Lily laughed at something David said as her eyes slid past his shoulder at the polished dark green Jaguar that slid up next to the curb and she groaned. She was never one on attracting attention but there would be plenty with that car. If it wasn‘t the car that attracted the attention, as soon as the six foot four Irishman got out, heads really began to turn.

Maximilian King had everything going for him. Besides being disgustingly rich, he was handsome, sexy and gave off such a seductive presence that every woman within eyesight swivelled their heads in his direction as if some unseen force called to them.

Just like her.

She hated herself for it because she fell so easily in that trap. Yet watching him now, she really shouldn‘t be so hard on herself. He was utterly gorgeous to look at and she was more susceptible to his magnetism because she had known him forever. You‘d think she would have built up some sort of immunity over a period of time. Isn‘t that what happened when exposed to something over and over again? Yet, the more she thought about it, the more she knew there was no such cure for what she had.

It wasn‘t just women that fell at his feet. Men were attracted to his charisma like a magnet because he wore his success like a neon sign. Most successful people were easily recognized by the cut and cost of their suits, but Max didn‘t need that, he had a certain poise and self confidence that told others that even if he were dressed in a sack.

To prove her point David noticed him immediately after he followed her gaze to the car. ―What is it?‖ He said turning his head, ―Wow, nice car.‖ He paused, ―Is he looking at you?‖

―Yes, he‘s my brother‘s boss and apparently my ride home.‖ Obviously Luke couldn‘t make it and Max took it upon himself to pick her up. David released a startled ?wow‘ when he spotted Max. Lily knew right then and there that David recognized him. Who wouldn‘t? Maximilian King was no stranger around here. The library of the college she attended was named after his family and there was a framed picture of them near the entrance. His father was filthy rich and Max had followed in his footsteps setting up his own fortune five hundred company that had created cutting edge communication devices and he was known to have the Midas touch in everything he invested in.

Her brother, Luke and he had gone to high school, college and eventually university together. Max got a MBA and her brother received a degree in finance and now ran Max‘s top communications company as his number one man.

She frowned as a young lady stopped and said something to him causing him to grin at her.

Wasn‘t any female resistant to his charisma?

She fumed as the she giggled and went on her way, but not without a flirtatious wave of her fingers. Maybe she wouldn‘t be so angry if he had flashed her that sinful grin every now and then. Instead she only got the smiles that were reserved for the little sister of a good friend.

―Your brother works for him? That‘s Max King, isn‘t it? Wow he‘s much taller than I thought.‖ David saw with apparent awe.

She shrugged and guided her eyes to David‘s face that was now filled with wonder, ―Yes it is.‖ And sexy, gorgeous and heart stopping, she thought to herself, nothing like the man standing in front of me. David wasn‘t ugly by any means, but he was no Max King.

Though she really couldn‘t fault David, not many men were

gifted like Max was. At least in her eyes.

―Wow.‖ He said again. ―You never said anything.‖

Annoyed, Lily tilted her head at him, ―It wasn‘t important.‖ Already she could see the interest in David‘s eyes at the prospect of getting to know Max so he would hopefully have a job for the summer as an intern. She felt a sinking in the pit of her stomach knowing that he was already lost to her. If anyone had Max‘s name on their resume they were guaranteed a job anywhere.

Somehow she was hoping he was different. All her life it was the same story. Just because they were friends with the Kings, people pretended to like them in hopes of getting close to the money.

―Of course not.‖ David brought his attention back to her realizing his mistake and trying to recover, ―I just didn‘t realize that you had such wealthy friends.‖

―He‘s my brother‘s boss, that‘s all.‖ She lied sparing a glance at the arrogantly handsome tall man who was now leaning against his car waiting patiently for her. He was in a totally relaxed pose with the first two buttons of his black silk shirt undone, his long legs crossed at the ankles and his hands in the pockets of his dark grey slacks. Currently, his attention was on something off to her left. Then he lifted his arm and spared a glance at the gold and platinum Rolex on his wrist, checking the time.

It wasn‘t that he was impatient or anything like that, because if he wanted to leave, he would have just told her.

