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My blood heats, lust unfurling. Insane.I’m thirty-seven…and acting like a horny teenager.

“What’s available for breakfast?” Max says.

“You. Or in your case, me.” I gesture at my body, then put on my glasses.

Her face settles into stern lines. “Be serious.”

“What makes you think I’m not?”

She shakes her head. “Who are you and what have you done to my workaholic boss?”

I shoot her a meaningful look. “That’s the question I should ask you.”

Her eyes widen. She blushes, the color more beautiful than any makeup she could put on. “Stop. You aren’t getting another blow job.”

“I could go down on you.” I start to take off my glasses.

She quickly puts a hand on my arm and stops me. Now her face is scarlet. “Stop it. I meant what I said about not missing work, Rhys.”

She’s adorable when flustered. Hiding my amusement, I heave a long-suffering sigh, then take her to the kitchen, since she needs to eat before heading to work. The automated espresso machine has already made two servings of Americano—Frederich must have made the adjustment. I serve one to Max, purposely brushing my fingers against hers. They twitch a little, letting me know she isn’t completely immune despite her attempt at staying cool and composed. She takes a sip, then closes her eyes and lets out a satisfied breath. “Tasty.”

I kiss her glistening mouth, taste the lingering aromatic coffee and Max. “Indeed. Today’s coffee’s so much better than usual.”

She narrows her eyes. “You aren’t going to behave this morning, are you?”

“No. But I’ll be good once I’m out the door.” I shoot her an easy grin. “So: a toasted bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers…or a toasted English muffin with lox, cream cheese and capers.”

She sits at the counter. Something like shyness and pleasure crosses her face as she studies me. “I thought you weren’t a fan of fishy things.”

“No, just lobster bisque and caviar. And I don’t mind lobster as long as it hasn’t been bisque-ified.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. A bagel should be fine,” she says with a smile.

Her sparkling eyes follow my movements as I prep breakfast. The silence is shockingly comforting. It’s something I’ve never experienced before.

It’s her presence that makes this rote routine—and my life—peaceful.

In a few minutes I place two plates on the counter.

Her eyes crinkle in appreciation. “This is nice.” She starts nibbling, then, after a couple of bites, says, “Do you want me to lay out the day?”

Normally that wouldn’t be a bad thing. I’ve had her read the day’s agenda during breakfast on business trips before, but—

“No. It can wait until we’re at the office. I want you to be my Freckles for a little longer.”

She nods, a sweet smile blooming on her face. “Okay. But we’re still going to work on time.”

Chapter Thirty

Rhys

Sacker’s due diligence is exceptional. Not a single mistake or issue. There are some bosses who stop reviewing once they get to my level, but not me. My reputation is on the line for every investment and acquisition we make. Best to make sure I’m not going to regret it. I send a quick note, commending him for the job well done, and roll my shoulders.

The assessment took longer than anticipated, forcing me to scarf down a sandwich at my desk. But I needed time to calm down. Max’s proximity in the car did nothing to alleviate the need burning inside me. Sadly, she reverted to assistant mode the second the door closed at the mansion. She didn’t even notice how hard I was. Or maybe she did, but didn’t care.

I’ve always been aware of her, but now it’s almost impossiblenotto think about her. Is it because we slept together? But I wasn’t this distracted yesterday. Is it the idea of living with her, waking up next to her in bed?

I should’ve skipped the gym this morning and just had very athletic sex with her before her brain got a chance to take over. But guilt and ego wouldn’t let me stay in bed. I haven’t had a decent workout in so long, and having a nice body is a matter of pride. Mine better be the best she’s ever seen.