Page 63 of Her Fantasy Husband

Without waiting for her to say another word, he turned and left the room, taking the stairs two at a time, wanting to be away from the woman. Lexi was sitting up in bed when he pushed open the door, her curls wild around her head, her eyes sleepy.

“No coffee?”

“You can get some when you go down.”

She pouted. “You’re not coming back to bed?”

I love you.

The memory of the words echoed in his head, and a cold hard lump formed in his belly, souring his mood even further. “Your grandmother is here.”

“Oh.” She sat up straighter. “Did she say anything to you?”

“What about?”

“About anything.”

“A few things.” He crossed the room to the dresser and grabbed his keys. “None worth repeating.”

Lexi studied him, lower lip caught between her teeth. “Grandmamma has an uncanny ability to hit where it hurts. I hope she didn’t say anything to upset you.”

He sat down and pulled on his boots, before glancing at her. “Why would you think anything she’d saycouldupset me?”

She gripped the edges of the sheet. “Because you look a little upset.”

“I’m fine. But I do need to go into the office.”

She pushed her hair back from her face and studied him some more, a frown between her eyes. “Are you okay, Josh?”

He shrugged then stood up and grabbed his bag. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I’ll see you later?”

“I don’t know what time. I’m seeing some friends tonight.”

“Can I come? I’ve never met your friends.”

“Not tonight. Guys only.”

“Oh.”

Shit, why did he have the urge to go hug her, kiss it better, say he’d rather be with her? “Another time. Logan has a night club—we’ll go dancing.”

“Really?” She smiled. “I love dancing, though I’m not very good.”

“Yeah, really.” He headed for the door, but at the last minute he turned back, crossed to where she stood, leaned down, and kissed her hard. “How about lunch?”

Shit, where did that come from? His mouth had a mind of its own around Lexi. What the hell had happened to keeping his distance? To taking a day to get his head together?

A smile blossomed on her face, and for a second the worry faded from her eyes, and it was worth it.

“I’ll meet you at your office?”

He gave a brief nod, and he was gone.

…

At one o’clock sharp, Sally led her into Josh’s big corner office.