We pass the elevator, ignoring it as he leads me through the stunning home.
“This door leads to the master bed, but this is what I wanted to show you.” He grins, opening a door and gesturing for me to go first.
I step inside, gasping as my eyes adjust to the dim light. I move to the center of the room, taking in the gorgeous features.
“What do you think?”
I close my eyes, inhaling deeply through my nose, letting the rich scent wash over me.
“You don’t like it?”
“Shhh,” I reply, eyes still closed. “I’m smelling it.”
“What?”
I open my eyes, grinning at him. “Libraries have a distinctive smell. And this?” I wave a hand around the room. “This is someBeauty and the Beast–level foreplay.”
The library is a dream. Wood paneling, herringbone floors softened by thick rugs, and comfortable chairs positioned perfectly by the windows and fireplace. Giant picture windows feature built-in window seats strewn with pillows and throws, inviting you to sit.
It’s my dream library in my dream home.
“What happened to your one-bedroom apartment?” I ask, running my fingers over the spines of the books.
“It’s been rented and, honesty, it’s time to upgrade. I love the East Side, but I need a place to entertain execs.”
“Are you going to buy this?”
“I wanted a second opinion.”
“Don’t.” I glance over my shoulder, giving him a saucy grin. “I want it. It’ll take me a million years to afford it, but I’ll make it happen.” I lift a foot, sticking it out for him to see. “Think my feet are good enough for OnlyFans?”
He laughs, and a spark of warmth—no, heat—flares deep in my belly. I push it aside, wrapping my fingers around the ladder for the bookcase. “I can’t believe you have a library with a ladder.” I glance at him as I place one foot on the bottom rung. “You really picked the wrong woman for this. Show me a library, and I immediately lose all impartiality.”
Josh walks over to hold the ladder steady as I climb. “You’re going to do a swish, aren’t you?”
“Oh, yes.”
I grab a random book and push off, humming theBeauty and the Beasttheme as the ladder glides along the track.
“This is such a cliché,” Josh mutters, watching me with a smile.
I chuckle, still humming, one arm outstretched, the other clutching a rung.
“You need me to be Beast?” Josh raises his hands, pretending to snarl.
“Oh, how scary you are.” I throw a hand over my head, pretending to cower. “Don’t eat me.”
Josh snatches me off the ladder, his hands firm as he sets me on the floor. He presses me gently back against the rungs, his hands settling on my hips.
My breath catches. He looks at me, his dark eyes shadowed and intense.
“Do you want the truth or the mask?” he whispers, his thumb slipping under my shirt to brush my hip. I shiver at the contact, goosebumps spreading over my skin.
This is Josh. Sam’s best friend. Pete’s brother.
And yet, my body betrays me, aching at his touch.
“Molly? Truth or the mask?” His voice is low, his words heavy with meaning.
