SpecialDeliverybyMarieRochelle

SpecialDelivery By MarieRochelle

SpecialDeliverybyMarieRochelle

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsare productsoftheauthorsimaginationorareusedfictitiouslyandarenotto beconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales, organizations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental. SpecialDelivery Copyright2007MarieRochelle ISBN:9781600882081 CoverArtist:CrisGriffin Editor:DevinGovaere All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronicallyorinprintwithoutwrittenpermission,exceptinthecaseof briefquotationsembodiedinreviews. CobblestonePress,LLC www.cobblestonepress.com

SpecialDeliverybyMarieRochelle

Dedication
ToMyBestFriendPinky, Thanks so much for being there when I needed a shoulder because, withoutyou,Iwouldntbehere. Marie

SpecialDeliverybyMarieRochelle

ChapterOne
Staring out the window, Layla Sinclair watched the snow clouds glideacrossthedarkenedskyataslowpace,asuresignsnowwascoming thisyear.Shehadhopedforagoodblizzardforthepasttwoyears,butit alwayssnowedjustenoughtobeconsideredalightdustingbytruesnow fans. This Christmas had to be better than the previous two. She didnt wanttothinkaboutherfamily.Theywereprobablygatheredaroundthe alreadydecoratedChristmastree,practicingthesongstheywouldsingfor this years talent show. Sometimes she wondered why she had left her nicesmalltownofTennesseeforthebiggercityofMarvel,Illinois. Remember you wanted to prove you were more than a small town girl? Laylashookoffthetauntingsoundsofhersubconsciousinherheadand continued to stare out the window. Happy couples rushed by with Christmas gifts swinging from their hands. When was the last time she hadenjoyedthespiritoftheholiday?Shecouldntevenrecallthelasttime shewentshoppingforherself.WorkingatDirectorEnterprisestookmost ofhertimebecauseherbossdidntbelieveintakingtimeoffforanyofthe holidays. Whydontyoutakeyournoseoffthatwindowbeforeitgetsstuck there?Avoicegiggledwithasoftcountryaccent. Spinning around in her chair, Layla faced her best friend at Director Enterprises, Bridget Newcomb. A pair of clear gray eyes stared

SpecialDeliverybyMarieRochelle

backatherfromanovalface;longdarkblondhairwaspulledbackina crookedponytail.Shedidnthavetoguessatthefavorofthesuckerthat Bridgetshovedinhermouthwatermelonalltheway. Lookwhos talking,sheteased back. You knowyouwantit to snowjustasmuchasIdobeingfromKentucky. Bridgetpulledthesuckerfromhermouth.Yeah,Iwouldntmind getting snowed in with that gorgeous Preston Scott. Ill work all the overtimehewantsforonenightinhisarms. Laylalistenedto Bridgetraveabout Preston Scottwitha deaf ear. Most of the girls at the office wanted to be assigned to the aloof businessman, but she couldnt care less if she spent five minutes in his company. Howcanyouwanttosleepwithhim?Hesthesolereasonnoneof usgettogohomefortheholidays,shecomplained,glaringatherfriend acrossherdesk. Layla,youwouldntbesnippyifyoulaideyesonhim.MyGod,I never knew there was a man that perfect in the world. Bridget sighed, fanningherhandinfrontofherface. Dont let Paul hear you talking like that or youll get a lump of coalin yourstocking thisyear instead of thatdiamondringyouvebeen hintingfor,sheteased.Besides,Idontneedtoseehimtoknowwhathe looks like. The way you talk about him, he could be in the pages of Playgirl. First, Paul knows I love him more than anything in this world. I wouldnt think about sleeping with another man. Bridget sighed. But thereisntanythingwrongwithlooking.Youreallyshouldsneakalookat himthenexttimehecomesdownhere. Why? Because hes everything you always say youre looking for in a mantall,darkandhandsome. With a dash of asshole added into the mix. Layla sighed as she glancedbackoutthewindow,wishing,forthesecondtimethatafternoon, itwouldsnowsoshecouldleaveearly.

SpecialDeliverybyMarieRochelle

Youneedtostopbeingsohardonmenoryourenevergoingto haveapairofsizesixteenshoesunderyourbedagain,Bridgetuttered. Honwhenwasthelasttimeyouwentoutonadate? Rolling her eyes, Layla spun back around and glared at Bridget. ShehateditwhenBridgetactedmorelikehermotherthanherbestfriend. Hell, they were only two years apart in age. Stop calling me Hon. It makesyousoundtenyearsolderthanyourthirtytwo. Well thats what happens when you get married and settle down.Youllactdifferenttoowhentheloveofyourlifefallsinyourlap, Bridgetstated,wagglingherfingeratherface. Im never falling in love again, Layla muttered. Tuc was the loveofmylife. Layla Tuc Wilde was an opportunist that wanted easy street. When he found it wasnt you, he moved on to another victim. Bridget sighed,tossinghersuckerintothetrashcan.Idthinkyoudbehappyhe gotcaughthavingsexinhiscarwithagirlfromthemailroom. Rememberitwasnthiscar,butmine. I lethim borrow itfor the day,Laylacorrected.Shehadthehardesttimegettingthesmellofcheap perfumeandsexoutofit. OhdamnIforgotaboutthat,Bridgetuttered,staringather.I stilldontknowwhyyoudidntsellthething. My dad gave me that car as a going away present, Layla answered.IwasntabouttoletTucruinthatmemoryforme.Shemight havelethimruinherdreamsoftheirfuturetogether,buthewasnttaking everythingawayfromher. Youre right. He doesnt deserve all that extra attention anyway. He has probably slithered back under the rock he came from. Bridget laughed. Laylajoinedinonthelaughterwithherfriend,butshedidntfeelit atall.Shewantedtobeinloveagainwithamanwhowouldcareabout her and not continually lie to her face. After the way Tuc lied to her for months,shedidntknowifshewantedanotherfailedrelationshiponher liferesume.

SpecialDeliverybyMarieRochelle

Hey,whatareyouandPaulgoingtobedoingforChristmas?she asked, cutting off Bridgets laugher. Plan to work on that baby some more?LaylaknewhowmuchBridgetandherhusbandwantedkids. AredblushstainedBridgetspeachesandcreamcomplexion.Paul wantstohaveababyreallybadsoIthinkmostofourtimewillbespent inthebedroom,sheconfessedwithasmile. Well, I hope Santa Claus brings you the gift you want, Layla answered,alittleenvious.ShedidntwanttobejealousofBridget,butshe wasjustalittle. Hey,whatsthelongfacefor?Bridgetquestioned. How do you tell your best friend you wanted the loving caring man she has in her life? She had been waiting for the right man to come along for years now and she was tired of it. Just thinking about how good your lifeisandhowIwantedthatformyself. Whyareyousohardonyourself?Bridgetmumbled,rollingher eyes. Youre drop dead gorgeous. Its only a matter of time before the rightmanfallsinlovewithyou. Sure it is, Layla muttered, switching her computer back on. I better get back to work. I still have a pile of forms to enter into the computer. Markmywords,Bridgetsaid.Youllbeinloveagainbeforethe Christmasseasonisover.

 ChapterTwo
Mr.Scott,areyousureaboutthis?NormanPeercypusheduphiswireframed glasses, staring at the man across the huge oak desk. The Christmas holiday is the busiesttimeoftheyearforyou. Yes, Im positive about this and I dont like that you questioned my decision, Norman, Preston Scott barked, slamming his account book shut. I have made everyone work through Christmas for the past two years and it hasnt been fair to them. Butitscrazytoletthepeoplewhoveworkedforyouoverayeartohavetwo weeksoff,Normancountered.Howwillwegetalltheinternetordersfilledintime? Itsnot likeeveryonewillbeoffduring that time.Prestonsighed, tossing his readingglassesonhisdesk.Illstillhaveahundredorsopeopleworking,fillingthe onlineorders. Hehatedthathisassistantalwaysdisagreedwithhim.ButNormanwasloyal,a hard worker and he couldnt ask for someone with more attention to detail. The companywouldgounderwithoutNorman. Doyouknowwhatthismeanstoyou? Normans nasal whine was adding to Prestons alreadytested patience. No, whatinthehelldoesitmeantome?Hisangerathisfriendofthepasttwelveyears wasincreasingand,whenheroared,Normandrewback. Judith will also getthattimeoff andyoure going to needsomeone to replace her. PrestonhatedJudithwouldntbeworkingathisside.Shewasthemostcapable administrativeassistanthehadinthepastfiveyears,but,liketherestofhislongtime employees,shedeservedthattimeoff.Atfiftyfour,sheseemedmorelikeamotherto himthananassistant.

She can take this time off and visit her new grandchild. He sighed. Just go down to the sixth floor and grab one of the girls from there. Allof them have college degreesandshouldbeabletotakeherplacefortwoweeks. Normansmouthgapedopenedindismay.Areyousureaboutthat?Icancalla tempagencyandtheycansendsomeonewhosmorequalified. Prestonpickeduphisglassesandshovedthembackonhisface.No,Ionlyneed some typing done and a few account balances doubled check. One of the girls from downtherewillbejustfine.Hell,heonlywantedthisholidaytopassquicklylikeit alwaysdidforhim. Okay, Ill go and tell the employees so they can get on the roads before the snowhits,Normanmuttered,standingup. Preston laughed. Norman, we arent going to get that blizzard. It has been promisedforthelasttwoyearsandnothinghashappened. Ifyousayso,Preston,Normananswered,headingforthedoor. Hey, who are you going to send up hereto replace Judith? Preston asked. I shouldknowhername. LaylaSinclairisthemostqualifiedoutofthewomandownstairsintheaccounts department. After I get done telling the others they can leave, Ill send her up here. Normanturnedonhisheelandstrodeoutthedoor. ***** Layla sat behind her desk fuming as she listened to Preston Scotts advisor tell everyone in the room but her they had two weeks off for the upcoming holiday. She wantedtostandupandtellNormanPeercywherehecouldspendhisholidaybutshe neededthisjobtoobad.Itpaidmorethanherlasttwojobscombined. Layla,Imsosorry,Bridgetwhispered,grabbingherpurseoffthebackofher chair.Iknewhowmuchyouwantedtogetofftospendtimewithyourfamily.Ican staywithyouuntilitstimeforyoutogetoff.Paulisatworkuntilfouroclock. Theresnoneedforthat,Ms.Newcomb,Normansaid.Mr.Scottwantstosee LaylaupstairsinhisofficeafterImfinisheddownhere. Why?Laylaasked.Whatdidherbosswantwithhernow?Washegoingto terminatehertoherface?Thathadtobetheonlyreasonsheshadntbeenincludedin the new holiday schedule. She didnt believe that seniority crap he was tossing everyoneelsesway.Hewasgoingtofireherandwantedtodoitintheprivacyofhis expensive office. Someone must have told him what she said about him being an asshole. Ill call you later, Bridget, she said, rising from her chair and moving past Norman. 7

