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My eyes go wide as I stare at him, and for a second I forget to breathe.
“But why?” My voice is hardly above a whisper, and again, the air seems to have disappeared from my lungs. This time, Malcolm’s eyes go positively predatory. He leans closer and reaches his hand across the table, the big palm cupping mine on the table.
“I think you know why, Leslie.”
I swallow hard because I can guess, and my ears pound with anticipation.
“It’s the photos, isn’t it?” I whisper. “I know you saw some snaps of me that were …”
“Beautiful,” Malcolm growls, interrupting my sentence. I meet his gaze and his eyes are gleaming as he looks at me. “They were gorgeous, and I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since I saw those images. Then, bumping into you at the cafe earlier today seemed like the perfect opportunity to get to know you a bit, and you didn’t let me down, sweetheart. You’re entrancing and lovely, and it’s been wonderful.”
I glance down at my lap, my cheeks a bright scarlet.
“Yes, but I never meant for anyone to see those photos. My ex-boyfriend? Well, he shouldn’t have done that.”
The billionaire nods, and his smiles falls.
“You’re right, and I know you didn’t consent to Ronald sharing those pictures of you. In fact, he’s a fucking ass for flashing those around, but there’s a silver lining to all of this because now, I’ve met you and it’s worth it.” He leans in closer, squeezing my hand, and shoots a sexy crooked smile my way. “I have to admit, Leslie, that I loved seeing your curves because you’re very attractive, and I’ve enjoyed spending the evening with you tonight. I’d love to get to know you better.”
“You would?” I whisper, my eyes finally meeting his. “But how?”
He sits back for a moment, the steak forgotten.
“Well, this is very forward, but is there any chance you’d like to come with me upstairs tonight to continue our date?”
My heart is thumping so hard in my chest it feels like it might burst, and goosebumps are covering my skin. I’ve spent so much time worried that I have too many curves; thinking I’m too chubby to ever have anyone decent interested in me. But now, there’s a gorgeous CEO asking me to spend the night, and even if it’s embarrassing, he’s already seen all my curves and likes them. So why shouldn’t I go up to his room and have a scandalous time? It isn’t every day that a sexy billionaire takes me on a date, and even if he’s my boss’s boss, I think I can put that out of my mind for a few hours. A secret smile crosses my lips, and I gaze shyly at him from beneath my lashes.
“Yes. I think I’d like that, Mr. Neuwirth.”
Malcolm flashes a dazzling smile at me, then waves to get our waiter’s attention. “We’ll take the check,” he growls before searing me with that hundred-degree gaze. “Now are you ready, honey? Because it’s time to enjoy dessert together.”
6
Leslie
The elevator ride up to Malcolm’s room is electric. He keeps one large hand pressed against the base of my back, just above the swell of my bottom as we make our way up to the top floor. His palm is firm and commanding and I shiver a bit just from that delicious touch.
Then, the doors ping and slide open, revealing an empty hallway. Malcolm gently pushes me forward, and we stop before an enormous white door on the right. It’s the only opening in the long corridor, and I turn to him with a gasp.
“There are no other rooms on this floor!”
He merely chuckles before waving his keycard in front of the electronic pad.
“Yes, because I have the penthouse suite, baby. I value my privacy, and the Wilshire makes sure I get it.”
The white slab swings open and I gasp while stepping into a marble foyer. My apartment is probably only a quarter the size of this penthouse, and maybe even an eighth. There are triple height ceilings showing off a dazzling view of Atlantic City, and beautiful modern décor with low-slung white couches, a glass coffee table, and a full-size kitchen off to one side. But the real show stopper is the balcony I see on the other side of a set of sliding glass doors.
Without thinking, I wander across the room and gaze over the balcony. “Wow. I thought I had a great view in my room, but this is even better. I bet you can see the whole city from up here. How amazing!”
“Yes, it’s beautiful,” Malcolm growls, coming up behind me. I turn to look up at him, but he’s not taking in the view. Instead, his eyes are on my derriere, appearing ravenous. But the man still has manners and inclines his dark head slightly. “Would you like a drink, sweetheart?”
