Page 35 of The Charmer's Gambit
I brushed my sweaty palms against my skirt and squared my shoulders. Time to get my shit together, and I would start by throwing myself into work. That’s what I did best, and it wouldbe to the benefit of this project. At least I could please Will in one way. Being a good lawyer would just have to be enough.
13
Pruning
No awkwardness.
No reaction.
No comments.
Nothing.
That summed up the last two days. It was business as usual between us, with the occasional heated glance and demand for me to elevate my foot. Oh, and freshly prepared dinners both nights. I tugged on the curtain beside my balcony door and frowned when I found it empty. Aside from the first morning here, he hadn’t greeted me outside. Always downstairs, fully dressed, with a cup of coffee. It seemed today would be the same.
It pissed me off despite it being for the best. But I wanted to know I affected him at least a little. He had me questioning his intentions all over again. Had I misunderstood his bed requirement? The one where he said I could only join him there when he knew I wouldn’t leave?
My head spun with possibilities that threatened to derail my composure as I walked down the stairs. The pain in my ankle had subsided substantially, telling me it wasn’t so much sprained as bruised.
“Mornin’.” Will greeted me with a cup of coffee fixed just the way I liked it and a plate loaded with eggs.
“This is new,” I remarked as I took one of the stools at the breakfast bar.
“You’re going to need more than a banana today,” he replied, referring to my preferred breakfast. “And you’re going to need to change.”
I eyed his jeans and fitted gray T-shirt. “Why?”
“We’re going on an adventure.”
“Uh, elaborate please.”
He grinned that charming grin of his. “Not a chance, darlin’. You’ll need jeans, boots, and a tank top or T-shirt.”
“I didn’t pack anything like that.”
He hummed something under his breath as he left the kitchen. I stared after him unashamedly. His ass was created for those jeans, as were his thighs. And that fitted shirt showcased all those back muscles nicely.
“I approve of casual day,” I murmured to myself before scooping some eggs into my mouth. “Oh,” I moaned. “Okay.” Will could change my mind about breakfast with food like this. “Did you add cheese or something?” I called to him after swallowing.
“Vermont white cheddar,” he replied as he strolled back into the kitchen with a shopping bag. “And bacon grease.”
“Healthy,” I joked around another bite.
“Delicious,” he corrected. “Now, I had a feeling you didn’t bring the right clothes, so I ordered some for you. Boots, size nine.” He set a box on the marble counter beside my plate. “Jeans, size six, and a medium tank top. Did I get all that right?”
I gaped at him. “It’s a little scary how you do that.” And sexy as hell.
“Let’s just say I have a vivid imagination, Miss Dawson.” He folded his arms on the counter to lean in close. “And your clothes fascinate me more than they probably should.”
My mouth went dry at the insinuation in his tone and the heated look he gave my lips. But just when I hoped he’d kiss me again, he pushed back and wrapped that damn professional blanket around us again. “We leave in twenty minutes, so I suggest you finish that and change. I’ll meet you outside.” He picked up a cowboy hat I hadn’t noticed on the counter and plopped it on his head. “Ma’am,” he said, tipping the rim at me.
Oh, not fair. Wealthy businessman I could handle, even dressed-down millionaire, but sexy cowboy? A midwestern girl had her limits. And coupled with that Southern drawl?
“Yeah, I’m in so much trouble,” I whispered.
The clothes fit perfectly.Not that I was surprised. Will gave me a once-over and stared at my injured foot. “How does your ankle feel?”
“Secure, actually. The boots are a lot better than my heels.”
