Her words make me feel warm and happy in a way that I haven’t felt in a long time. And before I can talk myself out of it, I do the one thing I’ve been wanting to do since she ran after me after I received that call from the hospital.
I pull her flush against me, and I embrace her.
Chapter fifteen
Temptation-Blair
I step through the grand entrance of Alex’s house, my eyes widening in awe at the sheer opulence that surrounds me. The scent of freshly cut flowers mingles with the faint aroma of rich mahogany, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve been here a couple of times before. I still find it just as magnificent and extravagantly beautiful as I did the first time.
In the midst of Alex's absence from the office, my visits to his house become a regular occurrence. I bring him up to speed on work matters so that he will have enough time to take care of his recovering daughter.
With each visit, I find myself drawn to his presence. The way he tirelessly cares for his daughter, his unwavering love and dedication, tugs at my heartstrings. The lines between personal and professional blur, and I become acutely aware of the growing connection between us.
As I walk further into the sprawling mansion, the grandeur unfolds before me. The high ceilings soar above, adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a soft, warm glow throughout the spacious rooms. Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the exquisite artwork that graces the walls.
The living room is a sanctuary of comfort and sophistication. Plush, velvet sofas invite relaxation, their vibrant hues contrasting against the pristine white marble floors. Ornate details and gilded accents adorn every corner, reflecting the owner's impeccable taste and love for the finer things in life.
A grand piano occupies one corner of the room, its polished surface gleaming under the soft lighting. I can't resist the urge to run my fingers across its smooth keys, imagining the melodies that have reverberated through these walls.
Alexander had given me a tour of his house the first day I showed up with a bunch of documents that needed his signature. The entire place had left me with my mouth dropped in shock and awe, much to his amusement.
He had shown me the expansive gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and gleaming countertops beckoning to be utilized by a master chef. The aroma of freshly brewed espresso wafted through the air, courtesy of the built-in coffee machine.
Then, he led me up the elegant staircase, its steps carpeted in luxurious materials that cushioned each footfall. The upper floor revealed a world of refined comfort, with lavish bedrooms boasting canopied beds and sumptuous linens. Each room told its own story through carefully selected decor and personal touches, a testament to Alex’s discerning taste and attention to detail. Or, maybe the entire decor had been his ex-wife’s idea. I never asked.
The master suite was a sanctuary of tranquility. The plush carpet beneath my feet cushioned my steps as I approached the king-sized bed, its canopy draping gracefully above. Soft, muted tones created an atmosphere of serenity, allowing the mind to unwind in this haven of relaxation. A private balcony offered a breathtaking view of meticulously landscaped gardens and a glistening pool, adding a touch of natural beauty to this oasis of luxury.
We continued to venture past the doorways, entering Alex’s private study, a space adorned with rich mahogany bookshelves filled with literary treasures. His entrepreneurial spirit was quite evident there, with awards and mementos adorning the walls, a testament to his remarkable achievements. The majority of our time has been spent in that study, with me bringing him up to speed on everything going on at the office.
Every corner of this magnificent house exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement, a reflection of Alexander’s personality. From the meticulously curated artwork to the plush furnishings, every detail has been carefully considered to create an ambiance of unparalleled luxury.
I may have been born into wealth until my father’s business went down the drain, but even I haven’t seen an affluence of this magnitude. Being friends with Alexander made me start to see him as normal when he is anything but.
The man is a billionaire, and every single part of this house reminds me of that.
I clear my throat, about to make my appearance known by yelling out for him, when a figure strides out of the well-lit hallway I now know leads to the guest bedrooms. The first thing Alex had done after bringing his daughter home when she was discharged was turn one of the guest bedrooms downstairs into hers.
He hadn’t wanted her to climb the stairs up and down her room until she fully recovered. The knowledge of that alone made me marvel even more at how much of an amazing father he is.
I’m too deep in my thoughts to notice it at first, but when Alex finally reaches me, a broad smile on his face, it becomes quite clear to me that he’s standing in front of me shirtless. My breath instantly hitches in my throat. The sight before me is a feast for the eyes, an unexpected display of masculine beauty and strength.
His chest rises and falls with each steady breath, revealing the definition of his sculpted muscles. The play of light dances across his skin, accentuating the contours and highlighting every ridge and sinew. There is a rawness and authenticity to his bare form, an unabashed display of vulnerability and confidence.
All I can suddenly think about is the way he hugged me so tightly in the hospital waiting room the day Summer was admitted. It had taken all my self-control not to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him like my body demanded.
Now, as my traitorous gaze trails along his broad shoulders, marveling at the way they taper down to a defined waistline, I can’t stop thinking of the fact that my body had been cocooned in this male deliciousness. The gentle ripple of muscles, like a symphony of power and grace, draws me in, urging me to reach out and trace the lines with my fingertips.
As my eyes travel lower, my heart quickens at the sight of a well-defined abdomen, hinting at hours spent sculpting his physique. Each sculpted muscle seems to have a story of its own, speaking volumes about his dedication and discipline at exercise, apparently.
A faint sheen of perspiration clings to his skin, adding a touch of glistening allure. It's as if his body is infused with an undeniable magnetism, commanding attention and stirring a primal desire within me.
My gaze lingers, tracing the path of a faint trail of hair that leads down, disappearing beneath the waistband of his pants. The contrast between his smooth, sun-kissed skin and the soft tendrils ignites a subtle curiosity, leaving me yearning to uncover the mysteries that lie hidden.
But it's not just the physicality that captivates me. It's the confidence that radiates from him, the way he carries himself with quiet strength and self-assuredness. There's a vulnerability at this moment, an unguardedness that reveals a glimpse of the man behind the façade.
It’s the first time I’m seeing him like this, without a shirt on, and the only thing that registers in my mind aside from the instant lust that captures me is that he looks nothing like a fifty-year-old man.