“What?” I hiss. “She's in the shower,” I say in a rush.

Blake is on the other end of the phone, demanding a few minutes of my time.

“That was fast,” he says dryly.

I am not in the mood, “What?” I ask again.

“There is only one way to fix this and your reputation,” Blake says.

“No.”

“Dylan, seriously, I don't think you realize what this could mean for our future and the future of Hawke Enterprises,” he says, softening his tone a bit.

I sigh, I know exactly what it means. The photo and the gossip being spewed wasn't doing me any favors. Sequestering Alexa here in my escape home would cool the fire somewhat, but this was blowing up bigger than any of my other scandals. The press really liked her and were already pulling up details about her, like where she worked, where she went to college and so on. I can't imagine she wants the world knowing every detail of her life.

“Dylan?” he asks when I don't answer.

“I know. I'm working on it. It's been less than 24 hours. It is going to blow up and then fade away. You know that. It always does,” I assure him.

He pauses before answering, “This time it's bigger. The stories keep citing a source. Dylan,” he clears his throat, “there are some details about what happened on that couch that make it a little bigger than the last time. Our investors are convinced you are truly out of control.”

“Bullshit. I kissed a woman on a couch. I had one drink. She wasn't drunk. Can't you do something to stop this crap?” I ask, desperate to clear the air.

“You know there isn't,” he replies gently.

I growl, “Fine, I'll figure it out. For now, tell the investors to chill out for a minute. Give me a chance to straighten this out.”

“Woo her,” Blake says. “Be that charming guy and get her to marry you. It doesn't have to be permanent. You don't have to spend every waking minute together. We need to transform your reputation. How bad can it be? She's gorgeous and it is obvious you have a thing for her.”

“No,” I say more firmly.

I disconnect and sit on the sofa, staring at the wall. I'm torn. I know I am a ruthless business man who isn't afraid to hurt some feelings to get ahead or in this case, stay on top. But, I can't stand the idea I have to change who I am to please others. It pisses me off. I am too old to have to try and please others.

“Hey,” Alexa startles me as she comes around the couch.

Her blonde hair is wet and hanging loose, falling around her shoulders, creating dark wet spots on the dark t-shirt I gave her to wear. She has on a pair of my sweats that are way too big. To keep them up, she has folded the waist band over a few times and cinched the draw string tight. The outfit swallows her up, hiding that gorgeous body, but I know its there.

“Hey,” I reply, steering my thoughts away from peeling off those layers of clothing to find out if she is naked underneath. The idea has made me hard already.

She plops down on the couch, “This is seriously the most comfortable couch I have ever sat on.”

I can't help but smile. She looks so natural, sitting on my couch, fresh out of the shower wearing my clothes. I stare at her, drinking in her beauty.

“What?” she asks, running a hand over her wet hair. “It isn't like I have any of my clothes or makeup. I am au natural. Unless you will let me go home?” she asks, somewhat pleadingly.

I sigh, “Alexa, we have to talk.”

“No, we don't. Jessica gave me the rundown. I'm a hussy, you're a womanizer and we did some kama sutra tango on that couch. Right? Is that what you were going to tell me?”

I laugh, “Basically. I want to protect you from all of that out there.”

Her face softens a bit, before she nods, “Thank you. I can't stay here, Dylan. I have a life. We hooked up. That's it. I need to go back to work and I'm sure you have about a million things to do. You don't have to protect me.”

I feel the moment my brain clicks. It's like being on a train and the track suddenly splits and you are on a different course headed towards a destination you never wanted to be headed towards without having any say in the matter.

“Take the week off,” I blurt out.

“What! I can't do that!”

“No, I mean, work from here. I have some contracts I need fixed and drawn up. You would technically be working, but not in the office,” I say, the wheels in my brain spinning, hoping there is a need for some contracts. If not, I'll make some up.

“Dylan,” she starts.

I hold up my hand, gently shake my head, “I'm your top and probably only client. I am demanding your undivided attention this week. Your boss will understand. Just think of all of the billable hours you are going to rack up. What do they call it? Making it rain?”

She laughs, “Something like that. Dylan, shacking up with you isn't going to help either of our reputations.”

“I don't care. Nobody has to know.”

I can see her pondering the idea. I want to demand she accept my offer, but this new course I'm on tells me to tread softly.

“Fine, if you can get my boss to go for it, I'm all yours for the week.”

The words do something funny to my body. I feel like there is a little piece of me that has grabbed onto those words and is holding them tight. She' s all mine. I grin, damn straight she is.

“Great, it's settled. Now, I am going to order some dinner and then jump in the shower. We can watch a movie or whatever,” I say, suddenly realizing I have no idea what this woman likes. I don't even know what she likes to eat. “Uh, Chinese? Italian? What would you like for dinner?”

She laughs, “Dylan, I eat ramen noodles most nights. Just order what you normally would. I'll eat just about anything,” she says, winking at me.

Again, my cock jumps to attention. She notices.

“Sorry,” I choke out heading out of the living room before I take her right there on the couch—again. I need to practice a little more finesse. No more couches.