And this man is a tall glass of smoking hot sexiness.
As my inner voice chatters on, a familiar smug smile tugs at the edges of Phoenix’s mouth. “You like what you see, kitty cat?”
I roll my eyes hard.
It’s the best I can do to avoid admitting I was openly gawking at him.
“It’s okay,” he says. “You can tell me if you do.” His words drip with cocksureness.
Darn. He caught me red-handed, but I’m not willing to cave in that easily. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“It’s the two of us, Michaela.” My name shouldn’t sound this good on his lips. “It’ll remain our little secret.”
I roll my eyes again. Speaking would only betray me.
“Fair enough. I’ll go first.” His gaze rakes over my body, eating me up with blatant appreciation. He leans in until his breath brushes against my cheek. His closeness is enough to send my deprived system into overdrive.
I close my eyes, relishing the sensation.
“You look absolutely beautiful.”
To my detriment, I’m not immune to the raspiness of his voice.
I clear my throat and take a step back, distancing myself from him.
Call it self-preservation.
I could blame the scorching California sun for the reason my body is heating up like I’m swimming in a pool of lava, but I’d be lying to myself.
His blue eyes drop to my feet. “You wear those well.”
I’m tongue tied, which is unusual for me.
I’m stumped as to how to reply. And I have no clue what to make of the glint in his eyes… the one that threatens to make me forget he’s the enemy.
That unsettling feeling returns full force, so my claws come out. “Save it, Phoenix. I’m here, aren’t I?”
“I can’t win with you.” He lets out an exasperated breath. “Why can’t you accept a damn compliment?”
“Thank you. There. No need to butter me up, King Kong Tycoon.”
“King Kong Tycoon?” He frowns. “The press has many labels for me, but that’s one I’ve never heard before.”
“It’s an original. Like yours truly.” I point at my chest.
“What’s behind the mocking moniker?”
“Well, you’re the giant ape in the luxury hotel industry, the press calls you King König, and apparently, you’re a tycoon––”
“Apparently?” His eyebrows shoot to his forehead. “So we’re clear, Michaela, I’ve earned my stripes.”
“Noted.”
“As for my last name, Königliterallymeans king in German.”
“Oh. How did I miss that in my research?”Crap. The admittance was an overshare.
He smiles.
