Page 56 of Scandalous Lover

“Just wanted to check on that produce delivery.”

“It’s on the way. You could’ve texted me.”

His eyes narrow as I toss out the accusation, and I realize my mistake right away.

“I would have texted anyone else, but you.” He takes a step forward, still looking pointedly at me. “You don’t always have your phone on you. So I always walk over here to talk to you.”

I nod. “You’re right, and I appreciate that.” I keep my tone calm. Soothing the aggressive animal in my office.

“But you seem to have your phone on you more now.”

He knows. My entire life is about to crumble into the sand. I try to keep my cool. “Yeah, I was just…working.”

Dom cocks his head to the side. “Worked through breakfast, I assume?”

I relax slightly and manage a small smile. “You caught me.”

He just rolls his eyes, turning back toward the door. “Come down to Raft a few minutes early, and I’ll make you something. The last thing you need to do is show up to the tasting hungry.”

He walks out without waiting for my answer, knowing damn well I’m not going to turn down a meal cooked for me personally by our head chef.

The guy has a gruff exterior, but he’s not all bad. He’s still a nurturer at heart. All chefs are.

I blow out the breath I’ve been holding and drop my head to my hands. Nurturer or not, he’s going to freaking kill me.

My phone buzzes and I jump to grab it, all worry over the interaction with Dom gone instantly as I hurry to read how Naomi responded.

Naomi: I want to know you.

I drop the phone and close my eyes. It might have been better if she responded in anger, telling me what a dick I was and that she never wanted to speak to me again. This? This I don’t know what to do with.

I don’t get a full minute to process before my phone buzzes again.

Naomi: If you’ll let me.

Chapter Seventeen

Naomi

Ipull up to Fran and Avery’s house and let out a long, low whistle.

“Who would ever know this jungle mansion was hiding out here?” I mutter to myself as I climb out of the cart and crane my neck to see the second floor. “Holy crap, there’s a rooftop deck?”

I’m already picking the perfect outfit in my mind for a photoshoot up there.

“Morning,” Fran calls as she crosses the front porch. I climb the few steps up to meet her, and she and I exchange a loose hug. “Big bro let you loose in your own golf cart, huh?”

I shrug and smile. “Sam offered it.”

“Did he now? And when did he do that? Last night at the bar? Or were you two talking this morning?”

Uh, oh.

“Um, I ran into him in the lobby, and he offered.”

Fran folds her arms over her chest and regards me with amusement dancing across her face.

I’m so fucked. I panic and start rambling.

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