Page 52 of Accidental Baby With My Brother's Best Friend

“Which?”

“TheGalatea of Spheres, silly.”

“Not up for sale. But I’ve got another Salvador Dalì painting in my office that I might be willing to consider selling.”

I regret my words as soon as they leave my mouth. The privacy of my office is the last place I want to be with her right now, especially with that look she’s got in her eyes like I’m a piece of candy she can’t wait to eat up.Shit! Shit! Shit!She probably wouldn’t be this confident hitting on me if my reputation wasn’t so notorious.

“Oh really?” She laughs, taking a few steps closer towards me, her body almost pressed against mine. She takes me completely off guard with her unexpected closeness. Her long eyelashes flutter against her cheek and she gives me another seductive look, this one more intense than before. “I like the sound of that. Maybe I could get a little more than a painting, huh?” She smirks and leans forward. I can feel her breath fanning against my face.

Another innocent smile and I step back, pulling away from her. Damn woman. I’m a changed man now, how hard can that be to understand? I would turn her down outrightly, but then again, that’s my next big paycheck, so I’ve got to be careful.

“I’m sure you can try.” I reply instead, feeling slightly awkward and making silent prayers as we walk down the hallway that leads to my office. My eyes scan the hallway for any sign of Lily but she’s nowhere to be found. We pass by her desk and she’s not there either.

I’m fucked. There’s no better way to put it. At this rate, I’m gonna have to pick between my paycheck and my newfound resolutions, except a miracle happens.

We finally get to my office after much dithering from my end, and seducing gestures from hers. I unlock the door and open it slowly, holding my breath. “Come in, please.”

She smiles at me and walks in without hesitation, looking around curiously at the artworks that line the walls and entire space. I leave the door wide open and walk in after her. I don’t miss the frown that contorts her features when she notices the door I’ve left ajar, or the fact that a couple of artworks are missing in my office as there are a few empty spaces on the walls. My face crumples a little as my eyes scan the area for which piece is missing. Luckily, the one I’m interested in selling is still right where I left it.

This has Lily’s thumbprints all over it, I can bet. She’s the only one with the guts to make changes to my office– unless they were stolen–which of course is a long shot. I manage a weak smile as I walk over to where the painting hangs on the wall, gesturing at it like a proud mother showing her child the masterpiece of their youth.

“There it is; ‘Printemps Necrophilique’. The second most expensive of Dalì’s paintings. I’m willing to let that piece go. You’ll probably be able to double your price at auction in about five years.”

She doesn’t respond, her eyes still flickering between me and the open door. “Aren’t you gonna do something about that?” She asks, gesturing at the door.

“About what?” I ask, feigning ignorance.

“The door. I think I’ll prefer some confidentiality while we bargain.”

“Oh I don’t think the door being open affects anything. We can still talk business.”

She sighs heavily and looks down. “Of course, we can.”

I blow a sigh of relief as I walk over to my table, helping her take a seat before doing the same.

“So, how much will you be willing to pay for it?”

“I don’t know. Name your price.” She replies nonchalantly as she rests her head on her hand and turns her gaze on me. A coy grin plays across her full lips. I can tell she’s still offended by the antics earlier, but she seems to be trying to keep her cool.

“Well…” I start, glancing at the painting hanging in front of us. It’s an impressive piece, you know. And I was lucky to get it the last time it was auctioned. And it did cost me quite a fortune.”

She smirks. “You’ve never been one to talk too much, Liam Denver. Just name your price.”

I smile. “Twenty.”

She raises a brow in response. “Twenty dollars?”

My smile breaks into a grin. “You know that’s not possible. Twenty million.”

“Fine. Add that to the rest of my purchases and have your secretary or whoever send an invoice to my accountant. I will expect to have it delivered to me as soon as you can—In person, if possible. I think I’d like that better.”

Well, that went a lot faster and easier than I expected.

“Sure!” I answer easily. “That won’t be a problem.”

A smug smile appears on her lips as she sits up straight, another seductive look crossing her delicate features. “Now that that’s settled..” She says, getting up from her seat, almost knocking it over. I watch as she walks to the door and shuts it. She takes a few short steps towards me before she bends down and plants a soft kiss on my cheek. When she straightens back up she stares into my eyes. “How about we get down to business?” She whispers against my cheek.

“Layla, I can’t—”

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