What Maxi Needs (Leave Your Shoes On 3)

What a fucking ridiculous thought.

Lola gave him her adorable pout. “I’ve missed all your big successes. Lasik, and what about those last two accounts you recently landed—your biggest ones yet? We didn’t get to celebrate in person.”

He tried to dial back his own emotions. And the fire roaring through his veins. “The scotch you sent was a nice pat on the back, thank you. Though I really loved the Batman suit–patent artwork you framed.” Which now hung in his living room, along with two original Andy Warhols he’d inherited from his grandmother.

“Glad you enjoyed.”

He asked, “You quit your job to move home?”

“Nope. Got a promotion. If you’ll recall, the Staci Kay Marketing, PR, and Sales departments are located here in Scottsdale.”

“I owe you congratulations, then. And hot damn—welcome back.”

Not that Alex didn’t immediately realize what a much greater chore it would be to keep his hormones in check with her around. Lola got him going in a heartbeat. Adrenaline pumped through him and he felt sexually charged from head to toe.

And the way she’d looked at him only moments before…Damn if that didn’t make him want to press her up against the door, plow his fingers through her damp strands, and kiss her senseless.

Until she burned for him.

But now was hardly the time for sexy Lola fantasies. Even if she did continue to stare up at him with those glowing eyes that always did him in. Along with the pretty smile and beguiling dimple.

Her cheeks were rosy—from the weather, he figured. Though he preferred to think the splash of color against her smooth, porcelain skin was more the result of being in his tight embrace, her hand still on his chest while her other arm was wrapped around him, her palm flat against his back.

She wore crimson-colored gloss on her tempting lips and her shallow breath was laced with spearmint. A crisp scent to complement the lilac fragrance clinging to her skin.

He had the insane urge to kiss her. Christ, all he had to do was back her up a couple of feet and he’d hold her captive between the wall and his body. An all-too-tempting prospect.

Still somewhat winded, her firm breasts rose and fell just below his pecs. As though excitement hummed through her veins.

Did it?

For that matter, did she have any idea how aroused he was? How thoroughly hypnotized? Because of her.

Alex had no idea. Lola didn’t offer any nonverbal clues.

She did, however, continue gazing provocatively at him.

“I know you don’t like crashers,” she said in her sultry voice. “But I really want to stay, Alex. My new apartment is ready tomorrow, but the property manager called me yesterday to say my first choice had suddenly opened up. A corner unit with an amazing view of the city from Camelback Mountain. They need a week to get it ready for me. And I just thought…a hotel is way too impersonal. Lonely. Not to mention expensive.”

He grunted. “Then stay at your brother’s house.”

Finally, Lola unraveled from him. As though she was just as reluctant to lose the physical contact.

Giving him an imploring look, she said, “Jace and Meg—the newlyweds—are on the cruise, too, so it wouldn’t be any fun there.”

Panic edged his blazing desire. “I’m not really prepared for an overnight guest, Lola.”

She laughed, so soft and feminine. “You have a second bedroom that is fully furnished and no one has ever slept in it.” Wickedness tinged her voice as she said, “Let me christen the bed.”

She winked. His groin tightened.

Really, the last thing he needed was Lola sleeping in such close proximity to him. Parading around the condo in something sexy and slinky. Slipping into a bubble bath, all naked and wet and—

Oh, hell.

Excitement shot through him. He raked a hand through his hair.

Get a grip, man.