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“Oh. The papers, Mr. Grayson?”

“Are you free this evening?” he asks.

There’s a beat of silence, and then her voice shifts. Professional now. “Oh, of course. I can bring them then, Mr. Grayson.”

“Perfect,” he says, hanging up without another word.

I glance at him, my eyebrows raised. “Wow. Total girl trouble,” I joke.

He chuckles and then his eyes sweep down my body. “Jealous?”

“What? No.” I scoff, shaking my head. “I don’t even know you.”

“You could,” he says, that smirk back in full force.

“No thanks. You’re not my type.”

“Oh, yeah?” He shifts, turning to face me more. “And how do you know that?”

I keep my eyes on the dash, gripping the wheel. I should shut this down, but the words slip out before I can stop them. “I’m… a virgin. I’m not out here just screwing anyone.”

The air between us goes still.

“Shit,” I blurt, heat rushing to my face as I glance at him. “I didn’t mean to freak you out. Forget it.”

He doesn’t laugh or make a smartass comment, which somehow makes it worse.

“Ready to go?” he asks, his voice surprisingly gentle.

I nod, grateful for the subject change.

“Alright, let’s roll. I’ll direct you.”

I put the car in gear and pull out of the parking lot. The engine’s purr turns into a growl as I press the gas pedal, and I can’t help the small grin that tugs at my lips.

“This is so cool,” I mutter, my nerves forgotten as I take the first turn.

Eli chuckles, watching me. “You look hot driving this thing.”

I glance at him, my grip tightening on the wheel. “Stop.”

“You blush a lot, you know that? Kinda inappropriate.”

I snap my head toward him. “Me? Inappropriate? What about Real Estate Lady on the phone?”

He grins. “So, you are jealous.”

“Jesus Christ,” I groan, rolling my eyes. “Can you just tell me where to turn?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He gives me directions, and I focus on the road, trying to ignore the weight of his gaze on me.

This is going to be a long drive.

The security gates slide open, and I ease the McLaren through, the engine purring like it owns the damn place. It probably does. Eli hasn’t said a word since the last turn, and I don’t know if that’s because he’s impressed I haven’t crashed his ridiculously expensive car or because he’s plotting something.

“Straight ahead?” I ask, glancing over at him.