Page 45 of Ace My Heart

“Well, when you’re done, come back out here and I’ll check again to make sure they don’t feel too similar.”

I groaned and escaped inside, dripping water all over Ben’s beautiful floor. Oh, what would he care anyway? He probably had a full-time maid.

It’s never a good idea to shave when you’re angry and preoccupied. I nicked myself twice when my silly brain wandered, picturing me going back out there, climbing into the spa and asking Joel to check how smooth my legs were.

What had gotten into me?

I busied myself with blow drying my hair until it hung in glossy waves down my back. The noise of the dryer helped to drown out my sudden, weird, intrusive thoughts.

I rummaged through my suitcase, pulling out a little sheer white top, a black bandeau bra, and a pair of denim cut-offs.

When I walked back out into the living room, Joel was lounging on the lounge, showered and dressed in shorts and a white t-shirt. He raised his eyebrows at my attire.

“You didn’t need to make an effort for Ben, you know, Stink. He’s not all that fussy when it comes to women.”

“Well, that’s one thing he has in common with you, isn’t it?” I responded cuttingly.

Joel grinned. “Someone with talents like mine has a responsibility to society to share them around.”

I plonked myself down on the lounge, not too close to him. “Oh, that’s right, I forgot. You’re a ‘Sex God’.” Sarcasm oozed out of me. Joel moved closer, leaning over until his muscular arms caged me, his face inches from mine.

“You want me to take you to Heaven, Melanie Black?” hemurmured.

I groaned, hoping I wasn’t blushing. “Ew, Joel! You are a walking cliché, you know that don’t you?”

He sat back with a snicker. “You love it.”

I had nothing to say to that.

“Seriously though, Stink. Ben’s very obviously holding a torch for you. He’s going to want …”

“What, Joel? What’s he going to want?” I interrupted.

“To sleep with you. At a bare minimum.”

I gaped at him. “Are you serious?”

Joel’s eyes blazed. “I’ve never been more –”

The elevator door hissed open, and Ben stepped out, beaming in my direction. Joel snapped his mouth shut, but he flashed me a pointed look.

“Hi! How was your flight?” Ben gushed. He turned around and lifted a heap of brown paper bags out of the elevator.

I stood up and walked over to him. “Long. What can I do to help?”

His eyes roved over me and for a second he didn’t respond.

“No. Sit down, Mel, you’re a guest,” he chided me gently, carrying the bags over to the kitchen.

“What are you cooking, Ben?” Joel asked smugly. I gave him a cold stare before turning back to Ben, who was unpacking the bags onto the bench.

Ben grinned at Joel. “You know I can’t cook, Joel. But I just picked up a feast fit for a queen.” He winked at me. I heard Joel snort in the background, but I ignored him.

“Smells good – what is it?” I asked, leaning over the kitchen bench.

“Well, I figured since this is your first time in Dubai, we should have some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.” He started setting out platter after platter of food.

“Uh, how many people are you feeding tonight?” I asked. There wassomuch food.

---