She's Having the Boss's Baby - By Kate Carlisle Page 0,23

have you show up at my house and—” She blew out a breath and took another one. “Never mind. Well. You’re home early.”

“Yeah,” he said, gazing down at her. “Hi.”

“Hi,” she whispered.

She was so close, he could almost taste her. Lust had him reaching to pull her closer. As her breasts skimmed his chest, she gulped and pushed away.

“I’m all wet,” she said, her voice raspy.

“Again, let me say I don’t care,” he said.

“I do.”

Her voice gave her away and he knew she was affected by the moment. But apparently she was going to fight it. She brushed past him and stepped inside, then waved him in after her.

“You wait here,” she said. “I’ll just be a minute.”

Aidan acceded to her wishes even though he wanted to follow her right into her bedroom and have his way with her, but that would be pushing it. Right?

Frowning, he watched her scurry from the room; then, alone, he took a moment to look around. He’d never been inside Ellie’s cottage before, he realized. Restless, he wandered the room, picking out the touches that Ellie had added to make it her own.

Aidan and Logan had chosen the California Craftsman style for these two-bedroom residential cottages. Inside, the designers had added Caribbean flair to the traditional sturdiness with pale painted walls, blond wood floors, ceiling fans, lots of windows and vivid island fabrics on the furniture. Those details gave the rooms more charm and lightness than what was usually found in corporate housing.

But this cottage carried the stamp of Ellie’s personality. There were surprising bits and pieces of her personal style everywhere he looked. Colorful pillows were scattered across the couch and chairs. A set of watercolor paintings showed striped umbrellas on the beach and children playing at water’s edge. A whimsical bowl of papier-mâché fruit was the centerpiece on the small dining room table. And on every shelf there were framed photographs of friends or relatives, plus knickknacks, seashells, a small bowl of dried leaves and twigs. And books. Lots of books.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” she said, rushing back into the room.

“It’s not a job interview, Ellie.”

“No, of course not.” She wore pale linen pants and a thin, sleeveless red blouse. Her hair was still wet but combed and tucked behind her ears. Her feet were bare. She looked almost as delectable right now as she had in her bikini a few minutes ago.

Why hadn’t he noticed how sexy and beautiful she was the minute he’d hired her? He’d worked with her for four years and the thought had never crossed his mind until recently. Maybe he needed more than an eye exam. Maybe the doctors should take a look at his brain.

She straightened a magazine on the end table. “So, have you been back long? Would you like something to drink? Did you have a nice weekend with your family?”

She was still nervous. He had to admit he liked it. It was good to know he wasn’t the only one affected by that sizzling moment or two they had shared on the front porch. But as tight and uncomfortable as his body was feeling right at the moment, Aidan had to smile. Surely Ellie was the only woman in the world who would expect a man to indulge in small talk so soon after—

After what?

Nothing had happened, really. Nothing like what he wanted to happen anyway.

“Aidan?” She was watching him. “Did you hear me?”

Over the roaring in his blood? Just barely. But he answered her questions anyway.

“I did. I’ve been home an hour. No, thank you, I don’t want a drink. And yes, seeing the family was great,” he answered in order of the questions she asked. Casually leaning one shoulder against the heavy bookshelf, he said, “Look, I know I’m home a day early, but I couldn’t wait to see you. You know why I’m here, right? I’m hoping you have an answer for me. Do you, Ellie?”

“Um, yes. About that.” She fiddled with one of her shirt buttons fretfully, causing him to fixate on her breasts even more than before. She seemed to realize what she was doing because she dropped her hands abruptly and gazed up at him. “I would prefer to discuss it tomorrow in the office.”

“You want to discuss it in the office,” he repeated slowly as he gave her a cool, assessing look. “Because it’s…business?”

“Well, no, but yes.” She frowned, annoyed at herself. After taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she