Page 20 of The Billionaire Who Hated Me (Until He Loved Me)

“Of course.”I back away to give her access to the cutting board.For the first time, it occurs to me that she may be as off balance as I am.And right now, I’m so off-kilter that I think about lifting her hair and kissing the delicate nape of her neck.Thanks to my brilliant battle strategy, my enemy now holds a knife in her hand.

“Any particular way you want these chopped?”

That was considerate of her to ask, and I wasn’t expecting her to be considerate.Or even decent.“Any way is fine, thanks.So, Victoria…” I’m trying to keep the conversation light.“You’ve never had a dog?How about a cat?”

“Absolutely not.My dad doesn’t like animals, so I was never allowed to have a pet.”

Asshole.I was right.

“I guess it’s safe to assume that you haven’t spent much time around horses or cattle, correct?”

She laughs, keeping her back to me while she chops.It’s a full-throated and husky laugh, and I realize it’s the first time I’ve heard it.I guess there hasn’t been a whole hell of a lot to laugh about up to now.

“The reason I ask is because there’sa lotof those around here, being a ranch and all.Just a heads-up.”

“Thank you for the insight.”

“Would you like something to drink?”

“Yes, please.”

“How about iced tea?”

“Sounds perfect.”

I pour her a glass and place it on the counter.She looks up and gives me a shy smile.

“Enjoy,” I say.

“Thank you.”

That’s enough for me.We’re being so fucking polite with each other that I’m about to puke.I go to the walk-in pantry to grab the pasta, taking a moment to regain my basic mental functions.

What the fuck is wrong with you, MacLaine?Keep it together!

CHAPTER 12

Victoria

I sit at the dining room table.It doesn’t come a minute too soon because my legs feel wobbly.My knees are weak.I don’t think I can stand upright any longer faced with Mr.Alpha.

This is not my normal, totally-in-control self.I’ve spent more than my share of time around models and celebrities, so I’m certain that it’s not his looks that’s made me loopy.

It’s Cal.The whole package.

I’ve already set the table.Cal has poured me a glass of wine and told me to relax while he gets me a plate.So that means I’m just sitting here, uncomfortable, trying to keep my focus on business, not boy booty.Though technically, that ass is all man.A very fine man.A very fine ass.

I take a long swig of wine and stare out the back, going over the Sulfur Springs financials in my head.Anything to keep from looking at him.Those bulked-up arms, chest, and thighs.The hard and flat plane of his stomach.

Another gulp of wine.

Outside, the sun is setting, and it’s glorious.This exquisitely crafted house overlooks a lake and what seems like an unlimited stretch of earth.If I wasn’t so nervous about the deal and my proximity to Cal, I could really enjoy being here.I’m not usually a sit-still kind of person, but I would happily just chill here for hours, just me and the stark beauty of this land.

But it isn’t just me, and this is no time to drop my guard.Cal is on his way to the dining room.

As he places a plate in front of me, my stomach softly rumbles.The food looks delicious and smells even better.I’m not a big eater.In fact, I work so much that half the time I forget to eat.I skip a lot of meals.But this feast looks expertly prepared and beautifully presented.And I can’t wait to dig in, even if my dining companion is Cal MacLaine.

He places the teak salad bowl and tongs in the center of the table.“This looks delicious.Thanks for chopping all the veggies.”