Kevin was all Alex said he would be—kind, energetic, motivated, and knowledgeable about running a business. He is also beautiful, too bad for Marissa he’s gay. I have a feeling that was the key reason Alex chose him for me to interview first, however, being a good businesswoman, I couldn’t pass him up just to make a point. I now have a temporary stand-in that I feel good about.

Since I saw Alex, I can honestly say I haven’t even noticed another man. Kevin was different. He was thrust into my face and my life so I couldn’t help but appreciate his rugged good looks. And then there’s Jacob, of course, but he’s my handsome brother from another mother, and he will never be anything more than that. Alex has nothing to worry about.

When Faye and I arrived at the house, we no sooner get in the door when Greta takes Faye out of my arms and begins gushing over her. She talks on and on about how she never thought she would see the day Mr. Wolfe would have a baby in the house.

I have a feeling Greta is more like a mother to Alex than his own mother is. After seeing her reaction to the baby and knowing the strain between he and his mother, I’m convinced. Greta is kind and round, and her eyes have crinkles around them like she’s spent a lot of time laughing. Faye loved her right off the bat, which was great for me because I had to focus on my interview with Kevin.

Still unfamiliar with the layout of the house, I wander from the foyer where I just said goodbye to Kevin into the kitchen to look for Greta and Faye. They are sitting at the table, Faye in her sparkling new highchair that probably cost a fortune and Greta directly in front of her teaching her to patty cake.

Faye claps her hands together, and Greta looks up smiling when she hears me enter the room. “She is so smart, just like her father.”

“It looks like you two are having fun.”

She addresses Faye when she speaks. “We did have fun, didn’t we? You’re such a good girl, aren’t you?” She continues to babble on to Faye about everything and nothing until I speak up.

“Greta, I was wondering if you’d mind giving me another tour of the house. Alex showed me around on New Year’s Eve, but I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t think knowing where things were was going to end up being so important.”

“Oh, yes, of course. Mr. Wolfe called and said he would be early, but I think we can go through the house once before he gets here. Let’s go upstairs to your room first, Faye, how’s that sound?” She stands to unbuckle her from her seat and lift her out.

Faye reaches for me, and I put her on my hip, and Greta leads the way.

“The house is set up in an H format, that’s the easiest way I can explain it. We are in the center bridge of the H right now, and so is the foyer and the den. If you go up the stairs in the foyer, you can go to one side of the H or the other. One side is where Mr. Wolfe’s quarters are located, and now yours and Faye’s, and the other is where most of the staff lives. Downstairs there is a theatre, a gym, and an indoor swimming pool along with a wine cellar and a mini-spa. We need to have more security around the pool. I’ll have to talk to Bert about that.”

She leads me around, and her H description helps to keep me oriented. Faye’s bedroom is decorated the way I would imagine a royal princess’s nursery would be. He must have hired a professional decorator to come in and work some serious magic overnight.

Mahogany built-in bookcases line two walls and hold stuffed animals, books, toys, and baby supplies. A chandelier hangs from the center of the room, and a gorgeous round crib, made of the same wood as the bookcases, is the focal point of the room. It has a canopy made up of sparkly fairy gauze hanging from a metal frame that gives the room a royal air about it.

If babies could appreciate the way their room was decorated, Faye would love it.

“Your room is right here, dear. It’s connected to Faye’s and Mr. Wolfe’s. The three rooms are all in a row. You can open the doors to all three rooms and see from one end of this wing to the other. Very convenient,” she says with a knowing grin that causes me to blush. “Don’t be bashful, dear. We are thrilled he found such a lovely and kind woman to be with. I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, especially in front of tender ears,” she says lowering her voice to a whisper. “But, Ms. Lilly wasn’t the easiest person to please.”

“Did she live here, too?” I ask letting my curiosity get the best of me. I should be asking Alex if I want to know about his past, but I can’t resist.

