One more wrong sentence from those ridiculously full lips and I might actually blow.
What is it about him that drives me to such an aggravated state? I’ve encountered more than my fair share of over-confident men along the way. Men who were equally attractive.
Ok, that last part isn’t strictly true. Jayden Cooper is other-worldly sexy, but he knows it. He’s only been here approximately three seconds and it’s apparent he’s still a total asshole.
He lets out a low whistle as I unlock the convertible. ‘Nice ride.’
Why does everything seem to be a double entendre with him? I swear the man delights in winding me up. I’m not a silly teenager anymore.
‘Want me to drive?’
I count to ten before spitting, ‘Why would I wantyouto drivemycar? Because you’re a man and I’m a woman? Could you be any more chauvinistic?’
‘You seem a bit flustered. Is the heat getting to you? Or is it those unruly pheromones around me again?’ He tucks his suitcase into the boot before hopping into the passenger seat.
His hand brushes mine over the gearbox. The contact lasts for less than two seconds, but it’s like an electric shock.
‘Oh, would you ever fuck off?’ Slamming my foot on the accelerator, the car lurches forward, narrowly missing a flashy red Lambo.
Jayden sniggers, and even though he doesn’t utter another word, his silence still screams, ‘I told you so.’
When we’re safely out on the highway, I allow my gaze to slant briefly in his direction.
‘Which hotel are you staying at?’
His eyes widen mockingly, exuding a deliberately false show of innocence. ‘What do you mean? I’m staying with you, aren’t I?’ Laughter lines crinkle the corner of his eyes.
The urge to scream is suffocating. ‘You are joking, right?’
‘I’m deadly serious. After all, we’re practically family, right?’
ChapterFour
JAYDEN
Staying at Chloe’s place was too tempting. Apart from knowing it would irritate the life out of her, and she’s smoking hot when she’s irate, we genuinely have a lot of work to do, and only four days to do it.
Plus, if I stayed in a hotel, Colton would insist on coming. A private residence is safer from the paps and other prying eyes.
I soak up the scenery, relieved to escape LA, my new house guest and the momentous commitment I’ve just signed up to.
Sasha thinks I’m mad. Ryan thinks I have a weird god complex.
If I were to overthink it, I’d never go through with it, but there was no way I could allow Lula to be deported. Apart from the fact she’s spent the last eight years building a life here, I swore to Sofia I’d help her.
Pushing all thoughts of Lula out of my head, my gaze slants towards Chloe. White fingers clench the leather steering wheel.
Uptight doesn’t even come close to describing her. I shouldn’t tease her, but it’s too much fun. Making light of things is my favourite distraction from my own darkness.
The tyres of the BMW screech to a standstill on the driveway of a whitewashed, beachside villa. The sound of the sea soothingly slaps the sandy shore. Scents of seaweed and sun cream linger deliciously in the air.
I need to get the business part of this trip done because every bone in my body’s craving pleasure in the form of sea swims, good food and serious soaking in the sun, somewhere where I’m anonymous.
The engine stills and Chloe hops out of the car, darting towards the modest entrance.
‘I guess I’ll carry my own case then.’ My joke’s answered with a scoff and Chloe’s raised middle finger.
I follow her into a bright white hallway. The place is immaculate, taking the term minimalistic to the next level. A few nondescript canvases decorate the walls. There are no photos. No feminine touches.
