The Perfect Plans Series [Box Set] by C.J. Wells Read Free Book Online Page A

heart-stopping—smile.
    I’m struck, riveted by this beautiful man, who only twenty four hours ago was a seemingly fictional being in my real-life world, now standing in front of me, flesh and bone. Accepting that this is a reality—before someone pinches me to suggest otherwise—I smile warmly in return.
    Reaching the second floor, we come across Stacey and Amira in the kitchen. I take in the very modern galley, with its gleaming black cabinet fronts and wood block countertop. It’s not too small, perfect for a single person. I can truly see myself whipping up a nice meal in this space.
    My eyes land on the moderately-sized kitchen island and I feel my cheeks flush crimson, a combination of renewed humiliation and sudden desire, as I’m assailed with images of Alex pumping into me as I lay atop it.
    I quickly note Stacey’s wink, catching me surveying the island’s aptness, and I glare back at her in defiance of the pickle she’s put me in. Luckily, Alex has continued on, oblivious to my inner sex-capade visuals and their subsequent effect on me.
    Following him down the hallway, we enter the bedroom. It’s much larger than one would expect in an English flat; housing a large king size bed covered in white linens and bright orange throw pillows. It’s a very feminine, inviting space. Although, right now, having Alex standing beside me in such an intimate room—combined with my lewd kitchen island thoughts moments ago—I feel incredibly uncomfortable, unable to control my accelerated breaths.
    I can’t help but stare at the bed, imagining the many lascivious things he and I could do on it. Delicious, lip-biting visuals that for a moment make me forget that he’s actually standing by my side. The swift reminder of his proximity increases my agitation, heightening my breathing further.
    Suddenly sensing his gaze, I look towards him, struck by the latent desire flashing in his blue eyes. “I think the bedroom is adequate. Wouldn’t you agree?” his tone is sensual.
    Holy crap. If his expression—or sexually charged question—is any indication, it’s clear this man wants to do naughty things to me.And I really, really, really want to let him . . .
    But . . . I won’t. I’m in the exact same boat I was in last night. As badly as I want this man, I refuse to cause myself undue heartache. I need to stay my course and forget how much of a hot mess he makes me. Self-preservation . . . Ugh.
    “Why don’t you join Stacey and I on the terrace,” Amira calls from the kitchen, saving me. Thank God . . . There’s a terrace? I hadn’t noticed.
    Of course you didn’t notice you hussy, you were thinking of shagging Alex on the island —my inner actress bites; I purse my lips at the reminder.
    Smiling, Alex finally breaks our gaze, shaking his head a little before leading me back towards the kitchen, through the double French doors to the balcony.
    The roof top terrace is small but quaint. There’s a bistro table with a built-in nook in the corner, covered in light grey cushions. With Stacey and Amira occupying one side, I’m forced to sit next to Alex. I can’t handle being this close to him. Due to his sheer size, he takes up a good portion of the settee, our legs unavoidably brushing each other.
    “So, what do you think?” Amira asks, pulling my thoughts from Alex’s legs.
    “You have a beautiful home,” I reply, somewhat breathlessly.
    “Alex speaks highly of you, so it’s yours if you want it. I think it’s a great idea for you to sublet rather than leaving it unoccupied as I’d planned. I don’t leave for Paris until the latter part of next week, and I return in six months. Will that be an issue?”
    “No, no,” Stacey pipes up, “ . . . six months is perfect. And I can arrange something with the hotel, Aby, so you can stay on a bit longer. Maybe not for the full two weeks, but we can work something out.”
    I’m trying my hardest to ignore the heat emanating from Alex’s leg against mine.