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I pause, finding it easy to tell him the truth. “A tad.”
“You should be. They’re intense, but you got along with my brother fine. And now, he’s your biggest fan.”
Laughter bursts out of me. “He’s anasshole.”
“Can’t deny that. I know first impressions aren’t your forte, but I have faith in you. Otherwise, we would not have made it this far. And Weston wouldn’t be on board.”
At first, I want to deny it, but then I remember how I met Carlee. And my best friend Remi back in Texas. We can add Easton to the list too. All disasters.
“Shit. You’reright. I do suck at first impressions.”
He chuckles. “We’ll stay for one hour; if everything goes okay, you can sign the contract.”
“I don’t recall giving my answer. Tonight isn’t just a practice run for me, but it’s alsoyouraudition. I could change my mind.”
“Youcould. But youwon’t.”
“Keep saying things like that, and I’ll refuse, just to defy you.”
He smirks. “And that’s why you’re the perfect match. That defiant, snap-back attitude isimpossibleto fake. Everyone knows I wouldn’t be with someone who wasn’t strong-willed.”
I laugh. “And to think, we’re just getting started.”
“Joke’s onyou. I’m into it,” he says back to me, repeating the words I told him earlier, but I know he’s not kidding. He doesn’t want anyone to worship him. He’s searching for his equal.
The lights are low when we enter the triplex penthouse, but sunlight leaks in from the surrounding windows.
“Would you like an official tour?” he asks as we climb the stairs to the second floor.
“Uh,yes.I found it quite rude that you didn’t offer last night.”
“If I forget my manners, please let me know. But I think this will be your favorite room,” he admits.
“Your Red Room?”
“Better,” he says, pushing open the door, and my mouth falls open.
I never expected a massive library with a wall of books from floor to ceiling. A ladder that’s even taller than the one downstairs swings from one full side to the other.
“Holy shit. Are those ten-foot bookshelves?”
“Fifteen,” he says as I notice the reading nook with big, fluffy pillows.
“You’re kidding, right?” I ask, my eyes scanning the books. I’m tempted to climb the ladder and swing across it like Belle. “You’ve read all of these?”
“Yes.” He leans against the doorframe as he watches me.
I’m searching forFifty Shades. I know it’s in here somewhere.
“If I decide to marry you, I’ll read one of your favorite books, and you can read one of mine.”
“If you fool my friends, I’ll read whatever the fuck you want.”
He checks his watch, and I know the time is ticking.
I turn to him. “Do I need to get that in writing?”
I love hearing him laugh; it’s low and sexy, and his smile suits him. It’s the type that can light up a whole town. “You have my word.”