Page 8 of Mr. Scandalous

Speaking of second virginity, he’d been celibate for the past eight months. Not because he hadn’t had plenty of opportunities, but simply because no one had excited him enough to make time for a grand seduction.

Until now.

She wet her lips with the tip of her tongue then raised her eyes to meet his again.Thump-thump-thumpwent his ticker.

“Okay,” she said. “Why not?”

ChapterThree

Eden hada date

For the first time in almost a year she had a date. A date with—Eden stared at the card still clutched in her hand—Alec Ramsey.

The little rectangle of stiff paper burned a hole in her palm, but already the powerful rush of creative sexual energy she felt when she was near him was already starting to dissipate. Had she imagined it all?

Come on, it’s not a date, niggled her naysaying voice. It’s a business luncheon.

Before she could argue with herself, Ashley and Mrs. Lockerbie came out of the back room and pounced on her.

“Omigod.” Ashley clutched her hand to her heart. “Was that guy gorgeous or what?”

“Not only gorgeous,” Mrs. Lockerbie said. “But rich and famous, too.”

“Famous?” Eden furrowed her brow.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t recognize him?” Mrs. Lockerbie clicked her tongue.

“That’s because you were too busy drooling,” Ashley said. “Not that I blame you one tiny bit and the sickkkthing is, he seemed just as taken with you.”

“He doesn’t.”

“Oh, but he does.” Ashley nodded.

“How do you know?”

“We were peeping around the curtain.” Jayne giggled and waved at the toile print curtain that divided the back room from the main part of the store.

“His card just gives his name, business address and cell number. Don’t, leave me hanging in suspense, Jayne. Who is Alec Ramsey?” Eden asked.

Jayne’s smile was wicked. “Why, darling, that perfect specimen of manhood is none other than a social media influencer with two million followers on his platformSex and the Single Guyandthe bestselling author ofThe Sublime Art of Seductionand he is currently the most eligible bachelor in Manhattan.”

“You know him personally?” Eden asked.

“Last year we served on the board of the Kids Count charity together. He’s big into helping underprivileged youths and he really means what he says. He’s not just some rich guy throwing money around to boost his public image.”

“I would never have guessed it.” He looked so sophisticated and polished Eden had a challenging time imagining him enriching the lives of disadvantaged children.

“Alec lost his own father when he was in his teens, a heart attack I think, and it had a lasting impact on him. He doesn’t take anything for granted. That’s why he works so hard. I think his earnestness just adds to his sex appeal.”

“I’m meeting him for lunch tomorrow.”

“Get outta here!” Ashley gave her a playful shove. “You go, woman.”

“To discuss a gift basket consultation. It’s just business.”

“The way you’re grinning seems like it’s much more than just business.” Jayne wagged a knowing finger.

“Okay,” Eden confessed, her grin spreading as giddiness flitted through her. “It could be more than business. We’ll see.”

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