Page 19 of Enchanted Hero
“And what would ‘this’ be?”
Devastating handsomeness. Muscular power. Irresistible charm.
How could she explain the unfair temptation he posed without sharing how very much she wanted to touch, caress and do other assorted things to such temptation?
“Am I dressed inappropriately?” he asked. “Would you like to see me in something else?”
Actually, she’d like to see him in nothing else.“You can wear a paper bag for all I care. I wouldn’t really notice.”
Perfect. Now she was imagining him wearing nothing but a paper bag. Alunch-sizedone.
“Have you ever been to the fair?”
“No.” She grasped the change of subject like a drowning sailor clutching a lifeboat. “I always meant to go, but New Age Treasures kept me busy. What about you?”
“Not to this one, but it sounds fantastic. It’s a big county fair with animals, rides and games. There are multiple shows, including a magician.”
“That’ll be fun!” Everleigh cringed at her enthusiastic reply. Undoubtedly, the powerful man would find her interest in magic childish.
Yet he regarded her warmly. “Do you like magicians?”
“I do,” she admitted. “My parents took me to all the magic shows when I was a kid. We went every year, even when it was way past cool.” She relaxed at the memories, so vibrant she could almost smell the popcorn and cotton candy, hear the children’s laughter, see the witty magicians in their crisp black suits. Some of her happiest memories had been forged during those simple pleasures.
“It sounds wonderful.” Alexander’s voice was kind. “My family enjoyed magic as well.”
She glanced at him, yet his expression was genuine. She softened. “Everyone needs a little magic in their lives. I have to warn you – I’m a connoisseur of magic.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Are you now?”
“That’s right.” She raised her voice until it was high and lofty. “I’ve seen the best magicians in the world, so I have high standards. No ‘tricks up my sleeve’ for me. I haven’t seen an illusion I couldn’t peg in years.”
“Is that so?” Alexander said softly. “Perhaps someone will surprise you.”
She smiled, as whether from magic or man, the world brightened. Alexander already proved he wasn’t as bad as she feared. Perhaps it was time to build a positive relationship, maybe even a friendship. “Do you have any hobbies?”
He relaxed into an easy-going grin. “Magic, of course.”
She chuckled. “Anything else?”
He sat back on the butter leather seat. His muscles rippled as he stretched, but she focused on his face, and only barely thought of ink and paper bags. “I’m usually busy with work and other responsibilities. Networking events, business, that sort of thing.”
It made sense, and yet somehow it seemed incomplete. “You must dedicate a lot of time to your empire.” She lowered her voice. “Do you have any free time? Or a secret interest?”
“A secret interest?” His grin faltered. “I’m not big into secrets.”
“That’s exactly what someone with a big secret would say.” She kept her voice teasing, yet it was true. He protected his privacy like a man with something to hide. Perhaps a little investigating was in order.
“It does, doesn’t it?” He looked thoughtful. “All right. I like to cook.”
Had he looked up one of those social media quizzes for women and copied the qualifications for the perfect man? “Do you know what would happen if your millions of female admirers knew? You’re already a rock star to them.”
He laughed. “I don’t have millions of female admirers.”
She grimaced. “I was being conservative.”
He shook his head, but his lighthearted expression remained. “I also like to exercise and play sports. I enjoy spending times outdoor and travelling.”
Who would’ve guessed the all-powerful Alexander Stone liked such ordinary things? Before she could stop herself, she admitted. “I like those things, too.”