Ms.Sinclair,ifyouwant,Icangowithyou,Normanyelledatherbackasleft theroom. Dont worry about it. I know my way to the top floor. I dont need anyone to hold my hand, she thought as she pushed the button for the top floor and got into the elevator. ***** AknockonthedoordrewPrestonsattentionawayfromthespreadsheetonthe computer.Hereallywisheditwastimeforeveryonetogohomesohecouldgetthelast of the paperwork done. There was a pitcher of eggnog in his refrigerator calling his name.Taking hisglassesoff,hepinchedthebridge of his nose, hopingthe personon theothersideofthedoorwouldgoaway,buttheknockingcontinued. Hell,maybeitwassomeonefinallycomingtogetthelunchtrayhecalledabout two hours ago. This would be the last time he ordered food from the new restaurant across the street. He loved Italian food and the meal lived up to all the wonderful reviews,buttheserverstillhadntcomeandgottenthetray. Placing his glasses back on his face, Preston glanced back at the computer and yelled. Come in. The doors unlocked. He heard the door open, but he didnt pay much attention to who came into the room until a low female murmur caught his attention. Mr.Scott,didyouwanttoseeme? Prestonglancedupandhiseyesfrozeonthewomaninfrontofhim.Heguessed shewasntolderthanthirty,maybeafewyearsyounger.Aburgundyvnecksweater stretched across her full breasts and over white slacks that enhanced a narrow waist. Therichnessofthesweaterhighlightedthedarkbeautyofherskinmakinghimwantto reach out and touch it. It reminded him of perfectly melted chocolatethe kind you pouredoverhotfudgesundaesasakid. Prestons gaze wandered over the exquisite vision in front of him because he didnt know what to say. Her body wasnt slim but perfectly proportioned like a womansbodyshouldbe. Excusemedidyouhearme?sheaskedagain,drawinghisattentionbackto hernaturallyfulllips. Shakinghimselfoutofhisdaze,hestaredintohercoffeebrowneyes.No,Im sorry.Couldyourepeatwhatyousaid? Thecutieinfrontofhimtriednottorollhereyes,butdidntquitesucceed.He stifled the laugh boiling up inside. It had been a very long time since a woman had madehimwanttolaughwithinfivesecondsofenteringtheroom. Takingadeepbreath,shestareddirectlyintohiseyesandsaid,Mr.Scott,you wantedtoseeme? 8

Yeah,hesuredidwanttoseeher,butprobablynotinthewayshewasthinking. Yes, I had called several times about the tray, he said, pointing to the silver trayattheedgeofhisdesk.Thefoodwasdelicious,butIwishithadnttakensolong foryoutocomeandgetthat.Hesighed,turningbacktothecomputer,butnotbefore hesawherfrownatthetraythenlookbackathim. Imnotheretogetthattray,shesaid. Preston sighed and swung his eyes back over the woman who hadnt moved fromherpositioninfrontofhisdesk.Ifyouarentheretogetthetray,thenwhyare youhereinmyoffice? The womans beautiful face hardened with her displeasure and her voice snappedwithdisdain.ImLaylaSinclair.Mr.PeercysentmeupheretoreplaceJudith. But I can tell youre going to have a problem with his decision. So I will leave and someoneelsecanhavethehonor. Sheturnedonherheelandstrodetowardthedoor. No!Wait,PrestonyelledafterLayla.

 ChapterThree
Swallowingdownherretort,Laylapausedinthemiddleofthethickcarpetand spunbackaroundto facehim.Shereallydidntcaremuchforhimatthe moment.It wasbadenoughhehadntallowedhertwoweeksofflikeeveryoneelse.Buthehadto takeitonestepfurtherandinsultherbythinkingshewasadeliveryperson.Couldthis daypossiblygetanyworseforher?Hadshedonesomethinginapastlifetogetstuck withajerklikePrestonScott? Yes,sir?Shetriedtokeephervoicecalm.Istheresomethingelseyouwanted tosaybeforeIleft? Layla waited while Mr. Scott shut down his computer and tossed his gold rimmed glasses down on his desk. They looked far too expensive to be just thrown acrossadesk. Idontthinkhehasanotheroption,Prestonsaid.Soyourestruckwithme. Are you positive? Im sure someone has more experience than I do. She thought she might be doomed but she tossed it out, hoping Mr. Scott could think of someone,anyone. Preston shook his head at her. If there were a more qualified person, Norman wouldnt have sent you up here. So, like I said, we are chained to each other for the Christmasholiday. Wonderful,shethought.ExactlythepresentIvealwayswantedtheGrinchwhostole Christmasalltomyselffortwoweeks. Tryingtoshakeoffherbadmood,Laylaforcedahalfsmileonherface.Where do you want to start, Mr. Scott? Is there anything you want done first? she asked, tryingherbesttosoundrespectful. Cockinghisheadtotheside,PrestonScottcamearoundhisdesk,continuingto stareather.Hisdarkgray,greenfleckedeyesranthelengthofherbodythenpinned hers with a curious expression. Why dont you want to work with me? Have I done somethingtoyoubesidesthatearliermistake? 11

Laylaranherbosssquestionsoverinhermind.Howdidshetellthemanwho signed her checks she thought he was praised way too much by his employees? And howcouldshetellhimheshouldputastoptothefemaleemployeesdiscussinghimall thetimeinthebreakroom?Ofcoursenowthatshedactuallyseenhim,shewasstarting to understand. When she had walked through the door and caught a glimpse of him bentoverthecomputerandseenallthatgorgeoussemiwavydarkhair,shehadbeen caughtheroffguard. In addition she couldnt help but notice his movements were selfassured and how his wellmuscled body strained against the dark green shirt he was wearing. Damn, whyd she have to say he belonged in Playgirl before she came uphere? Now shecouldntgettheimagesofhisnakedbodyinacenterfoldspreadoutofhermind. Blinking a few times, she cleared her head and lied. I just feel we shouldnt worktogetherforthenexttwoweeks.Ithasnothingtodowithyou.Itsme.Shehad tofindawayoutandawayfromthepowerfullyhandsomePrestonScott.Bridgetwas right!Hewaseverythingshehadbeenlookingforinaman. Slidinghishandsintohispockets,hewalkedawayfromherandstaredoutthe window.IfyouthinkImgoingtomakeapassatyou,pleasedontworryaboutthat. ImstillinlovewithmyexwifeandIwantherback.Prestontossedheraglanceover hisback. Feelingtheshameofembarrassmenttouchhercheek,Layladidntcommentfor afewseconds.Thatneverreallycrossedmymind,Mr.Scott,butImgladwegotthat outoftheway.Sincewearebothonthesamepagenow,howaboutwegooveryour agendaandseewhereIcangetstarted. Youcangetstartedbygoinghomeandgettingyourclothespacked,Mr.Scott said,turningbackaroundandfasteningherwithhisgorgeouseyes. Clothespacked?Whatinthehellwashetalkingabout?Sir,Idontunderstand. WhydoIneedtopackclothestoworkwithyou? IthoughtyougotachancetotalktoNormanbeforeyoucanupheretoseeme. Mr.Scottwalkedbackovertohisdeskandretookhisseat. No,IleftthesecondhetoldmeIhadtoworkasyourpersonalassistant.Ididnt givehim a chanceto tell meanything else. Wastheresomething elsethatIneeded to knowabout?Shemovedclosertothedesk.Fromthewaythisconversationwasgoing, shedidntthinkshewasgoingtobepleasedwithMr.Scottsansweratall. We arent going to spend the two weeks working from my office. Preston reachedforanotepadandscribbledsomeinformationacrossit.Shewatchedashetore the sheet of paper off and placed it on his desk. Theres the address to my house outside of town. I expect you to be there in an hour and no later. We are going to be workingfromthereforthenexttwoweeks. Laylas mouth dropped opened as she stared down at the perfect masculine handwritingonthetansheetofpaper.Shecouldnthaveheardhimcorrectly.Nowshe 12

knew there had to be something in the air. Preston Scott, the CEO of Director Enterpriseshadnotjustsaidshewasgoingtobespendingthenextfourteendaysathis house.Whyinthehelldidtheworldhatehersomuch?Whathadshedonetodeserve this? IdontHisdeeptimberedvoiceinterruptedher,buthedidntlookupfrom hisdesk. Ms. Sinclair, before you tell me no, you should know youll be getting paid twicethesalaryyoudodownstairs. GoodGod!Shecouldbuythatnewbedroomsetshehadbeeneyeingatthatnew furniturestoretwoblocksfromherhouse.Plusshecouldsendherparentssomemore to help redecorate the kitchen. All that extra money would come in very handy right nowandshewasntabouttoletherpridestandintheway.Snatchingthepaperoffthe desk,shesliditintoherpocketandheadedforthedoor. Youcanexpecttoseemeinanhour,Mr.Scott.Laylasaidassheopenedthe door. I thought I would, Preston Scott answered before sheclosedthe door behind her. ***** Dontyoustartwithme,Bridget,Laylautteredassheshovedanothersweater intohersuitcaseonthebed.IfhehadntofferedmethathugebonusIwouldhavesaid noandstormedoutofhisoffice. No,youwouldnthave.Bridgetlaughedbackatheroverthespeakerphone. Youknowyourkneesstartedknockingthesecondyoulaideyesonthatyummyman. Layla shook away the sudden vision of licking whip cream off Preston Scotts washboard abs. She wasnt going to let Bridget know she had already started fantasizingaboutPreston.Healreadytoldmehewasstillinlovewithhisexwifeand thathewantedherback.Doesthatsoundlikeamanlookingforalittlechocolateloving ontheside? SheheardBridgetssighontheotherendofthephoneandknewherfriendhad just rolled her eyes too. You cant honestly take that comment seriously, sweetie, Bridgetutteredwithahintofhersouthernaccentcomingout.Ifhewasntattractedto you,hewouldnthaveeversaidit. LaylacouldntbelieveBridgethonestlythoughtPrestonScott,thefounderofone of the most successful mail order catalog websites, wanted her. Her best friend was high on eggnog or something. Preston had made it clear he wanted her to know her placeandhowtostayinit. Youresucharomanticthatitisntfunny,sheexclaimed.Whatdoyouthink happened?ThatPrestonfellinlovewithmethesecondoureyesconnected? 13

