Read Online Effortless by Lynn Montagano - Free Book Online Page B

I let out a long, breathy moan.
    “See? You can’t do it either.”
    “Take me home. Now.”
    The left corner of his mouth quirked up. “I will, as soon as you tell me what’s bothering you.”
    “Alastair,” I exclaimed. “Don’t do that. Don’t rile me up with your irresistible kisses and touches and say those things to me and not follow through. You’re a fucking tease and I’ve had a long day. I’m not in the mood for your games.”
    “You’re hot when you’re angry.”
    “Ugh, you’re impossible,” I grumbled, pushing him away and stalking toward my desk. I didn’t make it far. He caught me by the waist and spun me around.
    “Hey, I’m sorry. I don’t like seeing you stressed and knowing something’s bothering you. Is it Archer?” His eyes flashed. “Is he still hounding you for an exclusive on me?”
    I exhaled, leaning my head back. “Yeah but now he wants the story to focus on me. Apparently I’m the public’s window into your life.”
    The muscles in his jaw twitched as the rest of his body tensed. “Dammit. I knew this would happen. Th—”
    I pressed a finger to his lips to halt whatever it was he wanted to say. “Drop it for now. It’s Friday night. I haven’t seen you in days. Let’s go home.”
    Staring intently at me he remained quiet. I could almost see the cogs turning in his head.
    “Have the paparazzi been on your tail? Paxton said there’s been more than usual this week.”
    “ Half a dozen photographers leapt out at me this morning when Stephanie and I were getting coffee down the street. The pictures ended up online with headlines about our engagement.”
    “Then we should probably beat them at their own game. I’ll have Simone draft a release with an official announcement.”
    I wrinkled my nose as his suggestion. “No. That sounds too impersonal and stuffy. Besides, don’t you think we should tell our families first before they read about it on the society pages?”
    “My family already knows.” He paused. “And so does yours.”
    My mouth dropped open. “What?”
    His throaty laugh filled my office. “I called your parents last weekend and told them my intentions. I also made them promise not to say anything to you. Your mum is quite excitable.”
    “Alastair Reid Holden.” I shoved him playfully. “You are sneaky.”
    A glowing smile brightened his entire face, melting my heart. “You know you love me anyway.”
    “I do.” I kissed him hard, hooking my arms around his waist.
    “Now that we have this settled, there’s one more bit I have to tell you.”
    “Oh?”
    Dread consumed his expression so subtly I almost missed it. “My aunt wants us to go to the house on Sunday for brunch with her, Jason and my grandfather.” He scowled. “They’re not taking ‘no’ for an answer.”
    His body stiffened in my arms until he became almost statuesque. Never in my life had I seen someone grow so agitated over the thought of spending time with their family. After all, these people did take him in when his parents and sister died and provided for him. His cold reaction to their generosity didn’t sit well with me.
    “Brunch with your family sounds like a good idea to me. I didn’t get to spend much time with them at the garden party and—”
    “We won’t stay long. We’ll eat and then leave.”
    “Stop with the interrupting. I’m not saying we have to move in with them but it would be nice if I had the chance to spend more than two minutes with your aunt and uncle. I’d really like to get to know them.”
    Alastair backed away and ran both hands through his hair. I knew that meant he was over this conversation. “You’ve made a fair point, Amelia.” His frigid stare chilled my blood. “But I’m only doing this because of how I feel about you. It’s not for them.”
    Thoughts swirled through my brain, trying to figure out a way to make this visit at least tolerable for him. “Just think how happy your aunt will be to spend time with