“Oh heavens no. My goodness, I think I would have quit if I had to deal with her fulltime. No, she was here a lot, but Mr. Wolfe made sure she went home at night during the week, and she only spent the night occasionally on the weekends when Alex, I mean Mr. Wolfe, was home. He travels quite a lot for work, you know.”

“No, I didn’t know that. Greta, why don’t you call him by his first name after all these years? I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help hear you make a slip.”

“Respect, he demands it of his staff. I’ve been with him the longest of anyone now. I used to call him Alex when he was younger, but since he’s had to hire so many other people to take care of this godforsaken haunted mansion, he decided it would be best for everyone to call him by the same name.”

“I see. Where does he travel to so often?”

“He likes to interview his clients face to face. He says it helps to be able to visualize his victims when he is fighting their case.” That makes sense, I guess. I hadn’t planned on him being gone often. How is that going to work when I go back to my shop? An uneasy feeling settles in the pit of my stomach as I consider the possibility that I have been duped.

“I think that’s it, do you think you’ll still get lost?”

“Oh no, I think I’ve got it now.”

“Well, just in case, I’ll give you my cell phone number, and you can call me anytime for directions if you get turned around. It’s easy to do, and then if you’re like me and you let your imagination run wild about the ghosts when you think you’re lost, it can be frightening.”

“Are you trying to scare Olivia away already Greta? Shame on you,” Alex says entering the room looking delicious in a pair of navy slacks, a crisp white button-up shirt, and a gray suit coat. He moves to my side gracefully as the room fills with the superiority that follows him everywhere.

“No, sir, just telling her not to panic if she gets lost, that’s all.”

“How did your meeting go with Kevin?”

“Great, you were right. I loved him.” I want to bite my tongue the second the words have left my mouth. Even casually using the ‘L’ word around Alex makes me feel weird.

“Good, so he’s starting tomorrow then?”

“Yes, I’m going in for a little while to show him around, and then I am all yours for two months.” His smile is undeniable as he leans in to grace my lips with a kiss.

“I’ll just take the baby downstairs with me so you can get ready for dinner,” Greta says quietly taking Faye from my arms when he ends the kiss.

“How has she been today?” Alex asks her.

She looks at Faye with adoration. “Perfect, she’s perfect.”

“Good.” He kisses Faye’s forehead transferring my lip gloss onto her skin. “I worry about her. I know she’s young and doesn’t understand what’s going on, but I keep expecting her to be more distraught.”

“She’s dealing with things well, you’re right. I’ll keep a close eye on her, if I ever get to take care of her for more than a couple of hours, that is.”

“I don’t want you to get burned out. Greta is here to help and so am I, of course.”

“We could stay in and have dinner at home instead of going out.”

“Absolutely not. I need this dinner with you tonight. I’ll explain better when we are on our way. You should start getting ready, so we don’t miss our reservation.”

The way he said he needs this dinner with me makes me wonder what he means by that. What could he possibly have to talk to me about now? And why must it be done in public?

“Your tone isn’t exactly comforting, Wolfe.”

His frown is immediate, and he stops to listen intently. “I don’t think you realize how that sounded.”

“No, I don’t. How did it sound?”

“Ominous, unpleasant, and bossy.”

He looks away for a beat and then gives me a side glance. “I sound bossy because I am bossy, it’s my nature to be. Tonight will be pleasant in all ways, but I do have to warn you of some things that may come up over the next few days concerning Lilly’s funeral. I didn’t mean to sound ominous. Now, please go and get ready.”

Well, that’s better than nothing, I suppose. “Okay, I’ll be downstairs in thirty minutes, is that soon enough?”

“Perfect, yes.”

I leave him and easily find my way to my room since it’s attached to his and Faye’s. I shower and take a little extra time with my makeup before slipping into the gorgeous silver gown he left hanging in my bedroom from the chandelier.

I don’t do fancy, but this dress is the perfect blend of understated elegance. The dress is full length with a bodice that is fitted with spaghetti straps that cross over my bare back.

