Page 49 of A is for Aftercare

I frown. “I’ve read everything you’ve published.”

“As Hamish Cameron, yes.”

My frown deepens. “You write under another name?”

“Sometimes.”

Curiosity tickles my insides. “Who as?”

“Forget it. You don’t think I’m wasting my time with this book, then?”

"No. It's going to be amazing. I'm not just saying that, Sir. I mean it."

“You must have some criticism.”

“Orion needs to get laid?”

Hamish laughs. “That’s never going to happen.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not what my publisher wants. They like him being grumpy and jaded.”

“I think they’re wrong.”

Hamish shrugs. "Maybe they are, but the books sell as is. I'm almost done with him. I won't sign up to write any more once I'm done with the books I've already agreed to."

"You're that fed up with him?"

“Aye, I am.” He flicks his gaze up and down me. “Until you came along, I didn’t think I’d even be able to write these last two books. I guess I’m going to have to keep you around until I do.”

I pout. “Is that the only reason you want to fuck me, Sir? Because I inspire you?”

He waves his hand. “Don’t be daft.”

I stand, cross over to him, and sit on his lap. I know I shouldn’t. We agreed to keep sex and work separate, but I’m feeling needy after his comment. Rationally, I know he’s joking, but it still smarts that he might only want me because screwing me is helping him write. I rest my elbows on his shoulders and stroke his shaved head.

“Why do you shave your head?” I ask.

“Male pattern baldness,” he replies. “I was starting to look silly, so I thought I’d just shave it all off.”

“I think it’s sexy.”

“Baldness?”

I chuckle. “Your shaved head.”

“We should be working, Archie.”

“It’s breaktime, Sir.”

“I think I’m the one who should decide that.”

I tip my head and stare into his eyes.

“Fine, it’s breaktime,” he growls out, settling his huge hands on the small of my back. “But if you distract me for too long, you’ll be making time up at the end of the day.”

"Of course, Sir." I keep stroking my hands over his head, loving the way the light shines off his bald scalp. "Do you only want me because I inspire you?"