Page 35 of Curvy Love

She nods.

There are a thousand things I want to say, but I have no idea how to voice them, how to get Ezra and Paisley on the same relaxed footing that @TheZMan and @PsychedelicAlmond share. I want to tell her that I tried the restaurant she recommended and that I bought a box of Mooo Bars. That I once spent an hour watching gifs from Mrs. Doubtfire and that I think her British accent is adorable.

But since Ezra Carlisle can’t know any of those things, I say, “Did you want to pitch me your project?”

A frown furrows her brow.

I’m trying to keep my eyes on her face, but what I want to do is have her hold still so I can inspect every inch of her body. The black retro dress she’s wearing gives her a pin-up look as it molds to every curve she has. Big tits, big hips, plump ass. I’m guessing thick thighs, too. Fucking heaven in a dress.

“I don’t think that would be appropriate,” she says.

I shake my head. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

There’s something a little ambivalent in her gaze as she says, “Sorry. I just have—” She lets out a laugh that’s both nervous and self-deprecating. “—I guess have control issues. The idea of putting my baby in someone else’s hands is scary. Even if it’s only pitching the idea.”

Oh, man, this woman …

This is a woman who speaks my language. I’m a CEO who still does beta testing for fun. Not that I can admit that to her. But, yes, I know where she’s coming from.

“Most of your classmates were doing it,” I explain. “And I figured it was something your professor suggested. So I could give you feedback.”

Her red lips part and I’m caught in her mossy green gaze. Damn, she’s pretty. But it’s not just her looks. Of course it’s not. Even before I knew what she looked like, everything about her was so compelling. I take a step closer to her.

“Or we don’t have to discuss business at all. Though I’d be remiss if I didn’t personally thank you for helping to beta test my software.”

“The party is our thank you so a verbal one is unnecessary, but you’re quite welcome.” A smile plays at her lips and her gaze moves around the room, like she’s looking for someone. “I was reticent at first, but I’ve enjoyed the experience quite a bit.”

“You like your mentor, then?”

“Yes, he’s wonderful.” Her voice takes on a dreamy quality and my dick takes notice. Then she schools her features. “That is to say, he’s been very helpful and willing to share his knowledge.”

“Excellent. That is what I like to hear.”

She nods, but doesn’t say anything. Her tongue slips out to wet her red lips.

I know I should say something here. Something witty. Something charming. Something that will disarm her so that she’ll open up to me.

Instead, I find myself admitting, “You are stunning, Paisley.”

Her eyes widen and her mouth opens.

“It’s not too forward of me to say that I find you exceptionally attractive.” I take another step towards her.

She frowns. “Thank you. That is very flattering. And you are very handsome. I mean it’s impossible not to notice. Like 007,” she quips in that terrible British accent she used earlier.

Fuck me, but she’s adorable.

“Would you like to get a drink?” I ask.

“The drinks are free,” she says, her voice husky and bewildered.

I chuckle. “Not for me, but yes, they are. I just meant would you like to go somewhere and talk. I’d like to continue visiting with you.”

“Oh.” For a second she looks startled. Then her gaze meets mine and I swear I see longing in her eyes, before she looks away and says, “I would, but I’m sorta already seeing someone.”

That statement nearly knocks me on my ass.

She’s seeing someone?

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