Page 53 of The Exposed Heiress

She placed her hand in his and pushed back her chair, standing up.

Pulling her into his arms, he said, “I didn’t want to build on my family’s legacy. It had elements of alcoholism, shirking of duties, bad decisions. The list goes on. I wanted to create something different.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Your uncle had a small ad agency.”

“True, but it was about expediency. The quickest way to success. He hadn’t worked in years, but had a strong network that I tapped into.”

He should take her home. He breathed in her feminine, floral scent and his body reacted swiftly. The obstacles between them were blurring, but he didn’t want to lead her on. She was vulnerable and needed to be protected.

Leo gazed into her eyes. “I want to forget about the world around us and lose myself in your beautiful body.”

Emma smiled widely and placed her hands on his chest. “Me too.”

He moved back slightly and touched his thumb to her lower lip. “I don’t believe in forever, Emma. I’m not built for that. I don’t see this lasting beyond a few months.”

She lifted her chin. “I don’t see it lasting beyond tonight.”

His chest tightened. She deserved someone better than him. “Maybe we should stop this madness.”

Shaking her head, Emma said, “Not quite yet.” She leaned forward and pressed a kiss into his neck. Something broke free inside of him and he pulled her into his arms.

He’d worry about their relationship tomorrow. Right now he wanted her and couldn’t think about anything else.

Emma unbuttoned his shirt and he smiled. Picking her up, he carried her across the living room and down the hallway to his bedroom.

She laughed and his heart softened.

He pushed aside thoughts of the future. He couldn’t let himself think about commitment and responsibilities. He’d much rather enjoy what they had right now. The future was never something he tried to plan or control. It was best to live each day as it came.

Chapter 10

Four weeks later, Emma slipped out of bed without waking Leo. He looked so sexy sleeping on his back without a shirt. Taking her overnight bag to the adjoining bathroom, she took a steamy shower and dressed for the day.

Her thoughts were muddled. Leo invited a reporter fromThe Independentto come and sit down with her to discuss the upcoming London Fashion Week. She never gave interviews. She’d much preferred to allow her reputation to be formed by her designs.

The shop in Rotherhithe had come together, but the gossip surrounding Francis Bolles was particularly unkind. Her parents had been ridiculed for not seeing the end coming, and the press predicted her scaled-down couture house would fail.

Going downstairs to the studio, Emma attempted to let go of what was being reported in the press. She flicked on the lights and glanced at the large, expansive space. They had left the opulent velvet drapes that framed each window, but had removed the rugs and most of the furnishings. There were large work tables and mannequins waiting for fabric.

Emma went to make espresso before employees started to arrive. The small galley kitchen on that level had gleaming countertops and a built-in espresso maker. Grinding the beans finely, she set up the coffee to brew.

Setting out two porcelain cups, she took milk from the refrigerator.

Leo grabbed her from behind and she let out a started yelp.

Smiling at him, she said, “You shouldn’t sneak up on me.”

He kissed her mouth briefly. “I have an early meeting, but I’ll be back for the interview.”

She handed him a coffee with steamed milk.

Leaning against the countertop, she took a sip of her coffee.

He put his empty cup on the counter. “Are you worried about today?”

She licked the milk from her lower lip. “I’m not looking forward to it.”

He kissed her mouth briefly. “It’s all part of it, love. You’ve done a fantastic job of re-creating Francis Bolles, but now you have to sell the concept to a larger audience.”

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