Page 34 of Arrogant Heir
She turns to face me and tilts her head to one side, her red waves tumbling over her shoulder. Lust burns through my lower body, and I wish I could take her right there and then in the back of the car. I close my eyes and pull myself together. These feelings are more than just lust. They’re messy and make me panic. I care about her too much, and I don’t like it. It’s dangerous and out of order. She works for me,andshe’s engaged. There are so many women who throw themselves at me, so why do I gravitate to this one?
Is it because she’s off-limits and I can’t resist the forbidden? Is it because I know my grandfather will disapprove?
I’m not sure, but I shove my dangerous thoughts into a dark corner of my mind. Maybe I’ll examine them later. Maybe not.
I keep my eyes on her, relishing the freedom of being away from Greystone and prying eyes. My driver is my man, and I would trust him with my life, so what happens in my car stays in my car. I shake my head. For fuck’s sake, what is wrong with me? I’m not about to come onto her in my car. Would things be different if she wasn’t engaged?
‘Are you okay?’ she asks.
I bluff. ‘Yeah, never better. I can’t remember the last time I took the day off work.’
She narrows her eyes and slithers of gold on caramel reflect in the light as she studies me. I feel a primal yearning for her that shoots through my groin and into my thighs, and I move in my seat.
‘I hate to break the news to you,’ she says in a teasing tone, ‘but leaving your office to do the rounds of one of your stores is not really a day off work!’
‘Fair point,’ I say. ‘But you told me I should have more fun, and that’s the most fun I’ve had in ages. Breakfast and lunch out, watching you indulge your shoe fetish, and reconnecting with the staff. It’s a day off from the media business.’
‘That’s true. I’ve never seen you so relaxed. You should do it more often,’ she says.
‘I wouldn’t have done it without you.’
She flushes slightly and glances down at her new pumps, twisting her dainty feet from side to side to get a proper look.
‘How are your new pumps?’ I ask.
‘I love them! Can’t thank you enough.’
‘Glad you enjoyed it, Jackson. It won’t be long before your others are delivered. Hopefully, you won’t do yourself any damage in those heels. They’re not exactly ideal for life at Greystone.’
She rolls her eyes and laughs. ‘Yes, I realised that soon after arriving. These new flats will definitely come in handy for the rest of my stay.’
A heavy silence falls between us. I realise I dread the idea of her leaving, where once I dreaded the idea of her arriving. Now I’d like the book to go on forever, but I know it will all end soon.
‘Remind me when your contract is up,’ I say quietly, unable to keep the sombre note out of my voice.
‘We’ve only got three weeks,’ she says, just as quietly.
I don’t think I’m imagining this energy between us. It’s deepening and growing fiercer day by day. By night I dream of her and by day I do my best not to make it obvious how much I want her.
Our fingers brush as she reaches for her bag that’s toppled over onto my seat. ‘Here,’ I say, and a force spirals up my arm and goosebumps coat my skin. My cock grows instantly hard and this intense longing for her is painful. I remind myself I must ask Caspian for more details of his girlfriend set up and see if we might find me someone suitable. I’ve always had a demanding sexual appetite, but usually I live in London and can indulge my carnal desires any time I please. Since Jamie arrived, I’ve been living like a monk at Greystone, and it’s been ages since the encounter at the club, which, although briefly gratifying, unfortunately didn’t quell my desire for Jamie.
I can’t lie to myself any longer. I’ve wanted her since the moment she burst into my life, and we clashed when she called me out for my arrogant attitude. It was a turn on, but I didn’t imagine my desire for her would grow into this uncontrollable urge that consumes me morning, noon, and night.
There’s now barely a thought without her in it. Knowing she’s only a few minutes away from me at night is a special kind of hell. Of course, I could go back to my flat in Chelsea. We could work over the phone if needed, but I don’t want to leave her. It’s the first time I’ve been happy at Greystone for an extended period, since my father died. Grandfather has remarked on it and said if he’d thought hiring a writer would have this effect, he’d have done it sooner. He says he enjoys having me at home. There was a knowing gleam in his eyes, and I suspect he’s picked up on the feelings I have for Jamie.
We’ve got so used to spending time together every day that I can predict her reaction to almost everything I say. Sometimes I confess I say things just to provoke her fiery quips. We laugh a lot, which is one of my favourite things about her. It’s been so long since I’ve wanted to make a woman laugh, but she brings out my sunny side, and I’ve blossomed like a bloom in spring after a long, freezing winter.
She’s everything I want in a woman, except she can never be mine for a whole host of reasons. I can’t decide if the forbidden factor only ramps up my need and makes me want her all the more. I suppose I’ll never know.
CHAPTER23
Jamie
My heart’s still racing as the car moves through the late afternoon traffic. I saw a whole new side to Damian in the store and keep stealing glances at him as if to check he’s not an imposter sent to trick me.
He’s engrossed in his phone and catching up with calls and emails from his day out of the office. I leave him to it and check my phone. There’s a text from my mum checking in to make sure I’m okay. I send a photo I snapped in the shoe department and message her briefly about my day.
She replies, ‘Your boss sounds amazing—can’t wait to hear all about it!’