Bridget laughed. Hey, dont get that tone with me, missy. Didnt Paul fall in lovewithmetheinstanthesawme? Didhelaterconfesshehadtoomanydrinksthatnight?shetossedbackwitha giggle. LaylaVictoriaSinclair,Imhurtyouwouldsaythattome,Bridgetmuttered, trying not togiggleagain.Paulwasntdrunkthenightwefellinlove.Hewasstone coldsober. Layla added more clothes to her suitcase. Oh, thats right. He got drunk the nightoftheweddingafterherealizedthemistakehemadewhenhetookonyouand thatcrazycatofyours. Porkchopisntcrazy,Bridgedenied.Hesaverysweetkitty. Honey,theonlythingthatcatwilleatisbakedporkchops.Dontyoufindthat strange?Shouldntthosethingsmakehimsickorsomething? Ivetriedgivinghimcatfoodandhewonttakeit.SoIgivehimwhathewants andnowPauldoesthesamething.Heevenboughthimaplasticporkchopasatoy. ShedidntknowwhattosaytoBridgetafterthatcomment.Shelovedherfriend dearly, but Bridget was a little goofy sometimes. Still, she wouldnt trade her for anythingintheworld. Now, if you need me, call me on my cell phone since I dont have Mr. Scotts phonenumber. Oh,Idontthinkyoullwanttohearmyvoiceinthenexttwoweeks,Bridget whispered. Bridget, how many times do I have to tell you not to go there with me? Mr. Scott is mybossand thisisabusinessrelationship.Nothingis going tohappen.The moment the words left her lips, Layla felt a tingle of disappointment because, for an olderman,Prestonwasfineashell. Well,Iwouldpacksomecondomsjustincase. OnthatnoteImendingthisphonecall,Laylasaid,walkingovertothephone byherbed.YouhavefunwithPaulsoIcanbeagodmother. Bridgetgotoutonemoreteasingcommentbeforeshecoulddisconnectthecall. Idontknow.Ifthingsgoright,Imightevenendupbeingagodmothertoyourchild firstifyouletMr.Scottseduceyouoveracupofhotcoffee.Laughing,Bridgethung up. Layla couldnt control the burst of laughter that came from her mouth at Bridgets final comment. She had stopped trying to figure out how her friends mind workedawhileago.Shejustenjoyedhavingheraroundbecauseanytimesheneededa laugh,Bridgetwastheretohelpherout. She checked one more time to make sure she had all the things she needed for theminibusinessvacation.ShehadnoideawhyPrestonScottwouldwanttoconduct businessfromhishomeandwhyheneededher24/7todoit.Wouldntitbeeasieron 14

thebothofthemifshejustdrovethereandbackeveryday?Didshereallyneedtobe under the same roof as him? Plus Bridgets comments about how hot he was wasnt helpingextinguishtheflareofexcitementshefelttowardhim. If she had to guess, she thought he might be in his late thirties or early forties, buthecouldgivesometwentyyearoldsarunfortheirmoneywiththathardbodyof his. She didnt have to touch it to know how good it would feel. Prestons whole demeanorprovedhepridedhimselfonkeepinghisbodyinshapeandhewasdoinga hellofajob. Dontyou letBridgetgetinto yourhead,Layla scoldedherself, dragging her suitcase off the bed. Preston Scott is your boss and nothing else. He only wants to workwithyou,notgetatasteofyourkittycat.Hell,shecouldntrememberthelast timeamanwantedtogetallhotandsweatywithher. Turning off the lights in her bedroom, Layla made her way downstairs. She pausedbythephoneandmadeaquickcall,tellingherparentsandbrothershowtoget intouchwithherincaseofanemergency. Okay,Icandothis.Mr.ScottismybossandImonlygoingtheretoworkwith him.HedoesntseemeinaromanticlightandIwontlethimseethewantinmyeyes. Tryingtoconvinceherself,Laylatossedeverythingintothebackseatofhercarandgot in.Asshesettled,shetookafewminutestoenjoythesteadysnowfall.Maybewewill getthatnicesnowfalltheweathermanpredictedlastweek.Laylastartedhercarthen droveoff.

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 ChapterFour
PrestonaddedanotherlogtothefirewhilehewaitedforLaylatoshowupathis home.Hestillwonderedwhyhedecidedtoworkfromhishouseinsteadofhisoffice withhisattractivenewassistant.Hehadheardthegossipintheoffice.Shedidntlike him and thought he was a tyrant when it came to office politics. What she didnt understandwashecouldntlethisemployeesrunwildwhenitcametohismoney. Director Enterprises was an excellent company for anyone to work for and the benefits package could keep any of his people living quite well after retirement. Howeveriftheymissedtoomuchorslackedoffonthejob,whyshouldhekeepthem employed?Heonlywantedthebestandthebrightestworkingforhimandhewasnt about to settle for anything less. Glancing at his watch, he noticed that the hour deadlinehedgivenLaylawasalmostoverandthesnowwasfallingalotheaviernow thanitwastenminutesago. Preston was concerned she might have missed the side turn from the highway that led to his house. It was hard to see on a good day and, with the snow making it harder to see, she could be lost. He wanted to get the three accounts done over the holiday break but not if it was going to get someone else hurt. The snow was a big surprise to him. The last he heard the weather stations hadnt mentioned this much snowwouldbecoming. Ibettergocheckonher.Hercarcouldbestuckonthehighway.Movingaway fromthefire,hepickedhiskeysupoffthetableasheheadedtothedoor.Hewasabout tounlockitandgooutsidewhenthedoorbellrang. Heswungthedooropenandfoundaverycute,snowcoveredLaylafrowningat him. Why didnt you tell me about that darn side turn? I went past it twice before I noticedit,sheasked,brushingsnowfromherhair. Sorry, I forgot to write it down on the directions that I gave you, Preston muttered, movingback soLaylacouldcomeinside. Here let mehave that. He took thesuitcase. 18

WhenLaylawasinside,heclosedthedoorandplacedthesuitcaseonthefloor. Would you liketoseeyourroomorget a cupofhot chocolatefirst?Ican addsome whipcreamtoitifyoulike. PrestonwonderedwhyLaylaseyesgrewwiderwhenthewordswhipcreamleft his mouth. Was she allergic to it or something? Ms. Sinclair, are you okay? He reachedouttotouchherarmandashotofelectricityrippeduphisarmcausinghimto drophishands. Yes, Im fine, she whispered, rubbing the spot his hand had just touched. I thinkIdliketofreshenupwhileyoumakemethathotchocolate. All right, if you follow me, Ill show you to your room. Its at the end of the hallway.Itsrightbelowmybedroomupstairs.Heheardthewordscomingfromhis lips but was wondering why he was thinking of other ways to warm up Ms. Sinclair besidesahotdrink. Inside the room, Preston set Laylas luggage by the closet and she wandered aroundtheroom,takingeverythingin.Helikedhowshelookedinhishome.Shedidnt look out of place like his exwife always did, but he wanted Heidi back in his life. MaybeaftertheChristmasholidayhecouldtalkherintospendingtheNewYearwith him.Apartofhimstillfeltthingswerentoverbetweenhimandhisexwife. Doyouneedtocallanyoneandletthemknowyourehere?heasked. Shaking herhead,Laylalookedinsidetheclosetbythewindow.No,Ivetold everyone that needed to know where Im spending my Christmas holiday. Layla closedtheclosetdoor.IdontexpectanythingtohappenbutItoldthemtocallmeon mycellphoneifsomethingdid.Ihopethatisntaproblem?Herglancelandedonhim fromacrosstheroom. Once again he couldnt get the idea of how perfect Layla looked in this room withhimoutofhismind.Itwasalmostlikehishousehadbeenwaitingforherallof theseyears.Rubbinghishandacrossthebackofhisneck,Prestonwonderedwhathad gottenintohim.Hewasactinglikesomeschoolboynoticingawomanforthefirsttime. Hewouldbefortyinafewdays,sohewasalreadyafullgrownman,butsomething aboutLaylamadehimwanttorelivehisyouth. No,thatisntaproblematall,hemuttered. Good. Im glad that it isnt, Layla replied, coming across the room to get her suitcaseoffthefloor.LetmechangeoutoftheseclothesandIllbeouttheresowecan getstartedonthoseaccounts. Allright,Prestonanswered.Whenyourefinished,Illbeinthekitchenatthe veryendofthehallway.HegaveLaylaonelastlook,thenstrodetothedoorandwent out. Outside in the hallway, Preston rested his back against the wall and wondered howhewasgoingtobeabletoworkwithLaylaandnotgetturnedon.Shehadsmelled so damn good when she walked inside and her scent was so uniquea mixture of 19

peppermintcandyandwoman.Her nippleshad been rock hardand straining against thethinfabricofhersweater.Hehadalmostreachedoutandpulledonebetweenhis fingersjusttogetafeelofthem.Whatwaswrongwithhim?Howcouldhewanttoget back with his exwife and in the same thought speculate what Layla would look like stretchedacrosshisbedupstairs?

