AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re here to interview me, and you don’t know my name?”
“I do,” I say, wiping the wetness from my cheek. “I just need to verify it.”
“In case I’m a serial killer.” My eyes widen, and my jaw drops. “I’m Dorian Strong.” The snowflakes linger on his impossibly long lashes. “I’m not a serial killer.” He opens his mouth as if to say more, but closes it. “A little warning would’ve been nice.” He motions to my camera.
“Oh, it was...” A moment of pure beauty watching such a gorgeous fucking man chop wood like that. “An opportune moment. I had to seize it.”
“Well,” he says, brushing the snow off of his flannel. “Let’s go inside. I’m going to need to shower before you seize any moreopportunities.”
The thought of this billionaire woodsman in the shower is almost too much for my libido to handle. I nod my head, and follow him inside. He may not be a serial killer, but Dorian Strong is certainly dangerous.
2
Dorian
Thea isthe most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen in my life. The minute our eyes lock, I feel a vibration that won’t go away. My body tightens as we make our way inside. “You want a cup of tea or some water?”
She combs her red lacquered fingernails through her jet black hair. “Tea would be great. I’ve got a chill I can’t shake.”
“The weather is supposed to get pretty bad tonight.”
“Well then you’ll have to hurry along with that shower, huh?” Her full, cherry red lips spread into a warm smile that reaches her dark brown eyes. “I don’t want to get stuck out here.” She sighs. “I’m still not fully convinced you aren’t a serial killer.”
And she has a sense of humor…The corners of my lips lift, but I stop them quickly. “I won’t be long.” I say, heading into the kitchen. I put the kettle on and set out a mug along with the three different types of tea I have. “Help yourself to whatever you like.”
We lock eyes once more and I give a curt nod before heading to the bathroom. It’s rude, I know, but I can’t be interviewed smelling like I worked my ass off. The least I can do is not overpower her delicious amber scent with my own musk.
The hot water feels like heaven. I have to remind myself not to dawdle, but I need a minute to myself. Living out here, miles away from town I’m unaccustomed to visitors, especially ones as sexy as Thea Harmon. She appears like a snapshot in my mind: those perfect curves, her heart shaped face, the way she lights up the room when she smiles.
My fist presses against the tile, head down, letting the water wash over me. I live out here to avoid people. Yes, even women like Thea. Women who send a wave of heat straight through me, making me rock hard and ready to go.
The only reason I’m doing this silly interview is to bring awareness to the increase in the homeless population, and how our county has little to no resources outside of my dollar to help them. I barely remember agreeing to it, but she’s here now and I have to follow through.
As I get dressed, I rack my brain wondering what kind of questions she’ll ask me. Hopefully, it will be an easy conversation about the shelter I’m building and that’s it. The last thing I need is someone digging around in my past.
If she knew the things I’ve done, the things I’ve run away from, she’d hightail it the hell out of here and fast. I run my hand through my wet hair and give myself a glance in the mirror before bounding back down the stairs. I’d rather get this over with as quickly as possible.
When I make it to the landing, I see Thea with her back to me, staring at the pictures on my fireplace mantle. Lightning strikes me square in the chest. She’s pulled her long hair up on top of her head, revealing her swan-like neck, the soft curve of her face.
As strange as it sounds, it’s like I have a vision. This woman inhabiting this house, bringing laughter and companionship back to my life. The penance of loneliness lifted so that I can be with her forever.
It’s like my life flashes right before my eyes.
Reality comes crashing down around me. I may come from a good, solid family but I have a habit of bringing people down with me. Guilt by association. That’s why I live out here alone, for everyone else’s sake. The last thing I’d want is to ruin this amazing woman’s life.
Thea turns and her smile falters. She sets the framed photo of me and my siblings back onto the mantle. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
“It’s fine.” I say, making my way into the kitchen. I tap the kettle. It’s still hot, so I pour myself a cup of tea. “Where would you like to—”
“Here on the sofa is fine.” She smiles. “If it’s okay with you?”
“Definitely.” I say, hoping we can wrap this up quickly and the woman of my dreams can be safely on her way. My gut pings. Of course that’s not what I want, but it’s what needs to happen.
She crosses her legs and when she leans forward I catch a glimpse of her soft, billowing cleavage. I lick my lips, imagining taking one of those rock hard peaks into my mouth, pulling her hair down so that it drapes over her breasts…her nipples poking through her chestnut strands.
“How long did it take the city to approve your project, Strong Shelter?” Her voice pulls me out of my trance. I clear my throat, feeling guilty for undressing her with my mind.
“The city wasn’t too keen at first. They wanted something outside of Burly Creek.” I sigh, trying to remember the entire process. “It took about a year to get it approved, and another six months before we received the permit to break ground.”
