Page 10 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

O ver the next week, the battle was lost.

Despite Everleigh’s every effort to maintain her fury toward the man who’d stolen her company, Alexander proved himself to be, well, a good guy.

They worked side-by-side every day and dined together every night, although they rarely discussed work during the sumptuous meals.

She enjoyed her time with him, and even looked forward to seeing him.

She would never admit it, but his interference had been anything but negative.

He listened as she discussed ideas for the company and was never-endingly gracious with the employees.

He seemed truly interested in her opinions, and didn’t rush to change everything, but instead did as he promised, infused more capital so they could compete in a competitive market. He’d been all that was professional.

Her – not so much.

Somewhere between that first meeting and the tour of the warehouse, she’d stopped wanting to clobber him like any self-respecting businesswoman would.

Animosity had very rapidly turned to dislike, then dislike to apathy, and then she found herself actually liking him.

When she didn’t want to clobber him, awareness set in, and then attraction, and then she wanted to do other things.

Things that involved lips and hands and…

. more. It was dangerous, and it was unwise.

It was also impossible to resist. Now she was going to have to spend an entire day with him and somehow pretend he didn’t affect her.

She’d wanted to meet him at the fair, but he insisted on picking her up. She dressed casually in blue jeans and an aqua blouse, leaving her hair loose in natural beachy waves. The knock on the door came at exactly nine a.m.

She fortified herself. Alexander Stone would only have control if she gave it to him. With that final rally, she strode to the door and opened it.

At the sight of his powerful body, all control dissipated.

How was it possible for a man to be so devastatingly gorgeous?

So desirable she wanted to lick him up like a cherry ice pop?

A midnight black shirt stretched against an expansive chest, outlining pure muscle and sculpted biceps.

Smooth blue jeans encased solid legs, firm and so very long as he towered above her.

His dark hair was silky and smooth on chiseled features.

He was power defined, a predator, untamed and unrestrained.

And he was looking at her like she was prey.

She took a deep breath, yet he spoke before she did, “You look beautiful.” He moved a step closer. “Are you okay?”

Not even a little. He had to know how he affected her. It wasn’t just his body, no matter how gorgeous, or any other feature. There was something about him, something powerful, something extraordinary. She couldn’t resist.

“I’m fine.” She ducked to the side, grabbed her purse. “Let’s go.”

With a sliver of a smile, he gestured her out.

He put a hand on the small of her back as they walked through the door, a completely innocent gesture that elicited not-so-innocent images.

When she saw the stretch limo and the impeccably dressed chauffeur waiting for them, she stopped. “Maybe it’s better if I drive.”

“Not today.” The hand on her back firmed. The driver opened the door, and before she could protest, Alexander ushered her in. “We have a lot to discuss.”

The scent of leather and luxury permeated the dim space, bathed by blue ambient lighting. The seats were plush and comfortable, outlined by gleaming silver and wood accents. Everleigh scooted back as far as she could into the lavish bucket seat.

He sat down right next to her.

She gave herself a mental shake. “I’m not one of your fans.”

“What?”

She hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Well, why not? “I agreed to this because it’s good for business, and somehow you convinced me to travel in the same car with you. Yet I won’t let you intimidate me. I don’t have to put up with–” She gestured toward him. “This.”

He gave a slow smile. “This?”

“This,” she repeated.

“And what would ‘this’ be?”

Devastating handsomeness. Muscular power. Irresistible charm.

How could she explain the unfair temptation he posed without sharing how very much she wanted to touch, caress and do other assorted things to such temptation?

“Am I dressed inappropriately?” he asked. “Would you like to see me in something else?”

Actually, she’d like to see him in nothing else. “You can wear a paper bag for all I care. I wouldn’t really notice.”

Perfect. Now she was imagining him wearing nothing but a paper bag. A lunch-sized one.

“Have you ever been to the fair?”

“No.” She grasped the change of subject like a drowning sailor clutching a lifeboat. “I always meant to go, but New Age Treasures kept me busy. What about you?”

“Not to this one, but it sounds fantastic. It’s a big county fair with animals, rides and games. There are multiple shows, including a magician.”

“That’ll be fun!” Everleigh cringed at her enthusiastic reply. Undoubtedly, the powerful man would find her interest in magic childish.

Yet he regarded her warmly. “Do you like magicians?”

