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He notices and laughs softly against me. “See, even you agree.”
“I guess I do.”
While Alex calls for take out, I take our wine outside. Even though it’s fall and there’s a distinct chill in the air, the fireplace keeps his outside living space warm. Still, I shiver. Maybe because I know I should feel cold or because I’m about to strip myself bare in front of Alex.
I sense him before he sits down next to me. He rests his feet on his coffee table, pulls me close to him and sighs. “I’m glad you could come over.”
“I should’ve made it happen earlier,” I tell him. “You’re always coming to my place.”
“You live close to the stadium, it’s easy for me.”
“How come you don’t live downtown?”
He shrugs. “I wanted a place where I could escape, where if I wanted to tinker in the garage I could. Or, run around naked. Sure, I have neighbors, but whatever. If they see my white ass running around, that’s on them, not me.”
I snort with laughter and cover my face in embarrassment. “Oh, God,” I say as I try to calm down. “I’m so sorry for doing that.”
“Don’t be. I liked it. In fact, I like everything about you.”
“That’s refreshing.”
“Is it?”
I nod. “I don’t know what the incident in the driveway was.” Shaking my head, I reach for my wine. “Nerves, maybe.”
“I don’t love her if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“It is or was. I just thought . . .”
“I get it, sort of. But let me be perfectly honest with you, if I wasn’t over my previous relationship, I wouldn’t work so hard to see you.”
“Like when you randomly showed up at my office?”
Alex laughs. “Honey, until I met you, I never wanted to write a damn book in my life. You’re the excuse. The only one. I used the book thing as a ruse so you wouldn’t see through me.”
I think about the folder in my bag, filled with edits. “So, I’ve been editing for nothing?”
“No,” he says as he readjusts to face me. “Once I asked for your help, I figured I better follow through. Now I’m excited by the prospect of publishing.” He takes my wine from me and sets it on the table. “I like you, Kelsey. A lot.”
“I like you too.”
“And I know it’s late notice, but I’m wondering if you’d like to accompany me to a fundraiser next week. It’s black tie, and I can set you up with a personal shopper at Nordstrom's if you want to go.”
“I want to go, but I don’t need you to buy me things to try and convince me.”
Alex cups my cheek. His thumb caresses my soft skin. “That’s not why I offered. Besides, Iwantto buy you things, lavish you with gifts.”
“I like gifts.”
He smiles and blushes. “Well, once I start, it’s unlikely that I’ll stop. But in all seriousness, if you need a dress, please let me help. It’s such short notice, I don’t want you to stress.” His thumb runs lazy circles on my leg.
“Alex . . .” my voice trails off.
“I want to pamper you,” he says. “Please?”
Before I can answer, the doorbell chimes and he’s off to answer the door. I use this free moment to walk over to the pool, curious about the temperature. I take my shoes off, and roll my pant legs up before stepping in. It feels like bath water, and I can definitely see why Alex skinny dips.
“Do you want to go swimming or eat dinner?” His voice startles me.
