Page 48 of Runaway Bride for the Boss

He nods like he’s made a mental note, then draws me into his arms. I go willingly. “Who would have thought you’d be a cuddler?” I tease.

“I’m not,” he assures me.

I chuckle, and my gaze is drawn to the alarm clock: 12:43AM. Shit. I stiffen and push away from him. “I have to go back to my room.”

“No, you don’t.” He tightens his grip.

“No, Alexander, I really have to go. Andrea will be home anytime now, and she might check on me.” I’m still not sure if she meant it when she said I don’t have to stay away from her brothers, but even if she did, it doesn’t mean I’m going to rub this, whatever it is, in her face.

Alex sighs and releases me. He lounges back on the bed, his hands folded behind his head, watching me as I quickly get dressed. “Have dinner with me tomorrow,” he demands.

“I’ll think about it. We’re moving back into Andrea’s place, and I don’t know what excuse I’ll give her.”

“Tell her you’re having dinner with me. You’ve had dinner out with Ezra. How’s this any different?”

I give him a pointed look.

“I don’t care how you want to explain it to her. You’re having dinner with me.” His voice brooks no argument, and I sigh as I relent.

“Fine.”

“Come here.” He nods his in beckoning.

“Alexander…”

“One kiss,” he cajoles. I sigh again, but my heart is racing as I slowly climb on top of him to drop a chaste kiss to his lips.

“You can do better than that,” he murmurs, his eyes twinkling. I kiss him again, and he moves lightning fast, tumbling me onto my back and plants his mouth over mine.

“Fuck,” he growls as he pulls back. “Forget going back to your room, let’s just stay here.”

“Alexander!” I exclaim, pushing his chest but he doesn’t budge.

“Fuck,” he curses again and rolls off me. “Get out of here before I rip your clothes to shreds and tie you to my bed.”

I scramble off the bed and rush to the door, my heart racing and desire thick in my veins. But then I stop. “Wait, I can’t havedinner with you. I have to work tomorrow.” Disappointment slumps my shoulder against the door.

Alex watches me for a moment. “Lunch then?”

“I’ll try to get away if I can. I’m not sure what we have to do to make Andrea’s place inhabitable again.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he says and waves a dismissive hand. “I’ll send some people over to take care of everything. Just make yourself available for lunch.”

“Okay.” I grin at him and mutter, “Good night.”

I sigh dreamily as I take the stairs down to the first floor. What am I doing? Last week, I was set to marry Larson, and now…what?

I tiptoe past Andrea’s room just in case she’s home. I am not quite ready for her to know the truth: I’m falling for her brother.

CHAPTER 28

ALEXANDER

Richard, Everly, and Kieran Smith are unfortunate bastards because according to the report I’m staring at they live just two hours away.

“Who are they anyway?” Noah asks, raising his shoe clad feet onto my desk. I glare at him, but we’ve been working together for so long he isn’t afraid of me anymore.

“They hurt Autumn. Scarred her. I simply want to return the favor.” I get to my feet and adjust my tie. “Coming with me?”

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