Chapter 25

“What? I…That was never my—our intention! You’re very valuable to me. Us! We want you to be happy here. To be comfortable.”

“Yeah, sure. And you’re paying me a whole lot of money. Okay, I guess I may as well begin earning it.” It was sheer bravado. I started unbuttoning my shirt. “Just do me a favor and don’t tell me I’ll like it. I’lldecide if I like it or not.”

“No.” He brushed my hands away and buttoned my shirt again, although not before taking a second to tease a nipple, and my lips parted in a silent, Oh!“Come with me.” He took my hand, tugging me along after him.

Confused, I demanded, “Where are we going?” It wasn’t to the bed, that was for sure.

“To the great room.” He smiled at me over his shoulder.

“Why?”

“You’ll see.” Once there, he lit the wood in the fireplace, then picked up a remote and pressed a button. Soft, dreamy music began to spill from hidden speakers. He pressed another button, and the overhead light dimmed.