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Aspen grinned up at me, her smile a sweet and breathtaking thing that I wasn’t certain I’d ever get used to. I took a deep breath, inhaling that intoxicating scent that clung to her skin before motioning her inside.
“Was the drive over okay?” I asked as she followed me through the entryway, toward the dining room.
“You sent your driver,” she said. “What do you think?”
“Just checking to make sure you enjoyed it,” I said, smiling at the tease in her voice.
“Of course,” she said. “Me and Len are becoming friends at this point. Did you know his daughter just had twins?”
“I did,” I said, rounding the corner into the dining room. “I helped him set up their college funds.”
“Iknewit,” she said, a sense of pride wrapping around her tone. “You’ve totally changed my opinion of billionaires for the rest of forever. You’re amazing, you know that?”
“I definitely know that,” I teased, motioning to the table.
“What’s this?” she asked, her eyes widening when she took in the table.
“They’re your favorite tacos, right? From that food truck?” Fuck, I hope I hadn’t made a mistake. Jesse assured me these were the ones when I’d texted him.
“Yes! You went and got them for me?”
Relief pooled through me, and I pulled out her chair for her, not taking mine across from her until she’d settled in it.
“I realized that I never officially apologized for buying the coffee shop without discussing it with you first,” I admitted.
She grabbed a taco from the silver container in the middle of the table and took a huge bite. Her eyes fluttered closed and she moaned.
Jesus, that sound was going to end me. I wanted to hear her make that sound while my cock was in her mouth or when I was bottoming out in her sweet pussy.
I cleared my throat, forcing the thoughts from my head as I reached for a taco in an attempt to hide that even the way the woman ate turned me on.
“The. Best. Apology. Ever,” she said after swallowing. “Seriously, I didn’t even think you remembered this.”
“I try,” I said, taking a bite myself. She wasn’t wrong, they were absolute fire.
“Also,” she said after finishing her first taco and moving onto her second. “You know I was kidding about the whole being mad at you thing. I wanted to be angry with you, but with your explanation, you made it kind of impossible.”
I blew out a breath, nodding. “I’m glad to hear it. As I’m sure you’ve learned, I’m impulsive. I react to my instincts becausethey’ve never let me down before, but the last thing I wanted to do was cross a line.”
“I get that,” she said. “Even though I’ve never had to think about something like this before. It’s not like someone purchases my place of work every other day just so we can go on unlimited dates.” She chuckled softly, shaking her head with this surreal look on her face.
“You’re not the only one in uncharted territory,” I said.
She arched a brow at me.
“You’re not,” I said between bites. “I’ve never been with a woman longer than a weekend, so everything about this is new.” I motioned between us. “Even if it’s fabricated, it’s the closest thing to the real deal that I’ve ever had. Bear with me if I continue to make missteps.”
Aspen caught my gaze across the table, something like understanding and pity in those irresistible eyes of hers.
“Can I be honest with you?” she asked, finishing the food on her plate before pushing it aside.
“I would appreciate that,” I said, swallowing my last bite a little harder than necessary.
She took a few sips of the soda water I’d set out for her, collecting her thoughts. “I know this is a ruse,” she said. “I know that we have a contractual obligation to each other and that this is just another business deal for you, but I genuinely enjoy being around you, Crossland.”
Something tightened in my chest.
“You’re fun personified, even if you are a cocky prick,” she said, smiling at me. “And you’re kind, perceptive. Your world is a lot sometimes, no doubt, but you’re worth spending time with. And it has nothing to do with your money or the NHL team you own.” She shrugged, reaching for her soda water again. “I just…wanted you to know that. In case the weekend partners you had before never told you.”
