Irresistible (Cloverleigh Farms #1)(40)

“Mack, you do not have to brush my hair. It’s all wet and tangled. Do you know what a chore it will be?”

“I don’t care. There aren’t many things I can do for you, and you do so much for me. Let me do this.”

I didn’t really have time to mess around, but something about Mack offering to brush my hair was too sweet to resist. “Okay.”

In the bathroom, I grabbed my wet brush and threw on my robe. When I came out, Mack had pulled on his pants and was zipping them up.

“Here you go,” I said, turning around and presenting him with a long, wet, knotted mess.

He started at the ends and worked his way up, slowly and patiently. Since I stood facing the mirror above my dresser, I could see his reflection, and my heart beat faster at his serious expression. His long, gentle strokes across my scalp and down my back sent shivers up my spine. I didn’t care if I was late. This was totally worth it.

“There,” he said. “How was that?”

“Perfect.” We caught each other’s eyes in the mirror. “You were right—you’re awesome at combing hair. Thank you.”

He wrapped an arm around me and kissed the top of my head. “You’re welcome.”

A few minutes later, we said goodbye at the door. He pulled me against his chest, hugging me tight. “This was so much fun. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me, silly.” I looped my arms around his waist and pressed my cheek to his chest. “I had fun too.”

“I hope no one catches me sneaking out of here.”

“You know, I really don’t care what my parents think about us. We don’t have to hide.”

“But I care.” He pulled back and looked down at me, his expression serious. “Your family is good to me. And this complicates not only our working relationship, but also things with my kids. Can we keep it to ourselves for a little while? Is that okay?”

“Of course.”

“Thanks.” He tugged a strand of my wet hair. “I want to do this again. But I have no idea when that will be.”

“It’s okay, Mack. I meant what I said last night. I don’t need promises and I won’t make demands. Whenever we can steal a little time together is good enough for me.”

He kissed my forehead. “You’re too good to be true.”





*



“You’re in a good mood today,” my mother remarked after she caught me humming a tune at the reception desk.

“I am, actually.” I’d spent the entire morning at work mooning over him, replaying last night in my mind, and wondering when I’d see him again. I’d meant what I said to him about not wanting to be another responsibility. The last thing Mack needed was one more female making demands on his time and attention. But I also couldn’t help the way I felt—every cell in my body was radiating with happiness.

Near the end of my shift, Chloe poked her head out the door leading to the offices. “Hey. Mom around?”

I shook my head. “She was, but she went up to change. She and Dad have dinner reservations somewhere.”

She came all the way out the door and closed it behind her. Then she leaned back against it and crossed her arms. Her eyes gleamed. “So.”

I looked expectantly at her. “So?”

“So last night I had a private tasting in the winery for some industry people, and it ran kind of late.”

“Oh?” Suddenly I had a feeling I knew where this was headed, and I busied myself cleaning the computer screen in front of me.

“By the time I was done cleaning up, it was close to midnight.”

“Mmm.”

“And I went out to the parking lot to leave, and saw Mack’s Tahoe in the staff lot.”

“Really?” I wiped repeatedly at a stubborn smudge.

“Really. The restaurant was long closed. The bar was closed. The offices were dark. Any idea where he might have been?”

“No,” I said, but I felt the burn in my face and knew my cheeks were going scarlet.

“Liar!” she hissed, thumping me several times on the shoulder. “I can see it in your face! He spent the night with you, didn’t he?”

“Shhhhhhhh!” I admonished, glancing around to make sure no one had heard.

“Oh my God, he did!” She hopped up and sat on the reception desk, which we were not supposed to do. “Tell me everything.”

“Get down from there before Mom comes down and sees you.” I tossed my paper towel in the trash and tucked the screen cleaner under the counter. “And lower your voice.”

She pouted but pushed herself off the desk and onto her feet. “Well?”

I scanned the lobby one more time, but didn’t see anyone I knew. “Okay, yes. He did.”

Chloe gasped. “I knew it!”

“But you can’t say anything to anyone. I don’t want to broadcast it.”

“Broadcast what, that you’re fucking the CFO?” She snorted. “Can’t imagine why. So how was it?”

A long, slow sigh escaped me. “Magical.”

Cracking up, she shook her head. “You’re not going to be able to keep this a secret for long, you know. The look on your face is a dead giveaway you’re in love.”