“What do you need?” she whispers back.
Leaning forward, I tell her about the notes, making sure to show her said notes, including the drawings. Her eyes widen, then her lips slowly curve up into a smile, a diabolical smile at that.
“You have no choice but to throw yourself at him.”
“I have no choice?” I ask.
“Absolutely none.”
HARLAN
I steer clear of the office the entire day. No doubt she’s found my note. I’m embarrassed as fuck about it. I can’t believe I really left it there like that. I shouldn’t have. I should have thrown it in the trash, along with the other one.
When the sun begins to set, I guide my horse home. She’s been a little restless, no doubt because I’ve kept her out past her bedtime. We’re both usually finished with our day before the sun sets, and she’s in the barn while I’m in the house. In truth, like me, she’s probably hungry as well.
It doesn’t take me long to get her fed and watered, then brush her a bit before checking on the rest of the barn and closing it down for the night. I look around the property, my eyes scanning the grounds, finding their way to Lola-Mae’s instantly.
Like a beacon, everything about her screams to me. But her house appears to be vacant. Not a single light shines throughanywhere inside. Her car is in the driveway, so I’m pretty sure she hasn’t gone anywhere.
As much as I try to ignore her comings and goings, I can’t seem to do that. I’m hyperfocused on her and making a gigantic fool of myself as the days go by. Why don’t I just ask her out? Or maybe ask someone else out.
When I step into the house, I shake off the idea of asking someone else out. Not only would I not have anyone else to ask, but I also don’t want to go anywhere or do anything with anyone other than her.
The house is dark and quiet, just the way I left it. Except when I step into the kitchen, it’s not dark, and it’s not quiet. In fact, there is music playing—nineties country—and a woman’s voice is singing along.
Leaning my shoulder against the doorway, I stare at her, unable to move… I’m not even sure I can breathe. Lola-Mae’s dark hair is pulled up and swirled on top of her head. She’s wearing a pair of cutoff shorts so short that a bit of her ass cheeks are hanging out at the bottom.
It’s hot as fuck.
She turns her head, her eyes find mine, and her lips curve up into a small smile. “Hey,” she exhales before she turns around completely to face me.
I like her in my kitchen. I like her short shorts and her pile of hair. I like everything about her right now. But I would like this a hell of a lot more if I were buried deep inside her.
Chapter Ten
LOLA-MAE
He’s staringat me in silence from across the kitchen. I don’t know if he’s pissed off at me being here or what. I’m too afraid to ask, so I don’t say anything. Instead, I stare at him, holding my breath as I wait for him to break the silence.
Thankfully, he does. Though not before he closes the distance between us. His jaw is set tightly. I can see the muscle jump in his cheek as his gaze searches mine. When he’s within arm’s reach, he stops.
I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, my eyes widening as I keep staring at him. I don’t know if I’m pulling off the innocent thing, and I’m not sure I even want to. I want to pull off the sexy siren thing so he can’t help but tear my clothes off and take me right here against the counter.
When he lifts his hand and cups my cheek, my breath hitches at the touch. “Harlan,” I exhale.
He grunts, shifting closer to me, his other arm sliding around my waist before he tugs me closer. My chest is pressed against his. Another grunt escapes his throat. He dips his chin slightly,his nose sliding across mine before I feel his lips brushing against my own.
Before I can say anything else, his mouth presses against mine. His tongue slips inside, tasting me. My body melts instantly. I grip his biceps as my nails dig into his shirt. I’ve never felt anything like this before.
He rips his mouth from mine but doesn’t shift his head backward. Instead, he rests his forehead against mine, closing his eyes as he inhales then exhales slowly. I hold my breath, waiting for what he’s going to say, knowing that there is something waiting for me on the tip of his tongue.
“Lola-Mae,” he murmurs.
A shiver of desire slides up my spine.
His hands shift and grip my waist as he lifts his head, his eyes finding mine. “You are my employee and ten years my junior,” he grinds out.
“And yet, you’re writing me sexy little notes and watching me every day,” I whisper.
