Page 7 of Save Me the Trouble
No. No.No.
Killian Crown was a Grade-A ass?—
“Miss Johnson.”
I spun, and the book tumbled from my hand to the floor.
“So sorry,” I muttered and quickly grabbed it and replaced it on the shelf. “Just trying to pass the time?—”
“Out here. Now.” He glowered, and he was still handsome. It was ridiculous.
I bristled, muttering a sarcastic, “Yes, sir,” as I walked by.
“I could have security remove you, you know that, right?” he said once we were back in his professional domain, his intent was clearly to completely ignore the little secret study of his that he’d shoved me into.
Let’s see…prison or going broke?
I batted my eyelashes. “Seems like overkill for trying to avoid answering a few simple questions.”
I’d risk prison; at least, room and board there were free.
I brushed my hand over my thighs and took a seat in front of his desk again, like it was my new home.
His chest expanded with his deep inhale, the fabric of his suit stretching in ways that made me think no one had ever irritated him quite like I had. Long, lean fingers gripped the back of his chair, squeezing the leather before he pulled it back and took a seat.
“Fine.” He faked a smile so easily I pitied him. “Ask away.”
I couldn’t stop my little squeal of relief, giddiness rushing through my system.Thank God.
I quickly pulled out my notebook and folder and pens from my bag, half-spilling everything onto his desk in my rush.
“One second.” I shoved my pen between my teeth while I rifled to the page in my notebook where I’d written down my questions.
I could’ve brought a laptop; it would’ve been easier. More professional. But professional hadn’t been working with Mr. Crown, so I decided to try something different. Something psychotic, judging by his expression when I finally looked up at him.Great.
I cleared my throat and calmly plucked the pen from my mouth. “Okay. We’ll start with the basics.”
Long, lean fingers strummed on the desk, each tap like he plucked at the nerves along my spine.
“What are you looking for in a woman?”
“Quiet. Brunette. And doesn’t snore,” he quipped and leaned back in his chair, the epitome of nonchalance as his eyes sparkled with mischief as if he relished the chance to challenge me.
“That’s all?” I played along.
He cocked his head. “Someone who can appreciate my immense wealth and irresistible charm.” He tapped his finger on his chin and then lifted it up. “Oh, and most important…” He trailed off, and I leaned forward. “Someone who is steady on her feet.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.
My teeth clacked together so hard I swore he heard them.Touché, Mr. Crown.
He could play this game all he wanted but, the fact remained that I had nothing to lose.
“Most important. I have that noted.” I gripped my pen harder as I scribbled the words onto the paper. “Okay, how about sharing with me what you like to do in your free time?”
He tilted his head, pretending to think. I knew he was pretending because he fought a smirk the entire time. “Have sex and count my billions.”
“You must not have a lot of sex then,” I deadpanned sweetly, giving my inner self a fist-bump when his smirk soured. “I’ll be sure to note that in your profile.” His frown deepened. “As I’m sure you know, the key to a successful relationship is grounded in honesty and expectations. So right here,low. Sex. Drive.” I made a point to tap the period into the paper like the tip of my pen was bursting his practiced boorish bubble.
His lip twitched, and I thought he might break, but then his mask iced over, and I swallowed down my sigh.
