It’s all I can do not to grin. At least he’s not thinking about Zoe. That’s a good sign.
The edges of Bianca’s eyes tighten. “Well, I’m glad you have something to occupy your time. Talk to you soon, darling.” She leans over and gives Axel a peck on the cheek. I expect her to walk past me, but she pauses. “I need to talk to you in private.”
“Is everything okay?” Axel gets to his feet.
“Everything’s fine,” Bianca says breezily. “I just need a moment with my employee. To talk about plans for the trees once the lights are up.”
“Maybe you should give the instructions to Consuela instead,” Axel suggests.
Bianca flicks her manicured hand. “No need for that. London can handle it.” She saunters out, high heels tapping against the tile.
I shift my feet. “Um, I should probably go and talk to her.”
“Want me to referee?” A lopsided grin tugs at his lips.
I grunt in partial amusement. “I think I can handle it.”
“I’ll be here when you get back.”
I chuckle. “Something to look forward to.”
He blinks in surprise and then laughs. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
“I’ll let you figure it out.” I throw him a wink. The chemistry between us is just as strong today as it was last night. Maybe even more so. Why does he have to look so dang good with his tousled hair and the fine layer of stubble across his chiseled jaw? Even in a plain, long-sleeved t-shirt and jeans he’s a heartthrob.
“Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.” My parents accuse me of having a hollow leg because I like my food.
“I’ll make us some breakfast. Don’t stay outside too long. It’s cold out there.”
“I won’t.” The shorter my conversation with Bianca, the better. The minute I step foot outside the door, Bianca jumps on my case. “How dare you!”
It didn’t take long for her nice girl mask to slip. “How dare I what?”
“You pawned off your work on those cleaning people.” She flings her hand at the closed door.
My spine goes stiff. “Those cleaning people have names. Consuela and Diego are doing an excellent job—much better than I could ever do.”
“I won’t argue with you there,” she scoffs.
A streak of red blazes across my eyes as my temper flares hot. “What’s the problem? The job’s getting done the way Axel wants.Everything will be done in plenty of time for the party … if that’s what you’re worried about.”
She gets up in my face. “What I’m worried about is how Zoe will react when she realizes that you’re cozying up with her boyfriend while she’s off working.”
The nerve of this woman! “I’m not cozying up with anyone. Axel asked me to help with the benefit, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
“You’re trying to steal him away from Zoe.”
A hard laugh riddles my throat. “Where in the world did you get that idea?” Okay, right before I drifted off to sleep last night, I might’ve allowed myself to fantasize about what it would be like to be with Axel, but there’s no way she could know that.
“From Axel.” Spit flies from her mouth. A droplet lands on my cheek.
Gross! I rock back, wiping my face. “What did Axel say?”
“It wasn’t what he said, but the way he spoke of you.”
“Really?” A ribbon of pleasure twirls through me. I’m finally on Axel Cox’s radar.
