AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I gasp and point. “That’s what I said.”
She snorts, running her fingers against her buzzed blond hair. “How’d it go over?”
“I wish I could mimic the faces he makes, but I’d never recover from the wrinkles.”
“Ya think he’ll have an aneurysm the first time you make him smile?”
“Let’s just hope the sun doesn’t implode on account of it breaking the laws of nature.”
Lace rolls her eyes, the edge of an inane smirk lifting one corner of her mouth. “How close d’ya think ya are to breaking your new toy?”
“I’m planning a relaxing picnic later.”
“Oh? That sounds lovely.”
“He doesn’t know about it yet.”
“There it is.” Lace puffs. “You’re sure he’s not dangerous? I know you can take down a guy as big as Chip, but…that’s Chip.”
“Pretty positive if he were going to try anything, it would have been last night. It’s not exactly like he’s the one with enough brain cells to orchestrate my emotional dependency on him. He is, after all, a man.”
“Sure, but—unlike Chip—he’s an actual guy man. A man’s man. Probably showers with a washcloth. Once a week. In the kitchen.”
Biting back my smile, I say, “Are you still bitter that Chip—”
“Yah, I’m still bitter that Chip’s skincare routine is eighteen steps long. I’m also never forgiving you for getting him rose-scented lotion three years ago. Our sheets still smell like a flower field.”
“As opposed to your preferred Axe.”
“As opposed to my preferred Axe.” She huffs. “How many times have ya been called a monster today?”
“Going on two, if you’re calling me one now.”
Her pale blond brows rise. “Only two and it’s nearly noon? Were you hidin’ under a rock before ya woke me up and dragged me out ’ere for this torture session?”
My lashes flutter. “No. It’s just that Rowan calls me nice things like fairy-tale princess.”
“Which kind? Remakes or originals?”
“There was no specification, so I’m going to pretend I control animals, talk to trees, and condone violent punishments against those who cross me. I should revolutionize how he punishes people by suggesting that those who misbehave must dance on hot coals in metal shoes.”
“That silly man has no idea what’s coming for him.” Lace squints as the trees break away to reveal the first slice of the main manor coming back into view. “This is our last lap, right?”
“Come on. You aren’t even wearing ankle weights.”
“Some of us like to feel our legs the next morning”
“The next afternoon,” I correct.
She tackles me.
♠
The fun part about being in a male-dominated industry is this: if I were a man, right now I’d have about twelve bullets in me. Since I’m a sweet little thing in a low-cut dress with a picnic basket, the several greasy-looking guys seated at the large round table in the center of the room only gape, stare, and shoot questioning glances toward Rowan.
Dead across from the double doors I’ve just closed behind me, Rowan sits, fists gripped together against the table, knuckles bleeding white. His dark, stalking eyes track my every move, and if anyone’s going to put a bullet in me, it’s him. Which is probably why his hands are clamped so tightly.
Drawing my short hair behind my ear, I make it to his side, bend, and kiss his cheek. “Are you ready yet, baby? This is running long, and I’m getting hungry.”
