Page 8 of My Ex's Brothers

Richard leans against the wall, boxing me in. Suddenly that flush of heat blazes, making me feel as if I’m going to sweat my damn makeup right off.

“Fine,” he says, his gaze stern and steady. “But I’ll be here when you’re done.”

I open my mouth to protest, but all he does is settle one finger against my lips and shake his head.

“No buts, sweetheart. Now get the fuck in there and do what you came here to do.”

I blink, my brain suddenly not computing words or language. All I can do is meet his fiery gaze and nod. I take one step back, open the door, and breathe a sigh of relief when I close it behind me, knowing he’s on the other side.

What the hell was that?

I try my hardest to shake off the strange feelings. Whatever it was, it’s over. I need to keep my eye on the prize, and that prize is getting myself a job so I can take care of my daughter and myself. It certainly has nothing to do with my ex’s very attractive brothers, or the fact that I haven’t gotten off since before I had Lyla.

Maybethat’swhat I need to get over all this weirdness. A good self-love session with my battery-operated boyfriend. I have a feeling my vibrator and I are about to be on very good terms…

I push all thoughts of vibrators and sexy voices out of my head as I sign the sign-in sheet and take my seat.

One hour goes by before they call me.

The interview itself isn’t too involved, typical questions and going over references. Everything is so vague that it’s hard to tell if they’re really interested in me or not, which doesn’t help my concern.

“It was a pleasure meeting with you, Miss Corbett,” the director, Mitch, says.

Newton, his executive staff writer, gives me a cold expression, but I have a feeling that’s just his regular face. He looks like your stereotypical grumpy old man, but I know he can’t be all that much older than Richard.

“Pleasure is all mine,” I say with the brightest smile I can manage, hoping to hell that my genuine attitude is enough. That my record and my work is enough to outweigh the negativity that’s attached to my name right now.

Once outside the room, I see Richard, sitting in a chair in the lounge overlooking the stairs.

He’s still here…

“Finally,” he says as I come to stand in front of him. His gaze once again roves over me and I cross my arms.

“What are you still doing here?” I ask, unable to hide the annoyance in my voice. Richard leans back, licking his lips as he crosses his ankle over his knee. The motion is so cavalier, so debonair, it almost reminds me of someone else.

Dex.

I fight to look away, but I can’t. Because on Dex, the look was almost apathetic, but on Richard…it causes all sorts of inappropriate images to pop into my head that I know I shouldn’t think aboutanyone, let alone my ex’s brother.

Yeah, tonight when Lyla’s asleep…we’re having some me time, for sure.

“I told you I would be here when you were done.” He shrugs, as if that itself is an acceptable answer.

News flash, it isn’t. I could barely handle one run-in with a Rose today. I’m not sure I can handle dealing with a pissy Richard.

“I didn’t ask you to,” I huff as I turn away and head for the stairs. “Thank you for the help, but I’m good from here.”

He catches up to me, sliding his hands into the pockets of his slacks. “Aren’t you going to ask why I’m here in the first place?” he presses, amused.

“I don’t care,” I tell him, realizing my voice is much too harsh. The stress is really eating at me today. I need a good orgasm and a nap.

That’ll fix everything.

“I mean, that’s none of my business,” I say, trying to sound nicer.

Richard grunts in response. “I had an interview. The Bugle’s doing an article on my stellar career,” he says, flashing that perfect smile I know too well. All the Rose boys have the same charming smile, but they all wear it differently.

On Dex, it’s manipulative, sexy…but when Dane smiles, it’s warm and sweet.

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