Page 40 of Axel

He was going to end it. She did not know it, but this was goodbye.

Shaking himself from the dismal thoughts, he concentrated on the meal.

“Why modeling?”

She had been so busy enjoying the steak that she hadn’t noticed he was watching her. Lifting her head, she met his gaze. “I wasdeliberately trying to chart my own path.” Putting her utensils down, she reached for her wineglass.

“Mother wanted me to follow in her footsteps and become an actress, but I was determined to be different. A scout approached me while I was in the mall with friends and handed me his card. That was when I was in high school.” She smiled whimsically.

“I had reunited with my dad, and he was adamant that I should go to college. ‘Get a degree and if you still want to model when you are finished then, I have no objections.’” She shook her head. “I ended up compromising. I modeled right after I left high school and during college.”

“I bet you were quite a distraction to the entire college community.” He murmured, picturing a very young Ellie Logan touting around books and being the object of male eyes while she took her courses. The idea of it was stirring up a jealousy in him that was surprising and very uncomfortable.

“Strangely enough, I wasn’t treated any differently – well, some of the females hated me and others gravitated towards me. It was mostly because they knew who my mother was.”

“You underestimate your appeal.” His voice was more than a little cynical, causing her to stare at him puzzled. “You are a very beautiful woman. I have seen photos of you from your modeling days and have to say you had more sex appeal than most models I encountered.” He lifted his glass in a mock toast. “You had it going on.”

The way he said it, left her in no doubt that he was complimenting her.

“I never place a great deal of stock on my looks.” She told hm stiffly, feeling the magic of the evening dissolving.

“And yet you became a model. Isn’t that particular career about looks?”

“Not entirely. It was also about making money and I liked making tons of it. I was very good at what I did, and I capitalized on it. The same way you have done.”

“I could hardly compare building a business to you parading practically naked on platforms and magazines all over the world. I kept my clothes on, you took yours off.” He pointed out.

Putting her glass down, she rose.

“Where are you going?”

“Home or rather back to the cottage. I don’t know what your problem is, but I don’t have time for this.”

“Sit down.”

“Go to hell!”

“I am already there.” He lunged to his feet and before she could move, he was standing next to her. “You get under my skin.” He gritted. “And I don’t like it.”

“Let me pass.”

Clamping his hands on her shoulders, he turned her to face him, fingers biting through the material. “I was jealous.”

She started, a frown touching her forehead as she stared at him. “What?”

“Don’t make me repeat it.” He muttered, feeling like a fool. “I pictured you striding on stage and men ogling you and I…,” he shook his head, his expression harsh. “Damn.”

Ellie felt hope bursting inside her chest. The man was infuriating, and he made her furious than anyone had the capability of doing. But she had fallen in love with him and there was nothing she could do about it. She was hooked. And she was praying and hoping that he would feel the same.

“Why?”

He rubbed his hands up and down her arms, eyes sizzling.

“Hell, if I know.” He shook his head. “The idea of men ogling you is offensive to me.” He admitted.

She knew what it took to make him say that and the hope spread inside her chest.

“There is no need.” Moving closer, she spread her fingers over his chest, thrilled at the play of muscles when he reacted to her touch.