Page 168 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Scotch, wine, or something else?”

I get up and move to my drinks cabinet.

“Baileys?”

“One Baileys coming up.”

I pour a glass and add some ice.

I carry it over to her, our fingers touching as she takes the glass.

“Thanks.”

She places the bottle of water she came down for on the table in front of her.

She swirls the drink, then takes a sip.

“I’ve missed this,” she says before her gaze snaps to mine. “That came out wrong,” she says. “I missed it at Christmas. It’s my Christmas go-to.”

“It’s a shame I didn’t know. Mother has a cupboard full of it. It’s her favourite.”

“Christmas with your family was fun,” she says.

My mind returns to the car journey home and to the way her lips felt against mine.

“I’m glad.” I take a sip of my Scotch, although the need for it has gone. My distraction is here, in front of me.

We sit in silence, enjoying our drinks. When Brooke finishes hers, she stands and holds out a hand for my empty glass.

“I’ll take them through to the kitchen.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“Maybe not, but I want to.”

I hand her my glass, and she makes her way past me, the throw draped over her shoulders, her long, shapely legs on full display.

I swallow hard as she disappears into the kitchen. Seconds later, she returns and leans down to collect her bottle of water.

“Thank you for the company,” she says.

My breath hitches as she smiles.

“I’d better head upstairs too,” I say, falling into step beside her.

She keeps the throw wrapped around her as we climb the stairs.

It happens in a split second, the throw catches beneath her foot, knocking her off balance. I grab her, pulling her hard against me.

“Shit,” she says, her breath escaping in short pants. She looks up at me and grins. “Fast reflexes, Mr Bianchi.”

I cradle her against my chest, the blanket still tangled around her legs.

“You nearly gave me a heart attack,” I say, steadying her as I pull the material away from her feet.

We’re close. My body is acutely aware of Brooke, her hands resting against my chest.

I freeze, trapped by her unwavering gaze.