Page 17 of Make Me Yours

“Good.” I force my gaze away from the long stretch of her bare legs. “I, uh, hope you’re hungry.”

She walks closer, stopping at the marble island where I’ve set up two plates with takeout. “Mmm, Chinese. My favorite.”

I nod, satisfied with the spread. “I figured you needed some comfort food. Fried rice, sesame chicken, and eggrolls.”

Her lips press together, and for a second, it looks like she might burst into tears.

Instead, she takes a moment to collect herself before sliding onto the leather stool and picking up her chopsticks.

A comfortable silence falls over us as I work up the nerve to casually float an idea by her. “Not sure if I mentioned it before, but I’ve been thinking of hiring a personal assistant.”

She pauses mid-bite and cocks her head. “Really? I don’t think you did.”

“Yeah,” I say smoothly, grabbing my beer. “We both know I suck at keeping my schedule straight, and Rina has been up my ass about it.” I pause, allowing that to sink in before moving forward with my plan. “I was thinking that maybe you could help me out. Temporarily, of course.”

With narrowed eyes, she sets her chopsticks down on her plate. “Did you just make that up?”

I shake my head. “Of course not. A lot of the guys on the team have them.”

When she swivels toward me, I keep my eyes pinned to hers instead of allowing them to drop to where the cotton T-shirt rides up her thighs, showcasing even more mouthwatering flesh.

It’s not easy.

Especially when an image of dropping to my knees and spreading her legs wide pops into my brain. She can enjoy her sesame chicken and I’ll just?—

Fuck.

I shove the thought from my head and refocus on securing her agreement.

A frown tugs at her lips. “Seriously, Steele. You don’t need to jump in and save me. I’m more than capable of taking care ofmyself. And I have some money saved up. I’ll be all right for a few months.”

“Hey, I totally agree. You’re more than capable of taking care of yourself. I just figured that since you’re in between employment opportunities and I’m looking for someone to help me out, it would be a win-win for both of us. Plus, you’re friends with Rina. It would be a seamless transition for all involved. When you think about it like that, it kind of seems like kismet, doesn’t it?”

“Or maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to keep me around,” she mutters.

I clutch my chest in mock offense. “Ouch. I didn’t think I needed an excuse to keep you close, lucky charm.”

Her fingers toy with the hem of her shirt. “Sorry, that came out wrong. You know I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I do. Plus, you love bossing me around. What could be better than getting paid for it?”

Even though she rolls her eyes, a small smile simmers around the corners of her lips. “Aren’t you going to get sick of having me underfoot all the time? We’ll be working and living together. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.”

The real problem is that I’m not sure if spending 24/7 with Lilah would be enough to feed the insatiable need I have for her.

Although, it’s probably best to keep that thought to myself.

No need to freak her out.

“Nah, not possible.” When she stares down at her plate with a furrowed brow, I say, “So, any interest in filling the position? I hear it pays well, and if you do a good job, you’ll probably get a fat raise in no time. Also, the boss is a real softie. Sounds like a pretty sweet arrangement, if you ask me.”

A sigh slips free from her as she shakes her head. “Steele…”

“Don’t even say it.”

There’s a moment of silence. “Okay.”

I lift a brow as my pulse leaps. “Really?”