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Jim looked in my direction, his face creased in a scowl, and stomped away. I couldn’t care less about what Jim was supposed to do. I was still thunderstruck, having uttered only four words since setting my eyes on the daunting Mr. Stone. I was usually a chatterbox, but I was so taken by the man in front of me, I’d been stunned into silence. I forced myself to do a reality check.

Pull yourself together already!

I looked at the two remaining men. Mr. Roberts had a worried expression on his plump face. Stone, on the other hand, wore a look of amusement. I followed the direction of his stare and realized he had been looking down at my espresso-stained work shirt, wet and plastered to my torso.

Once again, I felt an embarrassing flush creep up my neck.

So, what? I fell—big deal. Accidents happen. Sure, I’m a stuttering idiot, too, but that isn’t my fault either. Nobody should be allowed to be as savagely gorgeous as he is. My reaction is just natural. I’m sure every woman he meets wants to jump his bones.

Jump his bones? Did I really just think that?

It was time to leave—and fast. I couldn’t think straight. I didn’t understand how this man could unnerve me so much. I couldn’t even talk, let alone form a coherent thought. I only knew I was mortified and could no longer endure his penetrating gaze .

I began to slowly back away, using caution, so I didn’t slip again on the wet floor. Mr. Roberts was rambling on about terrible planograms and schematics that needed changing. Stone continued to watch me a moment longer before turning his attention back to Mr. Roberts. I took advantage of the distraction to make my escape, but not before chancing one more glance at the hypnotizing Mr. Stone.

He was looking at me again, a bad-boy smile curling the edges of his lips. He held up his hand to silence Mr. Roberts.

“Have a good day, Miss Cole. I’ll be seeing you soon.”

He said it like it was a promise.

Then it struck me—he was the investor.

Alexander

I watched her walk away. Actually, run away would have been a more accurate description. I smiled to myself, intrigued by the very embarrassed yet delectable Miss Cole. Her pouty mouth, round chocolate-colored eyes, and ready blush made my dick twitch.

“I’m so sorry about that, Mr. Stone. Krystina and I were just discussing how the display needed changing. It just goes to show how much our vendors know about merchandising,” the round man in front of me said with a nervous laugh.

“Yes, indeed,” I murmured absently, my eyes still following the captivating young woman as she continued her way to the front doors of the supermarket . “Walter, tell me about that woman. I assume she’s an employee?”

“Oh, yes. Krystina has worked here for years. Great eye for merchandising, that one does,” Walter Roberts observed, following my gaze. “I hate the thought of losing her.”

“Is she going somewhere?”

“Hopefully not, but I’m sure it won’t be long before she lands herself a fancy marketing job,” Roberts said with a sigh.

“Marketing, you say?” I asked, turning my attention back to the store owner.

“Yes, I believe that was her major,” he answered, suspiciously narrowing his eyes at me.

Hmm… protective of her, are we?

I glanced back again, only to barely glimpse her tight jean-clad ass as the front doors closed behind her. I wished I had more time to converse with her, but between her fall and the annoying store clerk, there had been little opportunity for talking before she took off.

That clerk…what was his name? Jim something or another?

I absently wondered if he were her boyfriend and was surprised to find that the possibility bothered me. I hoped he wasn’t.

Walter Roberts cleared his throat annoyingly as if he were trying to remind me of the business at hand. It was no matter. I knew a wise investment when I saw it. There was no need to dawdle in the store any longer. After all, time was money. And while I had plenty of the latter, I was now pressed for time. If I stayed much longer, I wouldn’t be able to catch up with Krystina Cole.

“I’ll have my lawyers draw up a proposal—one I think you will find satisfactory. We can discuss things further at a later date.” I shrugged and turned to go.

“Well, er...,” Roberts faltered. “Mr. Stone, don’t you want to see the rest of the store? Or perhaps some of our other locations?”

“No, I believe I’ve seen enough here to decide. I’ll be in touch,” I said dismissively.

I left Walter Roberts gaping after me as I made my way to the front entrance. Pulling my cell out of my jacket pocket, I selected the first number in my contacts.