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Smart-ass.

I ended the call and turned onto the ramp for the I-495. After opening the car’s glass panoramic roof, I hit the accelerator. Gripping the wheel, I embraced the blistering force of the vehicle and left the city madness behind.

Krystina

On the subway ride home from La Biga, I struggled to wrap my head around Alexander’s job offer. The opportunity was incredible, to say the least. Different advertising schemes turned in my mind. The idea of finally putting my degree to use was exciting, and I had found myself wondering about the sort of businesses and products he would want me to market.

And a possible partnership? This is the chance I’ve been waiting for. I’d be a fool to turn it down.

But then again, there were some major strings attached to his offer, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about them.

The feminist side of me wanted to scream. He offered me a job, only to follow it up with a not-so-appropriate proposition.

Who does he think he is? This is one stained blue dress short of a sexual harassment suit. If I had half a brain, I’d be Googling Kenneth Starr’s case notes on Bill Clinton right now!

Yet, another part of me wanted him badly, totally negating the whole women’s rights issue. I wanted to be harassed by Alexander Stone, despite all his irritating qualities. I was flattered that this mega-rich, ultra-sexy, walking God wanted me. It was a thrilling, heady feeling I just wanted to savor.

But I was very afraid of him, too.

I was terrified of getting sucked back into a world I had shunned for so long. I was still haunted by my past with Trevor. And although I had worked tirelessly to rebuild my independence and self-respect, I allowed a man to break me once before. I could not let it happen to me again, or I’d risk jeopardizing everything I worked so hard to achieve.

However, there was something different about Alexander Stone. Somehow, I knew he would not be like Trevor. It was a feeling deep inside me, a yearning I didn’t completely understand.

Alexander may be rich and powerful, but that wasn’t why I was drawn to him. He sparked an unfamiliar level of awareness in me, and I’d wanted to give myself up to him from the moment I first laid eyes on him. These newfound feelings were very uncharacteristic for me, and I didn’t know what to do about them.

I think for tonight, the only thing I can do is be careful, play it cool, and let him take the lead.

When I finally reached my apartment, I was grateful to find Allyson wasn’t home. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to talk to my friend; I just needed to sort out a few things for myself before facing her. I wanted a little time alone to mentally prepare myself for anything Alexander threw my way.

The man is full of surprises, but at least I know his true intentions now.

I went into my bedroom, turned on the radio, and looked for something to wear to dinner tonight. I wasn’t sure where we were going, and I didn’t know how to dress.

Casual? Semi-casual?

I wished Alexander had been a little more specific when he’d issued his commands.

I eyed a red faux leather-trimmed skirt. The skirt was flattering on me with its subtle flirty pleats. If I wore it with my white cashmere sweater and some strappy heels, I could make the outfit look casual or dressy depending on the environment. I pulled the sweater and skirt out of the closet and laid them flat on the bed to see how they would look together.

Yep, this will work perfectly.

Singing along with Lana Del Ray, I turned up the volume before heading to the bathroom to take a shower.

I contemplated whether I should shave my legs. I knew what Allyson would say.

If I shave, I’m planning on sex.

I considered the little skirt I was planning to wear.

I will have to shave if I am going to wear that.

With that rationale in mind, I began to work a foamy lather over my legs. But as I ran the razor over my knee, Alexander’s words played over again in my head.

Preferably naked.

I felt a little twist in my gut. He definitely wanted me—it was no longer just something my imagination had drummed up. I wasn’t just shaving because I was going to wear a skirt. My legs were fine for appearance purposes, but they certainly weren’t baby smooth.

Who am I kidding? I’m shaving just in case.