Christmas Sugar (Insta-Spark)

Alex fixed me a look that would kill most men—and immediately, I stopped drumming my fingers.

The woman was confusing, and I was sure her bark was worse than her bite, but I wasn’t stupid. I liked my fingers attached.

Finally, she finished and came around the front of the desk, indicating I should follow her. She was silent as she walked ahead of me down the hall. I admired the view, hoping she didn’t realize I was checking her out. Her long hair swung as she walked, hitting the top of her ass. She had an amazing ass—high and round. I was glad she walked slowly.

When we stopped outside a door at the end of the hall, she smiled, looking businesslike and professional. I much preferred her breathless and dreamy, with her lips swollen from mine.

“Will you require anything this afternoon, Mr. Maxwell?”

I was back to being Mr. Maxwell? I didn’t like that.

Fleetingly, I thought about telling her I required her for the afternoon, but I decided against it.

“Ah, is there a car service?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Can I hire a car and driver? I want to go into town.”

“Do you drive at all? A car, I mean—I’m not referring to how you drive people crazy.”

Once again, sarcasm laced her voice, and I knew she expected me to say no. Then she could ask me if my assistant did that for me too. As for the crazy remark, I chose to ignore it—she was one to talk.

“Yes, I drive very well.”

“There’s a car rental place in town, if you want a car for longer than a couple of hours. Otherwise, I can leave the keys for the minivan at the desk for you.” She paused, her eyes lit with mischief she was trying to hide. “If you think you can handle it. It’s larger than a ‘normal’ automobile.”

I smirked at her. “Oh, I think I can handle it.”

“I’ll leave the keys, then.”

“Dinner?” I asked before I could change my mind.

“I assume, Mr. Maxwell, you’re asking if dinner will be available for you this evening? Or would you prefer me to recommend one of our local spots?”

“Actually, I’d like to take you to dinner, but if you have to be here, then I’d be happy to stay in. Whatever you could provide would be appreciated. Perhaps you can join me.”

She blinked. “You-You’re asking me . . . to dinner?” She breathed out the question.

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “Would you say yes if I was, Alex?”

Her eyes grew large. “Uh, um, I have to work.”

“Do you ever not work? Are you on the clock twenty-four seven?” I frowned at her. “Are you looking after yourself?”

She had a blank expression on her face, her voice returning to a businesslike tone. “I do what I have to do.”

“I think too much is expected of you.”

Her eyes flared. “It’s not your concern. Now, about dinner, I’ll have something sent to your room.”

I tamped down the urge to tell her I was concerned and to make her talk to me.

Raising my hand, I ran down my finger her cheek, enjoying the feel of her skin and the way her eyes focused on my actions. “Will you bring it up to me?”

Her breath caught in her throat. “If I have time. Otherwise, I’ll send it up with Seth.”

I chuckled. “I’d prefer it was you. Then you could join me.” I crouched down so my mouth was by her ear. “I might actually get my dinner, and I promise not to be an ath-hole.”