“I do,” she admitted. “My parents took me to all the magic shows when I was a kid. We went every year, even when it was way past cool.” She relaxed at the memories, so vibrant she could almost smell the popcorn and cotton candy, hear the children’s laughter, see the witty magicians in their crisp black suits.

Some of her happiest memories had been forged during those simple pleasures.

“It sounds wonderful.” Alexander’s voice was kind. “My family enjoyed magic as well.”

She glanced at him, yet his expression was genuine. She softened. “Everyone needs a little magic in their lives. I have to warn you – I’m a connoisseur of magic.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Are you now?”

“That’s right.” She raised her voice until it was high and lofty. “I’ve seen the best magicians in the world, so I have high standards. No ‘tricks up my sleeve’ for me. I haven’t seen an illusion I couldn’t peg in years.”

“Is that so?” Alexander said softly. “Perhaps someone will surprise you.”

She smiled, as whether from magic or man, the world brightened. Alexander already proved he wasn’t as bad as she feared. Perhaps it was time to build a positive relationship, maybe even a friendship. “Do you have any hobbies?”

He relaxed into an easy-going grin. “Magic, of course.”

She chuckled. “Anything else?”

He sat back on the butter leather seat. His muscles rippled as he stretched, but she focused on his face, and only barely thought of ink and paper bags. “I’m usually busy with work and other responsibilities. Networking events, business, that sort of thing.”

It made sense, and yet somehow it seemed incomplete. “You must dedicate a lot of time to your empire.” She lowered her voice. “Do you have any free time? Or a secret interest?”

“A secret interest?” His grin faltered. “I’m not big into secrets.”

“That’s exactly what someone with a big secret would say.” She kept her voice teasing, yet it was true. He protected his privacy like a man with something to hide. Perhaps a little investigating was in order.

“It does, doesn’t it?” He looked thoughtful. “All right. I like to cook.”

Had he looked up one of those social media quizzes for women and copied the qualifications for the perfect man? “Do you know what would happen if your millions of female admirers knew? You’re already a rock star to them.”

He laughed. “I don’t have millions of female admirers.”

She grimaced. “I was being conservative.”

He shook his head, but his lighthearted expression remained. “I also like to exercise and play sports. I enjoy spending times outdoor and travelling.”

Who would’ve guessed the all-powerful Alexander Stone liked such ordinary things? Before she could stop herself, she admitted. “I like those things, too.”

“How about that? We have something in common.” he teased. “What else do you enjoy, besides the exact same things as me, of course?”

Unease made her smile waver. She shouldn’t be uncomfortable talking to the enigmatic businessman, yet sharing her interests seemed too personal. Perhaps if it was something he already knew. “I enjoy doing research for New Age Treasures.”

“Isn’t that work?”

“Yes, but it’s so much more.” Excitement lifted her voice. “I enjoy traveling in search of relics, especially to historical sites. Last year, I scraped together enough money to visit an ancient castle where mystical creatures are said to roam.”

“That is fascinating.” His eyes twinkled. “Did you find any mystical creatures?”

“No.” Her grin returned. “But I got lots of information. You wouldn’t believe how many people believe in that stuff.” It had been a wonderful trip, and she’d made friends who didn’t roll their eyes when she discussed supernatural relics.

Of course, the man before her believed in none of that. “I imagine there are far more believers than admit it.” He pointed at her. “Present company included, I assume?”

She nodded immediately. “Unlike stubborn people who don’t believe in anything they can’t see–” She used both hands to point at him. “I admit I don’t know everything about the world. Especially after the incident with the tornado.”

He sobered immediately. “I believe in what’s visible. If I saw magic, I would accept it.” He leaned forward. “Do you really believe we are living amidst a secret world?”

“Perhaps.” Yet did she really? Before the tornado she would have said no, but now… “What would you do if one of them confronted you?”

He frowned. “Who?”

“I don’t know. A ghost, a goblin, a witch, a warlock? Wait–” She held out his hand when he started to respond. “I know. You’d do a corporate takeover of the whole thing.”

His eyes regained their sparkle. “That’s right. If there was a secret society of – warlocks – I’d definitely be in charge.”

“I knew it! Only witches and warlocks sound a little too dark. Maybe we could think of another name.”

“How about Enchanters?”