Page 39 of Seducing Her Scarred Boss

She chuckled. ‘Everything one could possibly need.’

‘That’s right. Now I’m going back to Waipara for some meetings.’ Halfway up the hill he pulled up in front of a gorgeous house.

‘Is this yours?’

He shook his head. ‘It belongs to Ruben Theroux.’

Sophy gaped—she knew about that luxury property magnate. His places were insanely gorgeous—and prohibitively expensive. Not to mention always booked out months in advance.

‘You’re staying here,’ Lorenzo said.

Surprised into movement, she got out of the car. He was leaving her? She walked up the path slowly, too confused to appreciate the stunning chalet he’d just unlocked. Except it was stunning—the interior cosy yet sleek, minimal yet luxurious. Every element was sublime. But when was she getting the ‘dirt’ in the weekend? What did he mean by “you’re” staying here—did he mean that he wasn’t?

Inside Lorenzo had opened the big suitcase. Carefully packed inside was all her gear—all her tools, all her unfinished work. She stared at it, then at him.

‘I’m not letting you throw away this opportunity, Sophy,’ he said softly, placing his hands on her shoulders. ‘Not even for hot sex with me.’

‘Lorenzo—’

‘Give me your phone.’ He held out his hand.

She pulled it from her purse and gave it to him.

He switched it off and put it in his pocket. ‘You have no excuses now. You have to finish them.’ His expression softened. ‘I’ve booked you into the spa at four p.m. for a massage and whatever other treatments you feel like.’

‘Really?’ Her spirits lifted a fraction.

‘Uh-huh.’ His eyes twinkled. ‘But you have to do nothing, and I mean nothing, but work until then—deal?’

‘Okay.’

‘And you’ll have to walk down to the spa because I’m taking the car.’

‘That’s okay.’ She nodded again. ‘Thanks.’

But she was disappointed. Sheachedfor him. And he’d played on that—used it to set her up. She’d cleared her weekend to be with him, but now she had nothing to do but finish her pieces for the show.

She supposed she’d thank him one day.

He kissed her, drew away way too soon. But at least he groaned as he did. He put his hands behind his back. ‘Nothing but work.Nothing.’

She managed a laugh and watched him go. As he got to the car she couldn’t stop herself calling after him through the open door. ‘You’ll be back later?’

‘Count on it.’

She turned back inside and looked at her stuff. She had all afternoon. All day Saturday and Sunday too. With no phone, no outside contact—no one calling. Suddenly she felt it—liberation. And she did as he’d bid. It only took twenty minutes to set herself up and then she worked. In the silence, alone, she got into the zone. Her enthusiasm for it returned, as did her confidence. She studied her options, assessing the work she had completed and her pages of notes for other styles. She deliberated carefully before making a decision. She wanted her work to be thematically linked, but for each piece to stand uniquely, to showcase a broad range.

There was a harsh ringing. She literally jumped three feet in the air. Spun round, looking for the source of the noise. It was the landline of the luxury holiday home. ‘Hello?’

‘You need to go now or you’ll miss your appointment.’

‘Oh.’ She looked at her watch. ‘Is it that time already?’

He chuckled. ‘You’ve been hard at it, haven’t you?’

She leaned against the bench and let the smile out. ‘Yes. Thank you.’

She meant it this time.

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