My hair is down. I straightened it with the flat iron and applied a touch of makeup to my eyes and lips. I’m not much on painting my face unless it’s a special occasion, and this doesn’t feel like a special occasion although my dress and shoes would say differently.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror in the walk-in closet of the bedroom I am currently occupying, I turn left and right not fully recognizing the woman reflecting back at me.

I cross my arms around my waist and squeeze myself. “Who are you?” I whisper and jump when a low gruff voice answers me from behind.

“The love of my life.”

“Alex, you scared me,” I gasp and whirl around to find him leaning against the doorjamb with his hands in the pockets of his slacks and his ankles crossed. His pupils are dark and dilated, and his expression speaks volumes along with his weighted words.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it, I was enjoying the view. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Come here.” He pushes off the door with his shoulder, and I walk into his arms giving into my fears and accepting his compliment.

“Now that’s more like it. I do believe that’s the first time I’ve asked you to do something, and you haven’t balked or questioned my motives.”

I breathe in the masculine smell of his cologne and the clean scent of the soap he uses and allow his warmth to spread through my body. “I also accepted your compliment without a fuss. Did you happen to notice that also?”

“I did indeed.” I tilt my head up to see him better, and he leans down to kiss me.

“Wait, I’m all ready to go. You don’t want to smear my lipstick.”

“The hell I don’t.” His mouth covers mine, and our tongues slip and slide against each other until I moan and melt against his chest. When my lipstick is good and ruined, he pulls away and attempts to fix it with his thumb. “I think you’re going to have to reapply.”

“Yes, I’m sure I will.”

His hand slides down my hip around to my ass where he gives it a gentle slap. I pop up on my toes and whimper. The sheer panties I’m wearing flood with wetness, and a lightning bolt plows through my core making me want him more than I ever have.

“Meet me downstairs in ten minutes.”

I sigh and poke my bottom lip out in my best pout learning right then and there how to get what I want with Alex Wolfe. He attacks my mouth again like a man possessed with need.

He pushes me up against the wall next to the door and kisses his way down my neck frantically while crouching to gather the hem of my dress. He lifts it up and slides his hand between my legs at the same time he reclaims my mouth.

Pushing the wet material aside, he slips a long finger inside me and groans into my mouth speaking against my lips without breaking the kiss. “My God, you’re so wet, so ready, you’re fucking irresistible.”

My hands have been hanging limply at my sides, but his voice spurs them into action. I unzip his pants and free his thick, hard cock stroking it twice before he hoists me up under my thighs so I can wrap my legs around his waist. “God, I want you so badly. Every time we are in the same room together, all I can think about is getting you naked and pushing my hot cock deep inside of you.”

“Alex, please, fuck me, fuck me now.” I’ve never spoken this way in my life, the words sound foreign coming from my mouth, but I mean what I’m saying. I want, no I need him, to take me rough and fast before I spontaneously combust with desire.

He enters me hard and deep. I gasp and dig my nails into the back of his neck with one hand and hold onto his thick hair with the other while he pounds into me making me come immediately.

“Oh my God, Alex,” I cry out, and the sound echoing in the closet seems to spur him on. He’s driving me up the wall hard with every thrust, and my hair falls around our faces veiling us from the world when he comes with a roar of my name and a curse. His release is so loud, the dead in the cemetery across the street from his mansion probably roll in their graves.

Panting, he takes my mouth again and kisses me until I can’t breathe. When he allows me up for air, his eyes are on me, searching for something, asking questions that I don’t understand.

“I need you so much, Olivia. Promise me you won’t bail no matter how crazy things get. I don’t know why, I can’t explain it, but I feel like we belong together. It’s like…”

“Like you’ve found your other half?”

He jerks his head back and his lips part. “Yes, you do feel it, too, I know you do.” He pulls my face against his chest and kisses my hair thrusting his hips gently upward to show me how much he still wants me. “I’m almost ready to go again. See what you do to me?”

“You’re a freak of nature, is that even humanly possible?”

“Only with you.”

“I’ll bet you say that to all the girls.” And I’ve done it again. Why is it so difficult for me to accept that this god of a man is only this passionate when it comes to me?