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 ChapterFive
Standinginsidetheofficesopendoorway,LaylawatchedPrestonworkawayat thelaptop onthetop ofhismapledesk.Shewasstillwrapping hermindaroundthis veryunusualsituation.Inherbossshouseforfourteendays.PrestonScottwasavery handsome man. He probably had an address book full of women willing to suck his toesforanightinhishomeandbed. So,whywashespendingalloftheChristmasholidaywithher?Didhenotknow how to treat a woman right? Was that why he had an exwife instead of a wife? She wasreallyblownawaythatPrestondidntseemtocareastrangerwasherewithhim. Hmmmaybetherewassomeunderlyingfactorshecouldfindoutabout.Shereally enjoyedlearningwhatmadepeopletick. Miss Sinclair, if youre done sizing me up, do you mind coming in here? Prestonsaidwithoutlookingupfromhiscomputer. Busted! Sorry,sir,Iwasjustwonderingwhyyoudwanttospendyourholidaywitha stranger. Surely you have family? A girlfriend? Layla mused coming into the room. The fire made the room all nice and cozy. The window to the left of Mr. Scotts desk gaveheraclearviewofthesnow,whichcontinuedtofallatasteadypace.Itmadeher homesickevenmore. Why didnt you turn down my offer? Youre an attractive young woman. Surely you had some kind of plans? Preston inquired as his eyes shot up and held hers,waitingforananswer.Herestedhiselbowonthedesktopandstaredatherwith anintensitythatmadeherwanttosquirm,butshedidnt.Isnttheresomeyoungman youwanttosneakunderthemistletoe? Imswearingoffmenforawhile,notthatitsanyofyourbusiness,Mr.Scott, she answered. Why would she be telling her boss this? They didnt have that kind of relationship. Hell, they had only known each other for a total of three, maybe four, hourstops. 22

AdarkmasculineeyebrowarchedwhileonesideofPrestonsmouthkickedup, poppingoutadeepdimple.Swearingoffmen.isntthatalittlemuchforsomeoneas youngasyou?heinquired.Whathappened?Badboyfriendexperience?Didhecheat onyou?Orwashenotattentiveenoughtoyourneeds? Frowning, Layla crossed her arms over her breasts and glared at her boss, movingaroundthedesk.Whatswithallthequestions?Areyouaskingsoyoucanfill that spot in my life? She tossed it out, enjoying the shocked looked that passed over Prestonsfacebeforeherecoveredandmanagedtoconcealit. She stood perfectly still as Prestons eyes ran the length of her body. His stare started with her eyes and slowly worked its way down until it landed at her boot covered feet.Shetriedto keepher pulse from racing,but her bodynevergot that hot fromjustalook.Oh,Prestonwassexywithoutevenaconsciousthought.Shewasgoing tobeinalotoftroubleforthenexttwoweeks,especiallyifhelookedatherthatway again. As good as your offer may sound, Miss Sinclair, Im still in love with my ex wifeandImgoingtotrytogetherbackassoonasIcan.Prestonleanedbackinhis chair. Her breath caught in her throat whenhis amazing eyeslingeredonher breasts longer than they should have. For a man who wanted to get his exwife back so bad, Prestonwasshowingalotofinterestinherassets. Layla silently scolded herself for thinking the great Preston Scott would be interestedinmorethananemployeeandemployerrelationshipandshevowednotto make that mistake again. If the great Preston Scott only wanted to see her as his assistantthenthatshowshewouldplayittoo.Shewasntthathardupyetthatshe hadtothrowherselfataman. Sheignoredthepaininherchestasherbosssstatementfinallysettledin.Well, thatswonderfulbecauseIdontdateorlustforanymanjustbecausehesaroundme. ShefelldownintheemptychairnearnexttoPrestonandstaredatthefiguresonthe screen.Allbusiness.Shewouldkeepitallbusiness. As she leaned closer to the monitor, Layla tried to block out the spicy scent of Prestonscologneasitmingledwiththenaturalsexyscentofhim.Itwouldntworkif shecontinuedlookingathiminapotentialrelationshiplight.Hewantedherthinking abouthimandshewouldkeepfromdoingthatuntilherjobwascompleted. Whats first, boss? she asked, waving toward the wireless computer that probablycostmorethansixmonthsofhersalary. ***** Preston was still trying to calm down his temper from that comment. Hell, he knew he was older than her, but not by that much. He almost jerked that tight little 23

bodyofhersintohisarmsjusttoprovehowmuchofadistractionhecouldbe.Shit,he knewhelookedbetterthanmostoftheyoungexecutivesthatworkedinhisoffice.He frownedandstolealookoveratLayla.Wasthatthekindofmanthatshewentforthe Brad Pitts and Tom Cruises of the world? He thought she would be more into the maturewellestablishedmales. The spunky woman next to him came off too selfassured to want a boy with breast milkstillonhis breath. Ifhedidnt want Heidibackinhislife, Layla wouldnt standachanceagainsthischarm.Well,hehadhopedshewouldfindhimattractive,but thatglareshetossedhimearlierindicatedshemightnot. Did you hear what I asked you? Laylas question drew his eyes back to her perfectlyformedlips.Hewouldsellhalfhisstockforaquicktaste,butwasntaboutto tryit.Notafterwhathesaidtoher.Maybelaterhecouldsneakaquicknibble. Yes, I heard you, he answered moving his chair closer to hers. We need to make sure the printout from marketing matches all the number in the computer, Prestonsaid,hismouthinchesawayfromLaylascutelittleear. Doyouhavetheprintoutwithyou?sheaskedwithoutlookinginhisdirection. Her eyes were staring at the monitor as her finger pointed toward the screen as if lookingformistakes. Heknewhehadupsetherwithhiscommentsandshewasavoidingmakingeye contact with him. Preston wondered what Layla would do if he licked the delicious piece of skin exposed by her sweater. Ever since she sat down, the pink sweater kept slidingoffherleftshoulder.Itwaslikeagameofpeekaboo. Heresthefolder,Prestonsaid.Hegrabbedthemanilafolderoutoftheblack trayattheendofhisdesk.HesatitatLaylassideandcontinuedtoenjoythesexyscent ofherperfume. Preston wondered if her smooth milky chocolate skin tasted as sweet as it looked.Howmanylickswouldittaketogettohertastyessence?Hedheardmenin theofficetalkingaboutherhipsandtouchableass,butheneverdreamtshewouldbe thisstunning. He watched while she went over the figures on the computer and compared themtothepapersinthefolder.Heenjoyedhowherhairbrushedagainstthesideof her cheek. Somehow, in his mind, it added a strength to her that didnt lessen her femaleappeal.Assheleanedforward,apieceofbangfellacrossherforehead,making herevensexier. Swallowinghard,Prestonstartedtosquirminhisseatashiscockgrewstiffand hard against the front of his pants. Heidi could arouse him pretty quickly with a few kisses,buthehadnevergottenhardjustfromlookingather.Oh,LaylaSinclairwasone dangerouslittlepackage.Itwasagoodthingshewasengrossedinworking,because,if she turned and looked at him right now, there was no way she wouldnt see the unabasheddesireinhiseyes. 24

She disturbed him in every possible way. His gaze roved over Laylas body slowlyashetriedtodeterminewhatpartofherwascausingthetinglinginthepitofhis stomach.Buthecouldntfigureitoutbecauseeverysmoothrichmilkchocolateinchof herlookeddelectable. Boss, whatdo Ido whenIfindnumbersthat arent adding up?Laylaasked. Shewascheckingthenumbersoffonasheetofpaper.Iseeatleastfournumbersthat arentright. HedidntlikehowshewouldntcallhimanythingbutSir,BossorMr.Scott.For some reason he didnt know he wanted his given name to come from Laylas mouth. Firstthingyoucandoisstopcallingmeboss.Prestonsighed,movingaroundinhis chair,stilltryingtorelievetheerectionthatwasbotheringhim.Itmakesmesoundme meanandold. Laughing, Layla peeked over her shoulder at him causing her sweater to slip further.WhydoyouthinkIsaidit?sheasked.IcallitasIseeit.Shewinkedathim thenturnedherattentionbacktothecomputer. Preston eased closer until his chin could brush the side of Laylas cheek. He quicklybitbackamoanatthefirsttouchofherskinagainsthis.Damn,itwasntright for a womanbesides Heidi tomake hisbodythrob likethis. Youre cute, butIdont think you should be flirting with me. Like I said earlier, Im not trying to be the next maninyourbed.Ididntinviteyouuphereforarollinthesack.Heslidbacksohe couldnt kiss her and ruin his own speech. Save that sexual frustration for someone whowantstohelpyourelieveit,butthatisntgoingtobeme. Hell,ifyoukeeptellingyourselfthat,youmightstarttobelieveit. ***** Laylafocusedontheaccountnumbersflashingbackatherfromthecomputeras Prestontoldheronceagainhowmuchhewasntattractedtoher.Shedidntdarelook himinthefacebecauseshecouldntlethimseethehumiliationonhers.Whywasshe always flirting with men who never saw her in the same light? All she ever did was focus on having a man around her. Had she become so desperate that her stuffy old bosswaslookinggoodtoher?Hermindcontinuedtotaunther. YouknowPrestonmaybestuffy,butwhenyouwerestaringathisbodyearliertheword oldwasntinyourthoughts. Turningawayfromthemonitor,shewipedhersweatypalmsdownthefrontof herjeansandpulledhersweaterbackonhershoulder.Sheswallowedacoupleoftimes todislodgetheembarrassmentthatseemedstuckinherthroat.Mr.Scott,Iapologize for my behavior. I shouldnt have talked to you like that. She forced herself to make eyecontact.Ipromiseitwonthappenagain. 25

Fromthecornerofhereye,shenoticedanotepadonthedesk.Sheglancedaway fromPrestonandpickeditup.Shethoughtshesawalookofdisappointmentcrosshis attractivefeatures.Laylagrabbedapenbythesideofthemonitorandlookedbackat herboss.ItwillbebusinessfromnowonuntilIleave.Sohowdoyouwantmetostart fixingthoseincorrectnumbersinthecomputer? LaylaprayedMr.Scottoverlookedhowhertongueflappedandallowedherto keepherjob.Notforthefirsttimeinherlife,shehopedhermouthhadntgottenherin aworldoftrouble.

