“I’d rather stay here. I think you like me here too.” With his eyes intentionally locked on mine, he took a big gulp of his drink, and EVER so slowly, licked away some that escaped with a long, seductive stroke of his tongue. Watching him made me quiver…EVERYWHERE. My face became as hot as my drink, and naughty thoughts rushed through my mind…I wanted to be the cup he just licked.

Managing to snap out of my trance, I said hastily, “Fine. Suit yourself. I’m not going to talk to you.” My eyes went straight to my laptop, but since I was dying to know, I asked him a question. “Why are you even here? You don’t live near here.”

“I thought you weren’t talking to me?” he smirked, but he continued. “Max asked me to stop by your place and bring some files over. We have some business to discuss.” He leaned over. “I actually work for a living, too, in case you didn’t know, but I also like to have lots of fun. I could show you what I mean someday.”

I just stared at him as my jaw dropped. Show me what fun meant? I don’t need him to show me. I practically invented the word…well okay…not really, but no way would I allow this arrogant jerk to show me what that meant. “I don’t think so,” I replied with a sting of attitude.

Without a comeback, Matthew stood up, shifted his baseball cap and quietly pushed his chair back in while I watched his every move, trying not to make it obvious. “Gotta run. Duty calls. Have a nice day.”

“How long will you be in my apartment?” I asked casually.

“Couple of hours, I suppose. Why? Would you like me to stay longer?”

“No. I just wanted to calculate how long I need to be here so I don’t run into you again,” I said in monotone, with a twitch of a brow—playful yet serious.

He let out a chuckle. “That’s a first.”

What did he mean by that? When I thought he was out the door, I took in a deep breath. He was stealing my oxygen and I didn’t even know it…that thief. He even took a piece of me with him, but I didn’t know what it was. All I knew was that I kind of missed his presence and our awkward, not-so-friendly conversation.

I was just about to click on a query letter when I saw a shadow looming over me, getting smaller. “Looks like an important document. I like what you’re reading. The file must be called the blank screen,” he whispered in my ear. His hot breath brushed against the side of my neck and heat rushed to the core of my being, making me dissolve into the chair. I didn’t want him to stop.

When he opened the door, the cool draft took his warmth away. I was upset at myself; now he knew I had nothing on my screen. I was also sure he knew I was too nervous around him to even think of work. That was just freakin’ great!

3

IT HAD BEEN A week since I was released from the hospital. Max came over every single day to take care of me, even though I was perfectly fine on my own. I also had Becky if I needed anything. Max threatened to hire a full time nurse if I didn’t cooperate, which would have been a waste of money, so I agreed. My sweet Max; he was too good to be true, but sometimes too much to handle.

Matthew came over on several occasions to discuss work, but somehow Becky always managed to have scheduled a meeting or something. I had a strange feeling she was purposely avoiding him, and I was sure I knew the reason why. I was assuming she had a crush on him, since I had never seen her act this nervous around a guy before.

Max and Matthew decided that I should transfer to Matthew’s department, which I was thrilled about. I would be helping him with the layout of the magazine and I couldn’t wait to get back to work. Since I would be under Matthew’s supervision, Max agreed that I could start as soon as he felt I was ready. I was one hundred percent ready to get out of this apartment and get back to reality. Now I just needed a car.

“Ready for car shopping, Jenna?” Max asked, standing against the doorframe, looking as handsome as ever.

Max dressed casual today—a pair of jeans and a V-neck brown sweater that hugged nicely on his firm chest. Since Max hardly wore a jacket, the fact that he wore one today indicated how cold it was outside.

As if time were standing still, I took a moment to stare at this gorgeous man, taking a mental picture of him in my mind. He was too good to be true; not only did he have the most generous heart; he was so good to me. Occasionally, I would wonder if this was a dream or if I had made him up.

Perfectly combed, Max’s hair was never out of place. His smooth, clean-shaven face made me miss that gruffly, sexy, I-don’t-give-a-crap appearance, but then again, he looked delicious either way. Every time I looked at him, I saw a man that was respectable, genuine, powerful, possessive, and sexy. To put it in easy words, Max was hot, and I could never help the direction my thoughts took when he was around. I loved the way he made me feel when he kissed me, touched me and especially when he was inside me. I could already feel that electrifying sensation by his mere presence and he hadn’t even touched me yet.

“Ready as ever,” I cheered, breaking out of my thoughts.

Max helped me slip into my long coat. After grabbing my purse, I shouted good-bye to Becky, though I didn’t know if she heard me since she hadn’t come out of her room.

Several days ago, I had explained to Max about what kind of car would fit my budget. He had agreed, but somehow we ended up at the BMW dealer. Was he looking for a car for himself? Surely, he remembered we were supposed to be shopping for me.

“Max, what are we doing here?” I asked, taking a step out of the car. Extending his hand, I gladly took it.