Page 13 of The Billionaire Dating Game

He increased speed along a stretch of highway, and her stomach clenched as if coming down from the top of a Ferris wheel. Remembering Anna’s words, she allowed herself to be spontaneous. There were no rules here, only the sensation of the car under her.

For the next six weeks, she could let go. Expect nothing from Alexei other than her promise to be by his side—being supportive she was used to. With no expectations, she didn’t have to hold her waiting for the other shoe to drop. Candice could take a little joy for herself.Wasn’t that what the Holidates app was for? A chance to pretend your date was the perfect partner for a short time.She had six weeks left, and she wouldn’t spend them having regrets.

“Less thinking,” he said shifting gears, this time the car slowed, and he turned off the highway.

Five minutes later, they pulled into the underground parking of a luxurious downtown condo. The outside of the building was made of glass, stretching at least two dozen stories tall. “You live here?”

“It’s a place to stay when I’m in town,” he said, using his key card to activate the elevator.

The elevator opened to a suite that was warm and inviting, unlike the cold gloomy room she’d pictured. The entire first floor was open. Large windows allowed natural light to stream across every square inch of the hardwood floors.

The far wall drew her attention. It was peppered with art from ceiling to eye level. Art of people and their culture. Paintings of places she’d never visit. “You’re a collector?”

“My sister.”

She waited for him to say something about his family, or his sister’s art, but he didn’t. Come on Candice. No expectations, remember. That was going to be an uphill battle knowing they’d be in each other’s company for the next few weeks. If they had more carefree moments as they’d shared in the car, she was done for. Her heart, her body, and the happy-go-lucky exterior she showed everyone would crumble.

“Come here,” he said, taking her hand and tugging her closer. “My sister—”

“Oh no, you don’t have to explain anything.” She tried to step away, but his grip on her hip only tightened, anchoring her flush against his front.

“My sister decorates all the apartments, and she puts her art on the walls, not because she is a whiz at interior decorating, but to make sure my brother and I know we’re not alone. Does it bother you?”

“No.” She shook her head, confused about why her opinion mattered. Besides, his sister was family. Family stuck together. “I don’t have siblings, but I’ve thought countless times about what type of sister I would be.”

His gaze was too intense to be casual. It unnerved her. Men didn’t look at her deeply or try to peel at the surface of her barriers.

“Not to worry,” she said, attempting to break the sizzling tension thickening the air. “I’ll try not to destroy the place while I’m here.” She patted his shoulder but at his grunt, her grip shifted to his lapel. His raspy sound caught her unprepared and vibrated down her spine.

“There is a room ready for you upstairs, the first door on your right, and the dress I’d like you to wear to dinner tonight at the country club. Get ready, and I’ll arrange for your things to be delivered.”

Just like that, she wason stageagain. He released her and her skin prickled where he’d held her. Gosh, every inch of her wanted to be in his embrace again, having the strength of his strong arms around her, holding her close.

Candice almost ran up the stairs. He rattled her wits. When around him, resorting to her usual sarcasm to hide her growing attraction was difficult. She needed her armor, all of it if she was going to come out of this Holidate in one piece.

The moment she entered the bedroom, Candice closed the door and braced against it. Pulse pounding in her chest, she took steadying breaths. Alexei was dangerous for her heart…and her sex. She groaned, and headed for the shower, standing under the sprays of water until the heat on her flesh abated and the throbbing in her pussy decreased. She could touch herself to quell the ache between her legs, but it wouldn’t be enough, not when he was waiting for her downstairs and the sight of him would flood her panties all over again. But tonight, when she was alone in her bed, away from his piercing gaze and intoxicating scent, Candice promised to feed her body’s cravings.

Washing the last of the soap from her skin, she dried and lathered shea butter on her body—the man thought of everything, and it was even her brand. On the vanity was a bottle of the perfume she used the night she’d first met him—the perfume he’d chosen—and her hair products. How did Alexei know the products she used?

The breathtaking gown floated around her curves in a gentle caress that was so light she almost didn’t feel its softness against her skin. The dress required no bra. Unlike the first gown, this one covered her breasts and clasped around her neck with a collar, leaving her shoulders bare, and the split up her thigh barely showed from the generous skirt when she walked. The elegant floral design was beautiful and expensive…custom-designed expensive.

He was sitting in a chair when she arrived downstairs. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said, pleased to see his eyes darken. Then, as if Cupid himself was pulling imaginary strings above her head, Candice did a slow twirl, showing off the dress from all angles. “This dress is gorgeous.”

“You’re exquisite,” he said thickly, “and worth the wait.”

Her steps faltered at the compliment…it wasn’t just the words but the fervor behind them that caught her off guard.

“Come here.” His words were both a command and a dare.

Before her brain comprehended what her legs were doing, Candice drew closer to him. She stopped in front of him, knee to knee, and swallowed. Hard. There was that Irish Spring fresh scent again coming off of him in waves.

“Closer,” he said, spreading his thighs.

She moved between them and sucked in a shuddering breath when he shifted forward in the chair, his nose so close to her pussy.Oh gosh…she bit down on her lower lip, hoping the sting would stop her channel from slickening. She regretted not taking care of herself in the shower.

He toyed with the slit in the dress.

“You seem to like outfits with openings.”Sarcasm was her best weapon.

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