Beauty and the Billionaire Beast by Maria Hoagland

Author:Maria Hoagland [Hoagland, Maria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gelato Publishing LLC
Published: 2017-04-28T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

It didn’t escape Emma’s notice that Theo made closing the door to the cobweb-strung barn look easy, though she struggled with its weight every time. She also noticed the straining of his muscles against his form-fitting cotton shirt, and smiled to herself. It didn’t hurt to appreciate these types of things. Call her grateful.

“We’re filthy.” Theo rubbed his hands on his old jeans.

Emma had seen Theo dressed up at Live Oak Lane, and he’d looked pretty darn hot, but working next to him—joking, chatting, getting to know each other—she decided he was maybe even more attractive in mud-streaked work clothes and a faded cotton T-shirt.

“At least I have a shower.” She gave him a smirk and wiggled her shoulders. “But hey, there might be a rain bucket in the courtyard somewhere.”

He laughed, and it was easy to forgive him for that day.

“I might be able to do better than that,” he said.

“Then it’s a good thing there’s soap and water at the office for you.”

“It’s a good thing there’s a matching garçonnière across the courtyard from yours.” Theo mimicked her facial expression and body movement, and looked adorable doing it. “You didn’t know I stay there sometimes, did you? And I just happen to have soap and water there. Not to mention a towel and fresh clothes.”

She tried not to think about it and instead looked at her watch. “Meet me in forty-five minutes? I’m kind of excited for dinner.”

“Umm … okay?” Theo chuckled.

She’d anticipated the need to explain. “As soon as Zoe heard I’ve never had gumbo, she said she'd make it for dinner tonight even if it is about ninety degrees out here.” Emma was exaggerating the temp, but not by much. And with the oppressive humidity so unlike the dry heat of Eastern Oregon, she thought she just might melt.

They’d reached her cottage, and while Emma unlocked her front door, Theo walked on to his place. She turned just enough to watch him reach his door, unlock it, and walk through. She was getting way too interested in her employer.

Forty-three minutes later, Theo knocked on Emma’s door as she was putting away her makeup and other toiletries. She felt infinitely more human than she had an hour ago, now that she’d fixed her hair and put on a flirty summer skirt and cool blouse. Theo, too, had dressed up more than usual. It almost felt like a date.

They started the trek to the office, the late afternoon air still heavy, but the camaraderie between them light and companionable. How much easier it was to be with Theo now that she’d gotten to know him. Just as Zoe had predicted.

“I think I should incorporate a tire swing into the landscaping.” Emma’s tone was completely serious, but she was kidding. Even though they were cutting through the allée of ancient oaks with their delicious shade, being out of the sun’s glare wasn’t enough to mitigate the heat.

“A tire swing?” Theo was skeptical, as he should be. She would have been flunked for even suggesting it in a formal, historic garden.

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