Page 13 of Unexpected
I followed them downstairs, greedily drinking in the sight of Alexis’s bare shoulders, the curve of her ass. My attraction to this woman was off the charts. But I couldn’t be lusting after her, not if I wanted this job. And Iwantedthis job. I needed the money to cover my tuition and rent.
And while I got the feeling she was attracted to me—at least if her “sir” comment was any indication—I doubted she’d act on it. She might not be married, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have a man in her life. She was too beautiful, too alluring, not to.
“Would you like a drink?” she asked.
“Water would be great.”A cold shower would be even better.
She bustled around the kitchen, filling a glass for me before getting Sophia set up on her tablet. Alexis was full of energy, but her movements were gentle, nurturing. Even from my brief interaction, Alexis’s love for her daughter was apparent.
“Why don’t we take a seat outside,” she said. Sophia was already immersed in her tablet, and I followed Alexis to the pool area. She left the glass doors open, allowing a nice breeze to flow into the house.
“This is gorgeous,” I said, admiring the space. It was an outdoor oasis, with sparkling blue water, swaying palm trees, and a waterfall. I could definitely see myself spending lots of time out here.
“Thank you.” She smiled as she took a seat on a lounge chair, folding one of her legs beneath her.
I knew I should stop staring, stop coveting something I’d never have, but I couldn’t seem to help myself.
“The whole house is,” I said as I joined her. “Love these dark window sashes and the light wood floors with the cream walls. It’s very…relaxing,” I said, finally settling on the word.
She tilted her head to the side, appraising me with a curious gaze. “You speak the lingo like a pro.” She tapped a finger to her lips. “Let me guess—HGTV fan?”
I chuckled, leaning back to rest my arm across the back of the chair. “My dad’s a general contractor for a custom builder back home.”
“Ahh.” She angled her head back to display the long column of her neck. “That explains it.”
“Though I do enjoy watching HGTV from time to time,” I said.
“Favorite show?” she asked, and I felt like I was being quizzed.
For a moment, I considered lying. “Christina on the Coast.” I cringed, bracing for her reaction.
She appraised me a moment, as if to see if I was joking. “Really?”
“Yeah. I just think Art is so sweet to Christina, and I love seeing their blended family. I think it’s brave that she gave love a second chance.”
Her eyes sparkled, and I could tell I’d said the right thing. I thought she was going to say something more about it, so I was surprised when she shifted gears to business. “Thank you for coming over today.”
My heart plummeted to my stomach.Was she going to tell me she wasn’t interested? The Hartwell Agency was like a matchmaker. Sometimes they set up playdate interviews which led to a placement, sometimes not. Though I’d thought I’d hit it off with Sophia—Alexis too.
“Renata told me you’re available for the entire summer,” she said, though she didn’t sound excited. “After meeting Sophia, are you still interested in the placement?”
It took everything in me not to jump out of my seat and tell her yes. But I forced myself to remain still and answer calmly. “Yes.” I leaned forward, noticing the way her eyes darkened at my proximity. “I’m very interested.”
She sucked in a jagged breath, and I leaned back, gratified I wasn’t the only one affected. Still, she was now going to be my boss, which meant she was officially off-limits. At least, until the end of summer when the placement ended.
Not that it mattered anyway. Alexis was so out of my league, it wasn’t even funny. She was smart, successful, sexy. God, was she sexy, especially when she laughed.
I took a sip of water in a futile attempt to cool myself down. Something about this woman got me all hot and bothered like no one else had.If Hunter could see me now, I thought.
“Excellent.” She smiled. “When can you move in?”
I choked on my water, coughing a few times before catching my breath. “Move in?” My chest was tight. “Here?” I glanced back at the house. “With you?”
Her brows pulled together. “Yeah—in the pool house. Didn’t Renata tell you? This is a live-in position. I have crazy hours and work weekends, so I need someone available twenty-four seven.”
Oh, I can be available twenty-four seven,I thought. I felt light-headed at the onslaught of images that idea sparked in my mind. Alexis in a black lace bra and matching underwear. Her caramel waves sprawled out across a white pillow. My hands on her hips. My lips tracing a trail down her—
“Preston.” She placed a hand on my thigh.
