heavy.

I blink, surprised. “No, I’m okay.”

“You sure? I can arrange it.”

“I’m fine where I am,” I insist, giving him a small smile. “Really.”

He nods, his eyes softening. “Okay, baby.”

The way he says “baby” sends a warm shiver through me, and for a moment, I forget about the exhaustion. He leans forward, his tone shifting slightly as he asks, “Did the texter ever reach out again?”

I shake my head. “Nope. Nothing since that first time.”

“Good,” he says, his voice firm. “But you have to promise me you’ll tell me if they do, alright?”

“I promise,” I say softly, and he seems satisfied with that.

He leans back, stretching his arms over his head, his shirt pulling tight over his chest. “Next week,” he says, “I was thinkingwe could go to the Riviera together. Scout for more details on the project.”

I raise an eyebrow, the idea of getting out of the office and heading to the French Riviera making me sit up a little straighter. “Really?”

“Yeah,” he says with a smirk. “You better pack some swimsuits.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Oh, so it’s that kind of scouting trip, huh?”

He grins, leaning forward again. “You know how I like to mix business with pleasure.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile. Even after a long, brutal week like this, he still manages to make me feel light, happy. I glance at the clock, realizing just how late it is.

“We should probably call it a night,” I say, yawning again.

He stands up, walking over to me, and pulls me into his arms. His lips brush against my forehead, and I close my eyes, sinking into his warmth for just a moment longer. “Monday, Nancy’s. Don’t forget.”

“I won’t,” I mumble, already half-asleep in his embrace.

“Good,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. “Now, let’s get you home.”

And as much as I want to stay here, wrapped up in him, the thought of collapsing into my own bed is too tempting to resist.

****

Jenna’s face fills my screen, her grin stretching from ear to ear. “Girl, you’re glowing. Who’s the reason?”

I roll my eyes, sinking deeper into my couch. “Alexander,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual, but I can’t hide the smile tugging at my lips. “Things have been... good.”

“Good?” she asks, her eyebrow arching. “Just good? Come on, Ellie. Spill.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, fine. Really good. We’ve been spending a lot of time together, but it’s been crazy busy at work.”

Jenna gives me a knowing look, crossing her arms. “Busy in the office or busy in the bedroom?”

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