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 ChapterSix
Printingoutthelastoftheinventoryreports,PrestonwatchedLaylamakeneat stacksoftheotherreportsafewfeetinfrontof him.Hetold hertwodaysagonotto worry about her outburst. It wasnt going to get her fired. Secretly, he liked that she stood up to him. So many of his employees felt the need to agree with him on every point that he made, it was so refreshing to have a difference of opinion around him especiallybysomeonewhowasntNorman. Sometimes he wondered if his employees thought he was a tyrant for making themworklonghoursandeveryotherweekend.Mostofthemonlygottimeofffora deathinthefamilyorthebirthofachild.Itwasusuallyhardtoletmorethantwoof themoffatatime,sohejusthadntallowedanypersonaldaysunlesshegotaweeks notice. He was a rich, successful man. Maybe he should think about adding staff or rethinkinghisbusinesspractices. HeknewforafactNormanwouldntstillbewiththecompanyifitwasntforthe money.Hisrighthandwasaweasel,butwhenanythingneededdone,Normancould dowithoutblinkinganyeye.JustlastweekhehadwalkeduponNormanandtwoof histopexecutivestalkingaboutwhyHeidihadlefthim.Theyneverhadacluehewas listeningatthebreakroomdoorandheleftbeforehewasdiscovered. Hewasntgoingtosharehispersonalbusinesswithanyone.Theycouldgossip all they wanted. He knew why Heidi decided to divorce him. He had started making hisjobmoreimportantthanher.Despitethefactshelovedheworkedhardtomakethe extra money for them, she still wanted to be the center of attention and he stopped doingthatforher.Nowthathehadhisheadonstraight,hewasgoingtogetherback. He had so much more to offer than that other man. Once she understood that, she wouldberunningbackintohisarms. Onethingwasforsure.LaylawastotallydifferentfromHeidi.Hisexwifeloved thathepushedhisemployeestoworkhardandmakemoremoneyforthem.Layla,on theotherhand,thoughtheshouldleteveryoneoffwhenevertheyneededitandnotask 29

anyquestions.Shewantedhercoworkerstobeabletoenjoyanytimetheycouldget withtheirfamilies. HowcouldhetellapersonlikeLaylathathedidntknowhowtoactinafamily environment because he stayed in foster care until he turned eighteen? No family wanted the sedate boy who loved spending time reading comic books. No, all the familiesthatcametohisfosterhomeweremoreinterestedintheyoungchildrenwho lovedlaughingandplaying. Hedneverbeenluckyenoughtolearnhowtolove.Itprobablyhadabigimpact onbecomingthemanhewas.Heoftenwishedoneofthosehappycoupleshadtaken thetimetospeaktohim,toallowhimintotheirlives.Perhapshewouldhavebecomea differentman,abetterman. As the last sheet shot out of the printer, Preston picked up the final stack of papersandtookthemacrosstheroomtoLayla.Shehadbeenworkingsilentlyforover anhourandhethoughtitwaspasttimetheytalkedtoeachother. Therewassomethingaboutthetoneofhervoicehefoundsorelaxingevenwhen she was disagreeing withhim.Hefound such pleasure just being in her presence. He couldntdreamofwhatitwouldbeliketomakelovetothecaptivatingangelinfrontof him,buthewasgoingtodohisbesttofindout. Miss Sinclair, heres the rest of the document. He moved behind her so he couldsneakawhiffofherperfume.Shealwayssmelledsogood.Whateverlotionshe usedonherbodymingledwithherwomanlyscentandthecombinationkepthiscock hardforhours. Justaddthemtothestackattheendofthetable,shesaid,wavingherhandin theoppositedirection.IllgettothemassoonasIfinishthis.Spinningaround,Layla didntseemtocarehewasstandingsoclosetoherasshewentaroundhim.Whywould shethinkanythingaboutit?Thistimetheywerespendingtogetherwasonlybusiness toher.Laylawascluelesstohisinnerthoughts. Againsthisbetterjudgment,hisgazefollowedthelineofherbody,appreciating howherjeanshuggedeverythingintherightplaces.Heidiwassothinthatjeansnever seemedtolookrightonher,butLaylasbodylookedlikeitwaspouredintothoseapple bottomjeans.Helovedwhenawomanhadaniceass,becauseitmeanttherewouldbe somethingforhimtoholdontowhenhethrustinandoutofher. Whatwouldyoulikemetofixyouforlunch?heaskedasshemovedpasthim. Duringthelasttwodaystheyhadeatenlunchseparately,buthewantedtositdownat atableandlearnmoreabouthishouseguest. Pausingatthesideofthetable,Laylasdarkeyesgrewhugeasshestaredathim. Excuseme.Whatdidyoujustaskme?shewhispered. Smiling, he grabbed her arm and tugged her out of his study and toward the kitchen.Hewasveryhappywhenshedidntpullawayfromhim.Sheactuallyseemed happytofollowhim.Maybeitwasasignshedidntdislikehimasmuchashethought. 30

 ***** Inside the well stocked kitchen, Preston pulled a chair from the island and helped Layla take a seat. He loved how her eyes hadnt left his face since the study. Havingherdarkgazeonhimbroughthimasenseofpeace.Hefoldedhisarmsonthe marble island and leaned across until his mouth was within kissing distance of his stunninghouseguest. Nowthatweareinthekitchen,wouldyouliketotellmewhatyouwouldwant toeatforlunch?Prestonasked.HetracedhisfingeralongLaylasjawandwondered whatshewoulddoifhekissedher.Imakeameantunafishsandwich. ***** LaylabrushedPrestonshandawayfromhercheekandleanedbackinherseat. She didnt know what had gotten into her boss in the past forty eight hours, but she didnt want to catch it. He was looking at her like she was the Christmas present he wanted to find underneath his tree. He had made it pretty clear there would be no flirting under any circumstances. It had to stay strictly business between them while theywereunderthesameroof.So,whatwasheuptonow?Washisbedtoocoldlast nightandhewantedanicewarmbrownbodytokeepithotforhim? Whatswrongwithyou,Mr.Scott?sheasked,slidingoffthestool.Whyare youtouchingmyfaceandlookinglikeyouwanttolickitaswell?Laylabackedaway towardthedoor. Preston,hecorrected,advancinguponher. What?sheuttered.Shecontinuedmovinguntilthecounterbehindherhither back.Imnotfollowingyou. I want you to call me Preston, he answered. He boxed her in with his large bodyandleanedcloser.NotMr.Scott,Sir,oranyothernameyoumaythinkoftocall me.IwantthewomanImgoingtosleepwithtomoanno,screammynamewhenI bringhertothepeakofpleasure. She tilted her head back and stared into her bosss mesmerizing eyes, her own narrowingtostudyhim.WhatmakesyouthinkIstillwantyou?Shehopedshehad managedtousehermostdisinterestedvoice. This,Prestongrowled,reachingouttofondleahardnipplethroughherlight sweater.PlusIcansmellyourdesire.IknowifIslidmyhandinyourpantsandinto yourpantiesmyfingerswouldgetsoaked. Ohgod,hecantreallyknowthat.Howisthatpossible? Mortified,Laylaplacedherhandsonhischestandtriedtopushhimawayfrom her,buthewouldntmove.Pleasemoveoutofmyway. 31

Why? Preston asked while his finger still played with her nipple. Where do youwanttogo? ControllingtheneedtoleanbackonthecountertogivePrestonbetteraccessto herbreast,sheswallowedacoupleoftimesthenansweredherbosssquestion.Iwant topackmythingsandleave. Sorry,doll,youcantdothat,Prestonmurmured,movinghishandovertoher otherbreast.Heranhisnailacrossthehardtip,sendingshockwavesthroughherbody. Layla latched her hands at the side of the counter so she wouldnt wrap them around Prestons arms and beg him to take her where they stood. Shaking the crazy thoughtfromhermind,shefocusedherattentiononwhatPrestonjusttoldher. Why cant I leave? she questioned. You cant keep me prisoner here. She couldntstayhereorshemightendupdoingsomethingshewouldregretlikemaking lovetoherboss. Whenwasthelasttimeyoulookedoutthewindow?Prestonmurmuredashis handspulledhersweateroutofherjeans.Wearesnowedin.Icouldntletyouleaveif Iwantedto.

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 ChapterSeven
Whyshould Ibelieveyou?Laylaaskedas Prestons handseasedunderneath her sweater and his fingers started to rubher lower back. Damn it wasnt fair that he lookedthisdamngoodandknewhowtogiveakillermassagetoo.Maybeyourejust tellingmethissoIwonttrytoleavebeforeyougetmeintoyourbed. Doll,Idonthavetolietogetyouintomybedoranywherewemighthavesex whileyourehere.Prestonmovedhishandsfromherbacktothefrontofherpants.I wasjuststatingthefact.Hishandunsnappedthefrontofherjeans.AnotherfactisI wantyouanddontwasteyourbreathdenyingyouwantmetoo. Howdoyouknowthatitllbealie?shecountered,tryingtokeephercoolas sheglancedoverPrestonsshoulder.Shedidntwanthimtoreadtheneedinhereyes. She found a deep satisfaction in keeping her attraction to herself. It might do Preston somegoodnottohaveeverythinghewantedcomesoeasilytohim. Areyouchallengingmetoproveyouwrong?Prestonasked,slippinghishand insideherjeans. Sheglancedupathim,buthedidntgiveherachancetoanswerbeforeonelong finger stroked her juice covered panties. Groaning she spread her legs wider to give Preston more room. You dont play fair, Layla moaned as Preston removed his fingersfromherjeans. No one has ever accused me of being a fair man. Preston drew her shirt up overherbodyandtosseditonthecounterbehindthem.Icouldnthavemadeitasfar asIhavebeingfair. Grabbingherhands,Prestonplacedthemonhisshirt.Undressme,heordered as he undid the buttons at his wrist. Its a turn on for me to have a sexy woman removemyclothes. Hedidnthavetoaskhertwice,Laylathoughtassheslippedthefirstbuttonout ofPrestonsroyalblueshirt.Shehadbeenwaitingfordaystogetalookatthemuscles

