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

It’s messing with my concentration. “What is the rent, Amira?”
    “Oh, well, I’m not entirely sure,” Amira looks towards Alex momentarily. “Nothing too crazy, since I’d planned on leaving it empty anyway. I have no doubt we can come to a suitable agreement. So, do we have a deal?”
    Looking to Stacey, I take in her reassuring smile, before turning back to Amira. “It’s a deal.”

    “I’LL GIVE YOU a call to confirm when you can expect the delivery of the lease agreement. I’ll get your number from Alex?” Amira asks.
    My gaze darts to Alex, his eyes filled with knowing amusement. He doesn’t have my number . . . And I have no intentions of giving it to him. “Ummm . . . no, you can reach me at the hotel.”
    Thanking Amira profusely, we say our good-byes, Alex following behind us as we make our way onto the front sidewalk.
    “Aby, before you go . . . Can I speak with you for a moment?” he asks, turning his gaze to Stacey in silent request to give us some privacy.
    “Sure thing. I’ll just wait for the cab across the street,” Stacey smiles, walking away.
    I can’t avoid looking at his gorgeous face any longer—at least not if he wants to have a conversation.
    “Are you happy with the flat?” he stuffs his hands into the pockets of his jeans, almost nervously.
    “It’s great. Thank you again for thinking of me. I wouldn’t have found it if it weren’t for you.”
    “It was my pleasure.”
    That’s it? That’s all he wants to say?
    Seconds pass in silence.
    He’s shuffling around on the sidewalk, looking everywhere but at me. What’s the matter with him?
    “Have dinner with me tonight.”
    What? Hold the phone. This can’t be happening. The events in the last twenty-four hours have been insane. Dream-like. Again, the man has rendered me absolutely speechless.
    “Please. I need to see you again.”
    I want so badly to say yes. It’s sitting on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t get it out. I can’t have dinner with this man. I can’t pretend that he’s anyone other than the famous actor that he is. As much as I want to. It’s depressing. I’m going to turn him down. Not because I want to, but because I should. I can’t fall for him. I won’t fall for him. He will simply break my heart.
    “It may sound crazy, but I think you feel this—whatever this is—too,” he gestures back and forth between us.
    Damn straight I feel something for him. I feel hot, needy, and uncontrollably nervous. I feel euphoric and dazed. I feel wanton. He inspires a sexual need in me so deep that I would do just about anything for him. To him. Yet, I won’t. I can’t deny what a bad idea it is to see him again. I’m not strong enough to pick myself back up after he’s gone. I’ve had too much heartache already and a new one is not part of my plans. “Alex, I . . . ”
    Abruptly stepping closer, he cups my cheek in his hand. My breath hitches instantly, my denial lodging in my throat.
    “Say yes,” he whispers, staring deeply into my eyes.
    Oh God . . . Am I crazy to say no?Will I regret this? Of course I will! But, I have to. Covering his hand with mine, I slowly pull it away from my face, “I’m sorry. I want to say yes, but I just . . . I can’t.”
    “Please. Give me one night. Just one.” Flashing me his mega-watt smile, he takes my hand, squeezing it gently.
    One night.Ofcourse he only wants one night. I’ve known it all along, and that’s exactly why I’m saying no . “I’m sorry, I can’t. Stacey is leaving in the morning and it’s my last night with her.”
    “Ok, tomorrow then.”
    “I just don’t know,” I stare down at my feet. I know if I look him in the eye, I’m a goner. His persistence—however flattering—is making it even harder for me to deny him.
    It’s beyond surreal that I have one of the most famous men in the world asking me out on a date. Well, I assume it’s a date. Or a prelude to him getting laid. And I plan on saying no. I need to say no.