Page 19 of Billionaire in Disguise

“How would I know?” Her eyes sparkled. “You’re the criminal.”

He fashioned a look of mock somberness. “The police almost arrested us both.”

She grinned, yet it faded as she scrutinized him. Was she remembering every time he’d nearly betrayed the truth? He needed a distraction. “As I recall, we never did finish practicing.”

“No, we didn’t.” She licked her lips, and suddenly,hewas distracted. “We should probably remedy that.”

“An excellent idea.” He edged closer.

“Yes, it is.” So did she.

They met in the middle. He dipped his head down, brushing her lips. Her lips were soft and pliant, and tasted like strawberries and newfound opportunities. He breathed in the scent of gardenias as he pressed closer, bringing her flush against him. She was all beautiful curves, petite to his far larger size, and yet somehow she fit perfectly against him, as if she belonged there.

As if she belonged to him.

A sense of utter rightness surged, desire and need and something far more elemental. The need to be with this woman, tokeepthis woman. Possessiveness consumed him, as something ignited. He may claim it was about distraction or practicing, yet the truth burned.

They were just getting started.

Chapter 5

The sun streamed across the wide porch, its warm rays illuminating the world in amber brilliance. Adrianna stretched taut muscles, lunging with one leg and then the next, reaching up to stretch her arms. The supple fabric molded to her, its wicking surface already lapping up moisture in the heated day. Yet nothing was as heated as the man next to her.

How could she not have noticed him the moment he walked into the office? He truly was massive, his build towering, his chest broad and firm. His face was an artist’s masterpiece, his indigo eyes sparkling with intelligence and just a little bit of mischievousness. His thick hair had been combed neatly back, yet a lock escaped on his forehead. The urge to sweep it back was almost irresistible.

“Do you mind if I take my shirt off?”

Oh. My. Goodness.

“That would be great.”

Um, what did she just say?

“I mean I would really enjoy it.”

Oh dear.

“I mean you should be comfortable. The less clothing, the better, right?”

Lost: Her good sense. Please call if found. Reward.

She opened her eyes to a hunk of a man staring at her with a broad smile. “Go for it,” she said weakly.

He reached down and lifted his shirt, revealing the man equivalent of a quadruple scoop sundae covered in hot fudge, caramel, sprinkles and forty-five cherries. His chest was broad and muscled, his abs defined, his biceps bulging with power. Her gaze lowered…

“Are you sure you want to jog?”

Nope. She wanted to stay here and watch him. While eating a quadruple scoop sundae covered in hot fudge–

“Adrianna?”

“Yes? Yes!” Heat bloomed from her neck all the way down her body, culminating in some very interesting spots. She was hot. And bothered. Both, really, and it had nothing to do with the exercise she hadn’t started and everything to do with the man-sized sundae before her.

And just like that, she imagined him covered in chocolate, smothered in caramel and sprinkled in–

“Are you ready for our jog?”

“Yes!” She blushed. “I mean, yes, thank you.” It seemed like a good idea when he first suggested it. After all, they both enjoyed physical activity and the outdoors. It would give them a little break from the family, and show they enjoyed being with each other. Yet she had forgotten how attractive he was. Hopefully, she didn’t run into a car. “I’m ready if you are,” she lied.

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