34

strainingagainsthisshirts.Shemadequickworkoftherestofthebuttonsandshoved thefabricoffofPrestonswideshoulders. Prestondidntmoveandlethergetherfillofhim.Hestoodstilllikeamanwho knewhelookedgoodandwantedhertogetherpleasurefromit.DidPrestoneverlose controlwhenhemadelove?Ordidhetreatitasabusinessarrangementand,whenhe wasdone,sendthemontheirway? She wasnt about to let him sleep with her and then toss her to the side. She wanted the man in front of her and for more than the rest of the time they had left. LaylawantedPrestonScottforalifetime,becausehecompletedherlikenootherman everhad.Suretheattractionwasthere,buthemadeherthinkandwanttoaccomplish morewithherlife.Hehadshownherthathewasarealpersonunderthehardshellhe keptinplaceatwork.Shemighthavetoseducehisbodytowinhisheart,butshedidnt haveaproblemwiththat. Youreaveryhandsomeman,shemurmured,leaningforwardtoplantakiss in the middle of his chest. But Im sure that plenty of women have already told you that. Afew,heanswered,runninghisfingersthroughherhair.However,itsounds differentwhenitcomesfromyourlips. Inwhatway?sheasked.Shekissedherwayacrosshischestuntilshestopped at one hard male nipple. She blew at it a couple of times before wrapping her lips aroundit.Hishandstrokedherhair.Itwastheonlysignofencouragementhegaveso shetookit.Youalmostmademebelievethatyoumeanit,heanswered,cuppingthe backofherskullwithhispalm. Oh,Imeanit,shethoughtashermouthstartedtosuckatthetreatinhermouth. Shealwayshadathingforamansnipple.Shecouldneverresistsuckingatthem.Layla didnt flinch as Preston shoved his denim clad thigh between her legs. Wrapping her legsarounditsherodeitassheletgooftheleftnippleandmovedontherightone. Layla,youneedtostop,Prestongrowleddeepinhisthroat.Icanttakemuch moreofthis. ReleasingPrestonsnipple,Laylamovedherhandstothefrontofhisslacksand feltthehardbulgeabouttoburstfree.Oh,itdoeslooklikeyouhavealittleproblem here.Iwouldneverimagineyouwerepackingallofthisunderthosedesignersuitsthat you wear. Im very impressed, Mr. Scott. Unwrapping her legs from Prestons hard thigh,Laylaplantedherbodybackbetweenhislegs. Theres nothing little about what youre holding, Preston hissed as a bead of sweatsliddownthesideofhisface.Doyouwanttoseeforyourself? Tilting her head to the side, she stroked the hard erection pressing against her hand.Shehadtoadmititdidfeelawfulhugeinhersmallhands.ThatsachallengeifI everheardone.LaylagrinnedasshequicklyunsnappedPrestonspantsandpushed them down her bosss legs. She wasnt at all shocked to see he wasnt wearing any 35

underwear.Heseemedthekindofmanwhowouldprefertobeunhindered.However whatdidsurpriseherwasthethicklongcockstickingoutfromamassofthickhair. Laylaranherfingeracrossthetip,brushingthedropofmoistureacrossthetop. She drawled in a thick fake country accent. Mr. Scott, Im very impressed. I didnt thinkIwouldfindthis.IsthisanearlyChristmaspresentforme?Shestartedtomove herhandbackwhenPrestonshandshotoutandstoppedher. Dontstop.Iwantyoutotouchhimme.Hewhisperedasheclosedhiseyes andthrusthiscockintoherhand.Yourhandfeelssowarm. Ill do it on one condition, Layla murmured as she tried to wrap her hand aroundhisthicklength. Prestons eyes snapped open as his cock twitched inside her hand. She waited patientlyforhimtoaskhisquestion.Shedidntknowifhewouldagreetoherterms, butitwouldntkilleitheroneofthemifhedid.Herbossneededtoloosenupabitand shewasjustthewomantohelphimout. Whatisyourcondition?heasked. I dont want to hear about your exwife anymore while Im here unless I ask about her, Layla replied. Do you think you can do that? She brushed her thumb acrossthetipandgavehimanicefirmsqueezeforgoodmeasure.Hermouthsplitinto awidegrinwhenPrestonclosedhiseyesandmoaned. YesIagreetoyourcondition.IwontbringHeidiupanymoreunlessyouask abouther.Canyoupleasestoptorturingmeandhelpmewithmyproblem? I would love to, Layla replied as she let go of Prestons hard warmth. Go upstairsandgetnaked.Illberightbehindyou.

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ChapterEight
Prestonranthebackofhisknucklesoverherjaw.IwantyoutoknowIdontlet manywomentellmewhattodo.Imustwantyouprettybadtodothisforyou. Dontworryaboutit.Yourenotaloneinthis.Iwanttofeelyouinsideofme, Layla whispered, removing Prestons hand from her face. Its not every day that I fondleamaninhiskitchen. ShebackedupagainstthecounterasPrestonseyesnarrowedandhardenedas helookeddownather.Youbetternotmakeahabitoftouchinganothermanscockas longasyourewithme,hegrowled. LayladidntlikethetonePrestonwastakingwithher.Hedidnthaveanyclaims onherandwheredidhegetofftellingherwhatshecouldandcouldntdo?Howdo you know what I will want to do after tonight?she snapped, hotly. I havent heard anylongtermplanscomeoutofyourmouth.Anyway,wereonlyactingonthesexual tensionthathasbeenbuildingupsinceIwalkedintoyouroffice. Prestons slow grin made her stomach feel like butterflies lived there. I know that were attracted to each other and a one night stand isnt going to be enough for eitherofus.Hespunawayfromherandheadedtowardthedoor.Bytheway,youre right about the sexual tension back at work. When you walked into my office, I wonderedwhatyouwouldlooklikenaked. He paused at the door and winked at her before going out. Dont keep me waiting. Shit! Why did she have to go and get him all worked up? Preston kept pressingheruntilshepressedback.Nowshehadtwochoices.Shecouldeitherpretend thisconversationhadnthappenedandhideoutinherroomorshecouldgoupthose stairs and have the best night shed had in her thirty years. A good body didnt necessarily mean a good lover, but with the determination this man had, she thought shemightbeinforthetimeofherlife.

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Well,shedidwantalittlesomethingextrainherstockingthisyear,shethought assheleftthekitchenandheadedforPrestonsbedroomupstairs.Tonightmightgivea wholenewmeaningtothewordsChristmasBonus.Shehoped.

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 ChapterNine
LaylapausedoutsideofPrestonsclosedbedroomdoorandwonderedifshewas doingtherightthing.Hewasntthesamemanshehadmetinhisoffice.Hedidntmind asking her opinions about certain reports when he couldnt figure out a problem. His money and position were deceptive. He had such a sense of humor, joking and laughing constantly, and she had been shocked that so much fun could come from a manofsuchpower. Theygotalongsomuchbetterwitheach othernow.Whenshefirstcamehere, theyfoundwaystomakesnidecommentstoeachotheroravoidoneanotherwhenever possible. Now, they couldnt spend five minutes in the same room without finding a waytotoucheachother.Shewasntsurewhichonemellowedfirst,theonlythingthat matteredwasithappened. It was like in this place he was Preston Scott the man and not the founder of DirectorEnterprises.Thismancouldmakeherloseherheartifshewasntcarefuland keptitdeeplyburied.Nooneatworkcouldfindoutaboutthishappening.Shedidnt wanttobeoneofthewomenshetalkedaboutatworktheoneswhohadnocontrol whenitcametothemanontheothersideofthatdoor. Wasshemakingtherightdecision?Shouldshejustturnaroundandgobackto herroom?Shesuddenlywishedshehadneversuggestedtheycomeupstairstomake love. ***** Preston stood in front of his bedroom window and watched the snow as it blanketedhisentireproperty.HefeltbadaboutlyingtoLaylaearlieraboutthesnow.It wasntasbadashemadeherbelieve,buthecouldntletherleavewithoutfiguringout whyshewastheonlywomanwhomadehimwanttoforgethisexwife.Laylasdeep eyes made him want to think about starting a future with her. She didnt have a clue 40

howmuchhewantedtotakethingsfurtherdownstairsand,whenhersmallhandeased insidehispants,healmosteruptedandembarrassedbothofthem.Hewouldbeforty years old next week and that had never occurred with anyone else but her. Did she havesomeextrawomanlywilesthewomeninhispasthadbeenmissing?Surelyagirl thatwastenyearsyoungerthanhimcouldnthavethatkindofpower.Yet,herehewas standingnakedinfrontofthewindow,strokingthetipofhisstiffcockwithhisthumb untilshecametohim.Hearingthedooropenbehindhim,hespunaroundtofacethe womanhewantedtospendtherestofthedaylovinguntilneitheroneofthemcould stand. Preston,weneedtotalk,Laylasaid,thengaspedwhenhereyeslandedonhis erection.Ididntthinkyoureallywouldbenakedandwaitingforme. Isnt that what you told me to do? He strolled across the carpet until he had her back pressed against the door. I thought you wanted me hard and waiting. He fondledhernipplesthroughhersweater. OhLaylapurred,shovingherbreastagainsthishand.IdidIdo. Good.Hegrinned.Howaboutwegetyououtoftheseclothes?Prestontook offLaylaslightgreensweater,droppingittothefloor.Hequicklyhelpedheroutofthe rest of her clothing until she was as naked as he was. Oh doll you are so damn flawless.Hishandsglidedoverhersilkybody.Heexploredthesoftlinesofherwaist andherhips,anywherehisfingerscouldreachthatwasntprotectedbythedoor. If I had known you looked this good without clothes, I would have had you nakedonmydeskthesamedayyougothere,heteasedlightly,nibblingatthesideof Laylasneckbeforetuggingthetenderfleshbetweenhisteeth. HehissedinabreathwhenLaylashandtouchedhischesttheneaseddownhis body until her hand held him. Are we going to have sex against the door? she questioned.IwouldntminditbutIthoughtthefirsttimeshouldbeinacomfortable bed. Doll,Illmakeloveanywhereyouwantto,Prestonmurmured.Ijustwantto be inside that delicious smelling body of yours. He raked his eyes over her body, enjoying medium size firm breasts with pebble sized nipples, a smooth semiflat stomach which turned him on like nothing else, and finally to a patch of thick moist curlshecouldntwaittotaste.Glancingtotheside,henoticedasmalltattoorightabove Laylashipbone. Ididntknowyouhadatattoo,hesaid,brushinghisfingersacrosstheblack pantherwhosegreeneyesstoodoutagainstherdarkskin.Itsverysexy. Thankyou,shewhispered,touchinghis hand. ThatswhyIgot it.Maybe if youregood,laterIllletyoukissit. Letme?heasked,archinganeyebrowasheswungherintohisarms.Whatif Ijustdoit?Whatwillhappentome? 41

You will fall in love with me. Laylas face fell as she blurted out the words beforeshecouldstopherself. PrestonletLaylaswordswraparoundhisheartandhedidntmindthatideaat all. He could fall in love with Layla Sinclair without a second thought, but he had to deal with the feelings he still harbored for his exwife before he could think about anythingelse. Well,Imighthavetotakeyouuponthatandseeifitworks,heteasedback, tossinghersoftbodyonthebed.Hecaughtthelookofreliefthatpassedoverherface andhatedit.Ifshewantedhimtofallinlovewithherthensheneededtofighttomake ithappen.

