Page 92 of The Merger

Me: See you then. Good night. Xo

Carys: Good night. Xo

I drop the phone and head to the shower.

But sometimes it’s nice to have someone make the easy decisions for you. You’ve had a long day. It would make me feel good to order you dinner.

My chest warms and I find myself smiling in a way I haven’t in a long damn time.

Fucking stop being genuinely kind, Carys Johnson. You’re killing me.

Chapter Twenty-One

Carys

“Come in,” I shout, giving myself a final glance in the mirror.After all the fuss, it didn’t turn out too bad.

I woke up this morning with a great plan. A breezy brunch and long bath were supposed to set the stage for a fantastic evening. My body would be shaved, plucked, waxed and bronzed before Gannon picked me up. I had time. I was prepared … until I noticed how haggard my fingernails were from digging in soil all day.

Even if it meant rushing around, I got a manicure and pedicure. Thank God.

The front door opens and closes quietly.

“I’m in here,” I call out, applying a final coat of gloss on my pout. I tuck the tube in my purse and turn but freeze when my gaze locks with Gannon’s in the mirror.

My mouth goes dry.

He’s standing in the doorway looking nothing short of edible.

Five o’clock shadow. Hair styled perfectly. He slides a pair of Aviators off his face as he assesses me.

His body is wrapped in a slate-gray suit with a crisp white shirt beneath the jacket. He has foregone a tie and left the top of his shirt unbuttoned. A white pocket square and brown shoes tie it all together in a delicious, sophisticated but semi-casual way.

And in his hand is a bundle of bright orange peonies.

Oh my God.

“I haven’t seen you all week, and you warn me we’re on a tight schedule. And you have the audacity to show up here looking like a snack?” I ask, lifting a brow. “That’s some nerve, Mr. Brewer.”

He takes my hand and jerks me across the bathroom until I’m in his arms. His mouth is on mine before I can take a breath. Kissing, licking—his tongue exploring as if he’s reclaiming me for his own.

And. It’s. So. Hot.

I wasn’t sure which Gannon I’d get tonight. Restrained? On fire? Casually cool?

I’ll take super sexy, dominating Gannon any day.

Finally, he pulls away, and I suck in a hasty breath.

“That’s one way to say hello,” I say, grinning.

“Your door wasn’t locked.”

I flinch. “What?”

“Your door wasn’t locked.”

“No, that’s why I yelled for you to come in.”