Page 9 of My Arrogant Millionaire

When I hung up and she left the living room, turning off the light, I myself was far too wound up to really sleep. So I grabbed my laptop and tried not to let my thoughts wander to her too often. Which I failed at spectacularly.

6

Grace

I couldn’t believe I was really doing this. I shifted from one foot to the other, standing in front of the gigantic building that soared into the cloud-covered sky before me. The Sheppard Tower was located right on 5th Avenue, amidst countless other soulless skyscrapers. I had once sworn to myself that I would never work in such a place. I wanted to create something with soul, something of value. I had succeeded in doing that for a brief moment before someone else had taken it away from me.

I had less than three weeks, so what other choice did I have? After Sonia had given me Nic’s contact, she had vouched for me, and he had reached out. Now, an interview was scheduled, and I was incredibly nervous. My pulse was beyond the healthy limit, and my fingers were so damp that the cream-colored faux leather folder nearly slipped out of my hand.

I glanced at my wristwatch and saw that I still had fifteen minutes left. I should go in, but then again, I had enough time to dawdle a bit. Which didn’t help my nervousness.

I mustered the last crumbs of courage and entered the building through the massive revolving door. A small escalator led up to an area with a coffee bar and a sandwich stand. That was definitely a plus. My thoughts immediately wandered to Baron, whom I hadn’t seen since our phone call two days ago. Had I written the list he suggested? Yes, I had, and strictly speaking, there weren’t many points against a date. Although it was fun to challenge him and keep him waiting.

I took a deep breath and stepped onto the escalator. I should focus on my upcoming interview now, not on a potential fling.

When I reached the top, I glanced at the sign listing the resident companies. There were three in total, and the top one occupied ten whole floors. Oh. No. Spencer Studios?

»Well, if that isn’t a surprise.«

The rough voice that haunted me in my dreams made me spin around. He shamelessly appraised me, his gaze traveling over my high heels, thin tights, knee-length flared skirt, and blouse, up to my eyes.

»I’ve missed you, Goldilocks,« he whispered, and instantly, everything inside me tightened with anticipation.

»I wasn’t missing for two whole days. So, at which admirer’s place did you fall asleep?«

»You missed me just as much,« he concluded, and I snorted. His lopsided grin grew wider, and my heart pounded heavily against my chest.

Damn, my appointment! »I’d love to spend more time standing around with you here, but I have a date.« I turned away and headed for the elevators. Of course, he followed me. As we passed the coffee bar, the warm caramel scent of freshly roasted coffee enveloped me. If only I hadn’t dawdled outside for so long and had gone in earlier, I would have had time for a cup now.

I pressed the elevator button. Baron leaned slightly over me, his hard chest gently touching my shoulder, and I immediately had to suppress the urge to gasp softly. This man stirred up a veritable storm of emotions within me. For which I had absolutely no time right now. »And in case you’re interested, I have no other admirer besides you,« he whispered into my ear. »I had business to attend to; you don’t need to worry about another woman being involved.«

I gasped for air and wanted to throw in his face that I didn’t care at all if he slept around, but at the same moment, a group of people in business attire joined us and began talking. One of the four elevators opened, and I fled inside. Naturally, Baron positioned himself close to me, and the crowd that populated the small interior pushed us back even further. I felt Baron’s shoulder against mine.

»Where do you need to go?«

»Nicolas Stepford, fifth floor,« I replied, and Baron leaned slightly past a man, pressing both the fifth and the top button. I should have guessed that his office would be on the very top floor. Still, the image I had of this devilishly handsome, filthy rich man didn’t quite add up. Reducing him to just that wouldn’t do him justice.

He leaned back, and while the people in front of us were engaged in conversation, I suddenly felt Baron’s hand on my back. His fingers danced feather-light across the fabric of my blouse, wandering downward but never too far, and I quietly gasped for air.

He stared straight ahead, his expression unchanging, as if he wasn’t doing anything at all. This was unbelievably hot but also entirely inappropriate. »You’re nervous,« he whispered to me, leaning down slightly so I could hear him.

»The job interview,« I replied with a slightly trembling voice as his hand moved up to the nape of my neck, warm and supportive. I nestled into the touch just a tiny bit; it felt not only incredibly good but also undeniably right. »I haven’t had one in ages.«

»I don’t know your work style, but you’ll enchant him immediately,« Baron responded, looking deeply into my eyes. Why did I believe every word he said to me, which sounded so honest that it took my breath away? There was something about him that made me trust him completely.

I turned slightly towards him, licking my lower lip before pulling it between my teeth. His grip on my neck tightened, and he exhaled all the air from his lungs, staring at my mouth. This attraction was no longer healthy. Everything in my body hummed.

The sound of the opening doors made us pull apart slightly. The group poured out, and I glanced at the digital display above the control panel. Third floor. As the doors closed, I felt Baron’s presence even more intensely. We were alone. And we still had two floors left before we had to part ways. He seemed to sense my tension and the desire that surged like hot lava through my veins. Gently, I leaned my folder against the railing on the wall and faced him. With my palms flat on his chest, I stood on tiptoe. His gaze traveled over my face before finally settling on my eyes. The urge to kiss him and surrender to him was insatiable and raw.

I brought my mouth to his ear, his arms gently encircling my upper body, holding me as if I were something precious. »I’ve finished the list,« I breathed. Baron’s body tensed, and I felt the restrained power in his muscles. What would it be like if he gave in to his unrestrained lust? He let out a soft growl and pressed his lips to my temple, inhaling deeply as if to imprint my scent on his memory.

»And what conclusion did you come to?« he whispered, his breath tickling my skin.

The chime accompanied my arrival, and I pushed myself away from him. As a parting gift, I offered him an ambiguous smile, grabbed my folder, and hurried out. Though, truthfully, it took all my self-control to leave him now. Everything inside me pulsed, my core ached with longing, and I could feel the dampness that had collected in my panties.

Baron still leaned against the wall, watching me expectantly. »Tonight, pick me up at eight o’clock and be punctual,« I said, just before the doors slid shut, and I could no longer see his reaction.

With a smile, I turned and headed toward the receptionist behind the counter.

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