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 ChapterTen
PrestonstretchedoutbesideLaylaonthebed.Iwanttokissyou.Yourlipsare soperfectandfull.Heranhisfingersoverthebottomone,amazedbythefullness.If youallowedmeIcouldfeastoffthemfordays. Laylagrabbedhishandsthenlickedthetipsofeachfinger.Thatsoundssonice, butIdrathermakelovefordaysoruntilwebothpassoutfromsheerexhaustion. Hisbodyshudderedasshedrewhismiddlefingerinhermoistmouth,sucking at it like it was another part of his body. She knew what she was doing and it was driving him over the edge. Stop it or I wont be able to last, Preston groaned, removinghisfingerfromLaylassweetmouth. Woulditbesobadifyouletgoofsomethatcontrolyouholdontosomuch? Layla questioned, runningher fingersthrough his chesthair.Cantthe greatPreston Scottletgoforonenightinhislife?Reachingbetweentheirbodies,shegrabbedhis cockandgaveitafirmsqueeze.Iknowitmustgetsohardkeepingeverythinginline allofthetime.Shepushedhimbackonthebed.Letmebetheonethathelpsyou. He couldnt admit to Layla that what she was saying was true. He never admitted that to anyone before, not even Heidi. He loved order in his life, but sometimes he did wonder what it would be like to let someone have control, just for onenight.Couldheletthisnightbethenightithappened? Yourewrong,Prestondenied,asLaylastartedtolickathiscollarbone.Ilove being in charge. The slow steady licks of her tongue on his flesh made his penis engorgeevenmoreinherhand.Howdidsheknowhowmuchhelikedtobelicked? Youshouldntlietome.Herlipsmadetheirwayuptohismouth.Icanfeel howmuchyouneedtoletgo.Toproveherpoint,shemassagedhishardonuntilhe thoughthewoulderuptinthepalmofherhand.Hell,heneverfelttheneedtocome thishardbeforewithoutpenetration. Areyoulyingtome?Laylabreathed,hermouthinchesabovehis.

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He swallowed hard as she brushed the moisture from his penis along the top. Shit,heneededtobeinsideofhersobadthatitwaskillinghim.Howhadsheturned thisaround?Heknewhehadtogiveherthetruthorhewasntabouttogetwhathe needed. Yes. Im lying to you, Preston admitted the second before Layla covered his mouthwithhers. ***** Hertonguesentshiversofhotdesireracingthroughhistightlycoiledbodyand itshatteredwhatcontrolhehadleft.Thiskisswaslikenonehehadeverexperienced.It wasgivensofreelywithoutanyhiddenagendaattached. The purrs of pleasure coming from Layla only added fuel to the fire already burninginsideofhisveins.Prestonwasenjoyingthiskissbutheneededmore.Hehad toknowwhatitfeltliketobeenclosedinLaylaswonderfulbody.Takingherhandoff his stiff penis, he flipped her over on the bed and positioned her until her shoulders wereflatagainstthemattress. PrestonspreadLaylaslegsapartuntiltheywereoneithersideofhishipsandhe couldkneelbetweenthem.Helovedthispositionbecauseitbroughthimrightagainst her. He could feel the moisture from her already covering his erection and he wasnt insideofheryet. HecouldntgetoverhowbreathtakingLaylasmilkchocolateskinlookedonhis whitesheets.Itwasavisionhewouldneverforget.Youlooksoperfectlikethis,he whispered. Youdontlooksobadyourself,Laylamurmuredasshewrithedbeneathhim. Butcanwepleasestoptalking?Ifeelsoempty.Dontyouhavesomethingtofillme up?Hereyesdroppedtohispenis. Oh,youbetIdo,doll,hewhisperedbeforeheenteredhertothehiltwithone stroke. Preston didnt know who screamed the loudest as the heat of Layla wet body wrappedaroundhim.Hestartedoutslowly,movinginandout,sohecouldwatchhow itlookedtoenterandleavethebeautifulwomansbodybeneathhim.Heneverknew makinglovetosomeonecouldlookthisbeautifulbutitwas.Thelightanddarkcontrast oftheirskincolorsmadeitallthemorebeautiful. Laylalayunderhimwithherbreastsheavingasheincreasedhisstrokesinher hotwelcomingwarmth.Shegaspedwhenheenteredhercompletelythen,littlebylittle, hepulledoutuntilonlythetipofhimwasleftin. He thrust back into her. You like when Im in control, dont you? Are you feelingittoo?Likeweremeantforeachotherandnooneelse?Hepulledoutofher again. Preston wanted to hear Layla say the words. Answer me, he growled as the 44

tinglingstartedinthebaseofhisspine.Hisorgasmwasntfarawayandheneededto hearLaylasayitwasasperfectforherasitwasforhim. YesIlovewhenyoureincontrol.Itmakesmehot.Itmakesmewanttorip allyourclothesoff.Shegroanedasherhandspulledathissheets. Laylaraisedherhipsmoretomeethisthrustandpulledherbottomlipbetween herteeth. Hecouldtellherorgasmwasntthatfarawayeither.Herpantsstartedlow andgrewlouderashisthrustsgrewfasterandharder. Hellyes,Ifeelitanditsdrivingmecrazy!Laylascreamedasherorgasmhit her. Good.Hegrowledashisorgasmhitandapleasurelikeheneverexperienced beforeshotthroughhisbody. I loveyou,Preston.Laylaknew ithad onlybeenthreedaysandit might be toosoontosaytheLword,butshewasinlovewithPreston.Hewaswhatshehad beensearchingforsinceshemovedherefromherhometownandhewaswellworththe wait. PrestonheardthewordsLaylawhisperedtohimashedriftedbackdownfrom thebestorgasmofhislife.Wrappinghisarmsaroundthesoftbodythatcurledagainst him, he tried to fight off his sleep, but with the long hours he had been working combinedwiththelovingLaylahadgottenthebestofhimandheansweredinasleepy voicebeforehenoddedoff.Iloveyou,too,Heidi.

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 ChapterEleven
Theloudpoundingonthefrontdoorwokehimupfromagoodsleepandhewas pissed. Opening his eyes, Preston saw the clock was flashing seven oclock. He had neverbeenalatesleeperbut,afterthenighthespentinLaylasarms,hehadareasonto beexhausted.Justthethoughtofherbroughtasmiletohisfaceandhereachedoverto touchherbuthishandfeltacoldsheetinstead. Rising off the bed he looked around the room and noticed that her clothes werentonthefloor.Hequicklytossedthecoversoffhimandpulledonapairofpants hefoundonthefloor.Heneededtogetdownstairsandanswerthedoor.Itcouldbeher outsidewantingbackin.Hedidntknowwhatreasonshehadtogooutthere,but,ashe hurrieddownthestairs,hehadseveralideasonwaystowarmherup. Hey,whatareyoudoingouthereinthecold?Hewasgrinningasheswung thedooropen,butthesmilevanishedfromhisfacewhenhesawwhowasontheother side.Whatareyoudoinghere? Isthatanywaytogreetyourexwife?Heidiasked,dodgingpasthimtocome insideasshebrushedsnowoffherclothes. ***** Laylabrushedthetears fromher eyesasshemade theturn to Bridgetshouse. ShecouldntbelieveaftershegavePrestoneverythingshehadlastnighthecalledher byhisexwifesname.Sheslappedherhandagainstthesteeringwheel.HowcouldI have been so stupid? she scolded herself as she parked in front of her best friends houseandgotout. She pulled her coat around her more as she made up way up the pathway. Wipingthelastofthetearsfromhereyes,sherungthedoorbellandwaitedforBridget toanswerthedoor.ThedooropenedaminutelaterandBridgetsfacepeekedout.

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Layla, my god, what are you doing here in this cold ass weather? Bridget reachedtopullherinsidethehouse,butLaylasteppedback. No,Icantcomein.Illmissmyflight.IjustwantedtoletyouknowIllgoingto beoutoftown. Bridget came out the door and wrapped her sweater tighter around her body. WhathappenedatPrestons?Whereareyougoing? She wasnt about to tell Bridget what happened. She already felt like an idiot. Im just going somewhere I can find love. Ill talk to you after the holidays. Layla quickly gave her best friend a hug and raced back down to her car then drove off leavingastunnedBridgetbackonherporch. ***** I can tell from the look on your face you arent happy to see me, Heidi laughed,takingaseatonthecouchinfrontofhim. PrestonhadwantedtoseeHeidiforthepasteightmonthsbutnowthatshewas here he couldnt wait to get rid of her. Ill ask again. What are you doing here? He wonderedagainwhereinthehellLaylawas.Whywasntshecominginhere? Layla called me late last night and told me that you wanted me, Heidi said, watchinghimwithhercatlikeeyes.Shethoughtyoureallywouldbepleasedtohave mehere. Preston was starting to have a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Why wouldLaylacallhisexwifeaftertheamazingtimetheyspenttogetherlastnight?She had even admitted that she loved him as she drifted off to sleep. He collapsed in the chairbehindhimashiswordscamebacktohim.AfterthelovingwayLaylahadgiven herselftohim,hehadcalledherbyhisexwifesname. IhavetogetherbackandmakeherunderstandthatIloveherandnotHeidi. I guess what Layla told me was true, Heidi whispered, cutting into his thoughts,andIdontthinkyoureonebithappyaboutitatall. Youre right and I think I ruined any chances of getting her back, Preston muttered, dropping his head down into his hands. You know for as long as I can rememberallIwantedtodowaswinyoubackbecauseImissedhavingsomeonethat wascomfortableandfamiliarinmylife.However,afterbeingwithLaylathesepastfew days,IvecometorealizeIdeservebetterthanthat. She showed me what it was like to come outside of the box I had created for myselfsinceourdivorce.IpromisedmyselfIwouldnteverloseagainafteryouleftand nowIvelostthemostimportantthingintheworldtome. Thatsthereasonwedidntmakeit,Heidisighed.Youalwayssawtheworst ineverysituation. 48

How can I see anything positive about this? I spent the night making love to oneofthemostbeautifulwomenintheworldand,afteritwasover,Icalledherbyyour name,Prestongrowledasheliftedhishead.Tellmewhattheoptimisticsideofthis is? Heidi shook her head causing her dark brown hair to bounce around her shoulders. She loved you enough to call me because she thought that is what you wanted. But I dont want you anymore, Preston yelled, jumping up from his seat. I wantLaylaandIdontknowwhereinthehellsheis. Heidilaughed.ItsagoodthingIdontwantyoueitherorIdbeveryhurtby yourcomment. Sorry,Ididntmeanitlikeitsounded.Heranhisfingersthroughhishair.I justneedtofindherandmakeherunderstandshestheonlywomanIwantinmybed onChristmasmorning. Coming closer to him, Heidi patted him on the forearm. You better hurry up becauseyoudonthavemuchtimetomakethatdreamcometrue.

