The Billionaire's Marriage Proposal (Billionaire Bachelors #4)(10)
“It’s been several years, and while I’ll always miss her, I’m moving on now, but thank you. How’s the job treating you?”
“It’s wonderful. I keep so busy during each day that it’s time to leave before I know it. I don’t like jobs where you sit around, watching the clock.”
“Well, that’s great. I know you’ll continue to do well. I’m going to hunt down some food and find my brother, now,” he said before squeezing through the crowd.
Jennifer visited with several people and then got too warm and decided to take a swim. She dove into the water and came up against what felt like a brick wall. It knocked the breath out of her, and she would’ve sunk back into the water if strong arms hadn’t grasped her and pulled her up.
“Thank you,” she choked. She realized she was staring at a very sexy male chest. It was hard, defined, and had water dripping down it, and she was afraid she recognized it. Her eyes slowly traveled up the tanned skin until they reached the eyes of her boss. Seeing his incredible body was one thing, but touching it wasn’t good for her blood pressure.
She felt a tightening in her stomach, unlike anything she’d ever experienced before, and there was an instant ache in her very core. She realized she was in lust with Trenton. She was motionless for a few moments as she watched his eyes dilate and his head start bending forward. She came to her senses just in time and pushed against him. She couldn’t kiss her boss, especially in front of his entire family, in a swimming pool, where her body was barely covered.
His eyes narrowed at her rejection, and then she watched, fascinated, as he seemed to put shutters in place, not allowing a single thought to show in his expression.
“It looks as if you’re enjoying yourself, Jennifer,” he said, and the sound of his rough voice sent a shiver down her spine.
“It’s Ms. Stellar, and I am, thank you,” she corrected him before swimming away. She couldn’t stare at his body any longer - it was sending her own into overdrive.
He quickly caught up with her and pulled her back into his arms. She gasped at him, but couldn’t seem to pull her gaze away. She was losing an internal battle to keep fighting the attraction to him.
“You’re at a family gathering, don’t you think the formality’s a little excessive,” he growled.
“No, I don’t, Mr. Anderson,” she emphasized. “Now, if you’ll release me, I was getting ready to get out of the pool.” They glared at each other for several moments, while Jennifer held her breath. She was afraid of her own reaction if he were to actually kiss her, because what he did to her body with a simple touch, or look, was enough to start boiling the water around her. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if their lips actually connected.
“I will for now, but eventually you’ll quit running from me. There’s obviously something between us, and I’m very interested in exploring it.” He released her and she swam a few feet away to the ladder. Her distance made her feel much braver, so she turned and gave him a dismissive glance.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, because you’re not my type. Now, I’d appreciate it if you would keep your hands and thoughts to yourself,” she said. His eyes narrowed and he lunged toward her. Jennifer didn’t stick around for him to call her bluff. She quickly jumped from the pool, grabbed a towel, and found a group of people to hide among.
“I know you’re a guest here, but would you mind helping me with some snacks for the kids. It’s almost time for their movie marathon?” Emily asked.
“I’d love to help you,” Jennifer told her eagerly. She’d do anything to avoid running into Trenton again, because the man was too lethal for her own good. The women walked into the kitchen, where two ladies were already working.
“Jennifer, these are my sisters-in-law, Amy and Jessica, and girls, this is Jennifer. She’s working for Trenton,” Emily introduced everyone.
“I’ve seen you in the offices before. It’s great to officially meet you,” Amy said with warmth.
“You too, this party has been amazing. I’ve barely even seen Molly, she’s having such a great time,” Jennifer replied.
“Trust me, she won’t even know you exist as long as all the kids are playing together. They tend to have too much fun together,” Jessica said with a warm smile. The four women spent an hour preparing a myriad of goodies for the kids and getting it set up in the den.
“Well, I guess I’ll go ahead and leave now,” Jennifer said. Molly was more than happy to stay over and there was no need for her to hang around any longer.
“Oh, you can’t leave yet. Now that the kids are settled down, it’s time for grown-up fun. My husband just lit a bonfire and we have drinks and snacks set out,” Emily said. She didn’t give Jennifer a chance to protest, she just grabbed her arm and led her outside.
It was just starting to get dark and she noticed several people had departed while they were in the house. There was still a large group of people around, but not nearly what it had been earlier. She didn’t spot Trenton anywhere. She was both relieved and, yet, disappointed. She knew she couldn’t get involved with him, but she couldn’t deny he made her feel things no one else had ever made her feel.
Trenton watched as Jennifer came back out of the house and he let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He was determined to get her alone that evening, and was grateful she hadn’t gone home. She wasn’t going to throw down a challenge and then run away, without giving him a chance to respond to it.