“I’m going to start taking you over my knee when you don’t accept my compliments.”

“That wasn’t a direct compliment, though, it was more of an insinuation.”

“It was not. When I tell you that you’re the only woman who has ever made me this hard, this often, this fast, that is a damn compliment.”

“I’m sorry, thank you. That is quite a compliment considering.”

“Considering what?”

“Well, I imagine a man like you has been with a lot of women.”

“Why is that?” he says sounding offended.

“For starters, you’re incredibly talented with your tongue. A man doesn’t acquire that kind of artistry without practice. And you’re decidedly beautiful and wealthy and charming and…”

“All right, you’ve made your point, stop. I’ll have you know that I was born with that artistry as you put it. I have slept with less than fifteen women in my life, which, at my age, is pretty good, I believe.”

“Fifteen?” I turn my head and look at him out of the corner of my eye. “I don’t believe that.”

He rolls his eyes and slides me down the wall pulling out as I go. “Believe it or not, it’s the truth. What on earth would I have to gain by telling you that?”

“You could be reassuring me that you’re not a manwhore.”

He laughs, and I do a little happy dance on the inside when I see him relax and smile, really smile, for the first time today.

“I am no manwhore,” he chuckles tucking his shirt back into his pants and zipping up. “What about you? How many partners have you had in your short lifetime?”

I let my panties drop to the floor, and he bends to pick them up before I am able. I watch him tuck them into his pocket forgetting the question at hand.

“Olivia?”

“Hmm?” I say still staring at him and at his pocket.

“How many have there been?”

“Oh, um, I’ve never kept track, I guess. Probably as many as you, though, if I had to guess.”

His eyebrows shoot up with surprise. “If you had to guess?”

“Well, yes, I mean I had a few boyfriends in high school and a few more in college. Since then, I’ve never really had a relationship. It’s been one-night stands or friends with benefits to keep my needs met, you know. I told you, I haven’t had time.”

“You haven’t made time, and you haven’t made time because there hasn’t been anyone worth making time for. Now there is, so you can make a list and write my name in ink because it’ll be your last entry you ever make.”

Wow. I blink several times as he looks back and forth between my eyes making sure I’ve gotten his point, and I have. Boy, have I ever.

“We’re late. It was more than worth it, but we need to hurry. You can fix your lipstick but don’t worry about your panties, you won’t be needing them.”

I don’t get an opportunity to ask why I won’t be needing my underwear because he leaves me gaping and sated in his wake. When I’ve got myself back pre-spontaneously fucked Olivia, I go to Faye’s bedroom to kiss her goodbye.

Greta is rocking her in a giant plush rocking chair reading her a book. When I bend down to kiss her, I smell the scent of lavender baby shampoo. “She’s had a bath.”

“Oh yes, she needed it. She was starting to smell like sour milk. She loved it, though, such a good child. It’s hard to believe she came from…” Greta stops herself before she says something unkind about Faye’s dead mother. I wonder how awful she must have been to get under Greta’s skin the way she has.

“She’s a doll. I appreciate you looking after her for me. I promise after tomorrow morning, I’ll be more helpful. As long as Alex doesn’t continue to monopolize my time, that is.”

“Oh, don’t you worry, I love spending time with her. As far as Mr. Wolfe goes, you’ve got your hands full with him. He thinks you’re very special, and I imagine you both will be needing me close by.” She winks, and I blush for the second time in front of this woman. If I had any doubts that we were heard a few minutes ago, they have been put to rest.

“I better go, he’s waiting downstairs.”

“Yes, shoo, shoo, have a nice dinner and don’t worry about little miss, I’ve got her.”

“Good night.”

“Good night, Olivia.”

I wave at Faye and leave her smiling in Greta’s loving arms.

It’s time to step out in public with the country’s most eligible bachelor for dinner looking like a kept woman instead of the scrappy fighter from a bad neighborhood in Stockton, California, that I am, or was just a few years ago.