And for some inexplicable reason, Cox was turning his charm on me.
Of course, he probably just wanted what I’d unintentionally showed him that night when I hung off the balcony in no panties. What he may or may not have had once already in Vegas—because honestly, I still wasn’t sure.
He had his work cut out for him. For once in my life, I wasn’t going to be on the receiving end of that kind of disaster. He was Camden Cox, puller of pigtails and breaker of hearts.
And I wasn’t going to let him break mine.
13
Cox
I had Sophie right where I wanted her.
Granted, she wasn’t naked, pinned beneath me on my bed with my mouth teasing those luscious tits. That was where I really wanted her.
But she would be soon enough.
She’d denied that it had been for me, but she had worn the bra and panties I’d sent her. And to my office, no less.
Tonight, I was going to seal the deal—memorably this time. She had no idea what a treat she was in for.
I glanced in the bathroom mirror and started buttoning my shirt, wondering if I should shave or if Sophie preferred my well-trimmed stubble. It was a weekend, but I’d spent most of my day working in my home office and taken a break for a workout this afternoon. That had necessitated another shower before I was fit to be seen. Now my hair was damp and I hadn’t yet put on any pants.
Oliver waltzed into my master bathroom like he didn’t give two shits that I was only half dressed. For a guy who generally had impeccable manners, he was awfully lax about privacy.
“The dealership is expecting you. Ask for Johnathan. I texted that to you because I know you probably won’t remember.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“That most of the time, you only half listen to me.”
“I listen.”
He shrugged. “When it suits you. In any case, Johnathan will be ready to roll out the red carpet.”
I finished buttoning my shirt. “Good.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to make a dinner reservation somewhere?”
“No, I’ve got it. Going to do something a little different tonight.”
He adjusted his glasses. “Interesting.”
My eyes flicked to him in annoyance as I rubbed a bead of pomade between my fingers. “What’s with the second-guessing? You don’t think I know how to take a woman on a date?”
“On the contrary, you’re quite skilled at it.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
He hesitated. “I wonder if you know what you’re getting into.”
“With what?” I ran my hands through my hair, massaging in the pomade. “Trying to date my wife?”
He chuckled. “You like calling her that.”
I shot him a glare. “I’m just making the best out of the situation.”
“Or taking advantage of it. But a request, if I may. Call her my wife as often as possible around Maleficent.”
I ignored his jibe at Althea. “She does have her panties in a bunch over the whole thing, doesn’t she?”
“Quite. Although I daresay bunched panties are a way of life for her.”
He wasn’t wrong, but she was damn good at her job. “Are you going to let me finish getting dressed or would you like to question more of my plans?”
“Just… be nice to her. I like this one.”
One corner of my mouth lifted. “Oh, I’m going to be very nice. Don’t you worry about that.”
“And another maiden falls victim to the ravishing rogue.”
“You’re one to talk.”
It was his turn to smile. “Touché.”
“Speaking of, have you asked her out yet or are you still dragging your feet?”
His eyes widened with mock innocence. “Who?”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t try to be coy; it’s not a good look. The tea shop girl.”
Scowling, he crossed his arms and glanced away. “No.”
That was odd. Oliver always killed it with the ladies. They went crazy over his accent. “Why not?”
“It appears she’s already dating someone. I saw him pick her up from work the other day.”
“So? If you want her, swoop in and steal her away. You’re good at the game. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get out there and play.” I ducked into the walk-in closet to retrieve my pants.
Oliver followed. “I know; it should be simple. I should have her eating out of my hand by now, but something about her is… different.”
“Different how?”
“I can’t explain it. She makes me inexplicably nervous.”
I tugged my slacks up my legs. “Nervous about what? And when have you had a conversation with her that didn’t involve buying tea? Which, by the way, I saw how much you have stashed in the cupboard in my office. Maybe slow it down a little or I’ll have to open a competing shop and run her out of business.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Hey man, you’re the one buying tea from her every day.”
“I know. It’s like she’s cast a spell on me. I can’t stay away, but none of my usual tactics seem fitting.”
I finished tucking in my shirt and buttoned my pants. “You’re overthinking it. She’s just a girl.”
His eyes flashed with a sudden flare of… was that anger? But it was gone as quickly as it had come. “I daresay she’s not, but I don’t suppose you’ll understand that. In any case, do you need anything else before I retire to my depressingly single life while you enjoy an evening with the lovely Sophie?”
“You bet your ass I’m going to enjoy my evening. And no, take your drama queen attitude home for the night.” I paused to give myself another quick glance in the mirror before walking into my bedroom. “Don’t bug me tomorrow. At least not early.”
He followed me out. “Planning to cook her breakfast?”
I grinned. “I’m a gentleman, aren’t I?”
“That’s debatable.”
“See ya, Oliver,” I said to his back as he walked away.
“Goodnight.”
Chuckling, I cuffed my sleeves. Time to go pick up my wife.
Sophie’s apartment building was… well, it was fucking unacceptable is what it was. The red brick façade was cracked and worn, at least two of the windows had broken glass, and there was a car parked out front that had been stripped of just about everything easily removable. She wanted a house for her dad but she lived here?
I didn’t like it. How the hell did my sweet little sugar bug survive in a neighborhood like this?
Maybe I’d have to buy her a new house too. And talk to Calloway about her salary.
I got out of my car and leaned against the door while I texted her to let her know I was here.
Then I waited.
And waited.
And waited a little more.
It had probably only been a few minutes, but I started to wonder if I had the wrong address. I checked it again. It looked right.
Finally, her answering text buzzed my phone.
Sorry. Be down in a minute.