Page 5 of Off-Limits Silver Fox Billionaire

“Yes, sure,” I answered Iris.

“Cool … She’s staying the night,” Iris announced as she got to the table, sat and rubbed her hands together. “Hmmm, that smells really nice. You won’t believe how much I’ve missed your cooking dad.”

I walked over to her and pecked her forehead before moving to the cooker to bring the pot of piccata to the table. Bree was quiet in her seat as I served, then we ate for the first few minutes in silence before Iris started talking about her trip to Australia.

I listened in on their conversation, enjoying the tone of Bree’s voice when she spoke. Somehow, my attention was focused on her. I didn’t think Iris noticed me watching her friend because I was trying my best to hide my fascination.

Each time she spoke, I looked up at her. Sometimes I found her gaze on me, and it sent a shuffle of heat through me. It burned through my loins and made my breath thin.

After dinner, I let them wash the dishes, while I went to my bedroom upstairs, locked myself in and collapsed on my bed. For the first few seconds I lay there with my eyes closed, I thought of nothing.

My mind was blank until I opened my eyes again, and got up to push my drapes open to let the night's cool air in.

Time ticked by slowly as I stood by the window, staring out into the open air. From my room, I had a perfect view of the ocean, and even at night, I could still admire the waves rolling inland to dissolve into foam on the beach.

It was a starry night, the air smelled crisp and clean. I could hear the distant sound of a jet ski powering far off on the water, and once the rumble subsides I heard the crash of waves and frizz that spread across the sand.

When I first moved to Hawaii, I hated to set base here. It was like the only reason why I was here was because my wife at the time, Jenny, wanted to live closer to her roots. She had loved the beach, the sunny summers, and cold winters. The clean air and easy life. She had made me fall in love with this place too.

Fifteen years after our divorce and I still didn’t see the need to leave. I built my career and life here because of her, and in the end, none of that mattered when she chose to leave.

Memories of that life slowly sank into my thoughts and brought back the usual heaviness that consumed my heart. Whenever I remembered how deeply I had loved Jenny, the pain returned.

Tonight, it made me crave something strong, so I headed out of my room for the kitchen to grab a bottle of scotch or brandy from my collection.

I walked in on Bree gulping from a bottle of water as she stood in front of the fridge, and I paused in my tracks. My eyes drifted down her body this time and took in its fullness.

She was wearing a different shorts now, and a silky night dress over it. Her hair was tied into a messy bun and just looking at her alone filled my insides with a surge of adrenaline that threatened to cut short my air supply.

Bree turned then and jumped when she saw me. “Jesus,” she gasped. “I didn’t know you were standing there; you scared the crap out of me.”

I didn’t move or say anything. Bree pressed her lips together then lifted her hands to her cheeks. My eyes held onto hers, her blue depths sent a tingle right through my heart, my body was tight and hot for her already.

The air around us tensed. I could smell the sweet scent of lavender that clung to her, and when she licked her lower lips, I nearly groaned out loud from the tantalizing effect the act had on me.

“Bree…” I whispered, but suddenly snapped back to my senses, and shoved my hands into the pocket of my shorts. I was tempted to do something as stupid as walking over to touch her.

That would be a disaster.If I touch Bree again I wouldn’t be able to stop. It was obvious now that five years did nothing to quench the fire she ignited inside me.

Bree rubbed the back of her neck, then she asked. “Did you want something?”

I walked towards her, and she backed away from me even before I reached where she stood. I noticed her lower lip quivered, and it made me smile.

“Scotch?” I asked when I took out a bottle from my shelf.

“I’d love a shot.”

I didn’t say anything as I poured her some, handed her the glass, then poured myself some. “Iris is asleep, she’s exhausted,” Bree said before she downed the shot. I couldn’t take my eyes off her, and I wondered if she could feel the same pressuring heat building inside me.

“And why aren’t you asleep?”

I dared to look in her direction and she shrugged. The sleeve of her night dress slid down her right shoulder when she did, and I caught a glimpse of the creamy skin there.

My muscles tightened in response, and I looked at her again.

“I just have a lot on my mind,” she answered. “What about you?”

I have you on my mind.“Same here,” I said instead of the thought that occurred to me.

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