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 ChapterTwelve
Comeon,getup,sleepyhead,amalevoicedrepeatedforasecondtimesince shepulledthecoversoverherhead.Youcantstayinbedalldaylong.ItsChristmas Eve. Laylaflungthecoversoffherheadandglaredatherolderbrotherashesatacup ofcoffeeonthenightstandbyherbedandsatdown.Ishouldhavegoneonthetrip withMomandDadinsteadofcomingherewithyou.Shegroanedasshesatup.Ijust wanttosleepthroughChristmasandhopetheNewYearwillbebetter.Reachingfor thehotcupofcoffee,shetookasipandstaredatherbrotherthroughthesteam. Oh,itcantbethatbad,herbrothersaid,takingthecupfromher. Ellis,youdontknowthewholestory.Shesighedashesatthecupbacknextto her.Imadeafoolofmyselfonceagainoveraman. Areyousurefoolisthewordyoushoulduse?Ellisquestioned. She remembered how she begged Preston to sleep with her and then he called her by his exwifes name after it was over. Yeah, fool was the perfect word to stamp acrossherforehead. YepthatsthewordIwantandImstickingwithit. Maybe youre wrong and he doesnt think that about you at all, Ellis suggested. Did you stay and talk things out with this guy or did you run like you usuallydo? Afteralltheseyearsshestillhatedhowherbrotheralwayslookedatbothsides of the situation. Why couldnt he just take her side and think Preston was the jerk? Wasntthatwhatolderbrothersweresupposedtodo? PrestonsaideverythingheneededtosaythenightIleft.Ididnthaveanyneed to hear any other words from his mouth. She rolled out of the bed. Canyou please leavesoIcangetdressed? Ellis got off the bed and headed for the door. Dont forget youre having ChristmasEvedinnerwithmeandLilyatherhousetonight. 51

Layla stopped at the bathroom door and glanced back at her brother. I dont wanttobeathirdwheel.Illjuststayhereandwatchsomeoldmoviesontelevision. Her brother came across the room and gave her a hug then moved back. You knowthatyouremorethanwelcometojoinustonight. No,Iwanttostayhere. CanIaskyoutodomeahugefavorsinceyourestayinghometonight?Ellis asked. Whatisit? I ordered your Christmas present last night and I was going to have my neighborsignforit,butsinceyourestayinghome,willyoudoit? Her life had really gotten bad if she had to stay home and sign for her own Christmasgift.Wasthatwhoyouwereonthephonewithlatelastnight? YeahIwastryingtoorderitwithoutyoufindingout. Laylagrabbedherbrotherbythearm,draggedhimacrosstheroom,andshoved himoutthedoor.Gohavefunwithyourgirlfriendanddontworryaboutme.Ican findsomethingtodohereonmyown.ShegaveEllisaquickwavebeforesheshutthe doorinhisface. ***** Drinking a glass of eggnog, Layla watched the Christmas movie that the televisionstationfeaturedthistimeeveryyear.Shewasntintoblackandwhitemovies, butthisonealwaysmadeherstopandwatchit.Shehadnevermissediteversinceshe wasalittlegirl.Itwasafamilytraditiontowatchiteveryyear.Asthelastscenewas abouttocomeon,thedoorbellrang. Now that darn delivery person shows up when the best part is about to happen, shemuttered,sittingherglass down onthetable.Lookingout the peephole shenoticedahugeboxattheothersideanditcoveredupmostofthedeliverypersons face.Whatintheworldhadherbrotherorderedherthatwouldcomeinaboxthatbig? Sheopenedthedoorandlookedout.YescanIhelpyou? Thevoicewasmuffledbythebox.IhaveaspecialdeliveryforaLaylaSinclair. Laylamovedbackfromthedoor.Imher.Pleasecomeinandsettheboxonthe table.Itsaboutsixstepsinfrontofyou.Ifyouwaitrightthere,Illgetyouatip.She left the room to find her purse and heard the box as it hit the table. The front door closedasshegrabbedsomemoneyfromherpurse. Afamiliarvoicewhisperedbehindher.CanIgetakissinsteadofatip? ***** 52

Shetookadeepquickbreathasherbodystiffenedinshock.Laylaknewwithout turningaroundwhowasbehindher.Whywashehere?Didhejustcomeallthiswayto tormenther? Layla,pleaseturnaroundandlookatme,Prestonsaid. Why are you here? Didnt you like your early Christmas present? Isnt Heidi whatyouwanted?Shetwirledaroundtofacehim.Astheireyesmet,shefeltashock runthroughher.Prestonlookedgorgeousinhisblackslacksandmatchingsweater.The sight of him made her realize how much she had grown to care about him. He was constantly in her heart and mind even when she didnt want him to be and it hurt to knowhedidntreturnherfeelings. Doll,Imheretoapologizeforbeingaworldclassjerkandbegyoutoforgive meforwhatIsaidafterwemadelove,Prestonsaidashecametowardsher.Idont wantHeidi.IonlywanttospendChristmaswithonewomanandthatisyou. Layla was amazed at the thrill Prestons words gave her, but she needed more thanthatinherlife.No,Icantbewithyou.Ineedamanwhowantstohaveafuture withme. Preston stared at her with complete surprise on his face before his eyes filled with an emotion that brought tears to her own. Wait right here. I think I have somethingthatwillhelpchangeyourmind. Layla watched as Preston rushed from the room and came back with the large box.Shewonderedwhatintheworldhewasupto.Howwasthisboxgoingtomake her change her mind? He only wanted another night with her because the sex was good.Shehadbeendreamingaboutalifetimewiththehunkinfrontofher. Sit down, Preston said. He held the box until she sat back down on the love seatinfrontofthetelevision. Okay Im sitting down, but I dont think you have anything to show me that willchangemymind,Laylamuttered.Prestonsattheboxonthetableinfrontofher beforehetookaseatnexttoher. Open the box and find out. He tapped it with his finger. I might just prove youwrong. Scootingclosertotheedgeoftheseat,Laylatorethetapeoffthetopofthebox and reached inside, touching something soft and furry. What is this? she asked, staringoveratPreston. Pullitoutandsee.Prestonsmiledather. Sheliftedoutahugeblackstuffedpantherthatwassittingonhisbacklegswith his paws in front of him. A big red ribbon was tied around his neck with a medium sizedboxdanglingfromastring.Shetriedtoblinkbackthetearsthatfloodedhereyes, butshecouldnt. Whatisthis?shewhispered,placingthepantheronthetablenexttothebox. 53

Preston breathed against her ear. Open the card on the other side of the bow andfindout. Brushingthetearsawaywiththebackofherhands,shepulledoutthecardand flippeditopen.Prestonsperfectscriptstaredbackather.Shequicklyclearedherthroat andreadwhatitsaid.
Layla, ImsosorryforthewordsIsaidtoyou, butIhopeyouwillallowme thenextfiftyyearstomakeituptoyou. Doll,Iloveyouwithallmyheart. Willyoumarryme? Hopefullywaitingtohearayes Yourfuturehusband, Preston

Can I wake up on Christmas morning a very happy man? Or will I wake up calling myself a thousand names for losing a woman as wonderful as you? Preston openedtheboxaroundthepanthersneckandtookoutthering. YouknewyouhadmethesecondIpulledthatpantheroutofthatbox,didnt you?sheasked,holdingoutherhandforPrestontosliponthediamondcutring. HekissedherknuckleandpulledheragainsthischestasChristmasmusicfrom themovieontelevisionstartedtoplayinthebackground.Ihopedyouwouldfallin love with him, but I hope you love me enough to overlook the Heidi slip. Preston sighed.YoudoknowIknewitwasyouIwaswiththatnight,right? IwouldnthavesaidyesifIhadntknownthat,Laylaconfessed.Iknowyou loveme. Howdoyouknowthat? Because thats the only way my brother would have gone along with this surpriseofyours,shereplied,snugglinguptothewarmmannexttoher. I love you, Layla. Merry Christmas, Preston whispered, hugging her to his body. MerryChristmas,Preston,andIlovetoyou,Laylaanswered,veryhappyshe decidedtostayhomeforherspecialdelivery.

TheEnd

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AuthorBio
Marie Rochelle is a bestselling author of interracial romances featuring black women andwhitemen.MariefirststartedwritingIRbooksabouttwoyearsagoandithasbeen nonstopforhereversince.HerfirstbestsellingIRromancewasentitledTakenbyStorm. In addition, Marie has a very successful series called The Men of CCD and right now shesworkingonthemuchawaitedthirdbookintheseries:TemptingTurner.Mariehas enjoyed writing from a very young age and is happy she decided to turn her career towardstheIRmarket,amarketthatshehadenjoyedforyearsherself.Shehasalways dreamtofbeingawriterandnowistrulyhappytoseeherdreamsbecomingareality. Marie loves hearing from her fans. Please drop her an email at marierochelle2@yahoo.comorvisitherwebsiteatwww.freewebs.com/irwriter/

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