Page 41 of The Arrogant's Redemption

"What?"

"Am I just a challenge to you, LJ?"

"This has nothing to do with challenges, Alexis. I’m thirty-eight years old. I’ve had enough of those. I want you. I’m not going to lie to get you into bed. I don’t know what this is between us, but it’s something I want to explore."

"I’ll have dinner with you—but not in my town. It’s a small place. People will talk."

It’s strangely touching that she cares about that. In my world—at the risk of sounding like a jerk—women would love to beseen with me. Alexis, on the other hand, is only concerned with her own reputation.

"I have an idea,” I say. “I’ll cook for you."

"You cook?"

"I’m pretty good at it."

"Like with everything you do?"

"That’s a trick question. Any answer I give puts me at a disadvantage. If I say yes, I sound like an arrogant prick. If I say no, I sound like I lack confidence."

"You don’t have to answer. I’m sure you’re a great cook."

"I’ll send a car to pick you up at seven. I might be a little late. Whether it’s by car or helicopter doesn’t make much difference, and I don’t know if . . .” I trail off. I was about to say I wasn’t sure if my jet would be ready in time, but maybe that’s too much information for someone I’ve known for such a short time. I don’t want to scare her off. I know that in Alexis’s world, private jets aren’t exactly normal.

"Don’t know if what?"

"Nothing. Just be ready at seven. Send me your address."

"No. Just have your designated driver pick me up at the restaurant."

I don’t like that answer, but I’m aware I don’t hold the best cards right now.

"LJ?"

"Yeah?"

"I agreed to dinner. That’s it."

"I won’t do anything you don’t want, Alexis. But you need to decide if you’re a girl or a woman."

"I’m an adult," she says, sounding somewhere between proud and annoyed. I almost smile, because I never thought I’d be in a position where I had to promise good behavior to a woman. Usually, the dress and panties are already on the floor before the apartment door is even shut.

"Then come ready to enjoy the night. Don’t overthink it."

Alexis

I’ve walked around the living room.

Five times.

And let me tell you—it’ssomeliving room.

I’ve never been in a house this big or this beautiful.

LJ sent a message earlier asking if the driver was being careful. His concern rattled me more than I already was just from the idea of spending several hours alone with him.

He also explained that the house I was being taken to belonged to his cousin. The same one who recommendedThe Ugly Shrimpto him.

I haven’t seen a single photo frame here. If I had a house this big, I’d fill it with memories. Then I remember—this probably isn’t even his main house.

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