Even after all of the years she had known him, he still affected her. It didn‘t help that he was devilishly striking with his dark Irish looks and grey eyes, impeccable taste in designer suits and had the sexual magnetism of an Alpha male in his prime. Always an enigma, yet charismatically appealing to her sex leaving a trail of heartbroken women in his wake. Unable to help

herself she let out a frustrated sigh. The man couldn‘t help but be attractive, even David was falling over himself.

―Sure, that‘s why he came to pick you up instead of your brother.‖ David added about her statement of being her brother‘s boss and nothing else. He didn‘t believe her because he knew all about Max King, and he didn‘t seem the sort to pick up relatives of employees. He was rich enough to send someone else to do it.

She eyed him for a moment unable to squash down the frustration. She‘d gone out with David a few times to do her best to erase Max from her mind thinking that it was just a childhood crush that made her feel the way she did, but it didn‘t work. She still felt undeniably attracted to Max and if there was any uncertainty it was just wiped clean when he drove up. David was nothing compared to the man that Max was. He was a yes man, and Max was a natural leader. He was innovative and exciting and masculine to the teeth, and she knew then no one could ever compare. ―Whatever. I‘ve got to go.‖ She said suddenly fed up with him.

―Wait.‖ He grabbed her arm.

Neither one of them saw Max suddenly stand straight and pull his hands out of his pockets balling them in fists with his pale eyes on the couple a distance away.

―Can you at least introduce me?‖ He asked hopefully.

Appalled, she pulled her arm out of his grasp and glared at him, ―I should have known. Every time I get linked with Max King, I discover my friends‘ true intentions.‖

He blinked twice and straightened trying to compose himself again, ―It‘s not like that Lily. Will I see you this weekend?‖

Clearly he was lying and doing a terrible job of it. While he was talking, his eyes were still locked on Max. She stared at him. Now that things were clear to her on why he wanted to see her, she was no longer interested. She would not be used. ―I

don‘t think so.‖ She inclined her head toward Max, ―My brother set me up with a job for Max this summer.‖ She added with some satisfaction at the envy he couldn‘t hide, ―I‘m going to be busy.‖

David looked back at Max still unable to hide the awe he had for him, ―Maybe you can put in a word…‖

―I don‘t believe this! Goodbye David.‖ She turned and walked away frustrated and angry. Why did Max have to show up? She couldn‘t help herself but glare at him as she neared him,

―Where‘s Luke?‖ Not only that, all of the women around them were practically falling over themselves to get a better look at him and for some reason she wanted to pull out her claws and scratch all of their eyes out.

―Hong Kong.‖ He answered with a smile while standing erect and looking down at her, ―And hello to you to.‖ He added seeing her expression and not seeming the least bit deterred by it.

She‘d forgotten how sexy that deep voice of his was and stopped suddenly to stare at him as a shiver ran down her spine and he was so tall. She hadn‘t seen him in several months, but you‘d think it was ten years by the emotions of longing he aroused in her. When she spoke, her voice nearly cracked,

―Hong Kong?‖

―Yes.‖ He leaned down and opened the door for her,

―He‘ll be back tomorrow night if things go well. I told him I would make sure someone was here to get you—get in button.‖ He added the last bit softly.

Button? He had called her that since she could remember and she never knew why because she was too afraid to ask. It sounded like a cutesy name, but when he said it, it sounded salacious. She closed her eyes for a moment to savour the affect it had on her. She had to admit that she loved the way her body reacted around him. It was like some sort of electrical current that only he could ignite.

Before getting in the car she turned to him, ―You could have sent someone else?‖ He smiled again and she thought her knees just turned to butter. Oh why did he have to be so darn handsome?

―Would you have recognized one of my other employees?

I have over fifteen thousand.‖ He smiled wryly.

She rolled her eyes, ―Fine. Point taken.‖ She protested because she was afraid of making a fool out of herself on the ride to Luke‘s apartment. His closeness always turned her into a bumbling fool. Silently she prayed from strength to resist his affect on her knowing that it was pointless.

He looked back at David who was still standing where she‘d left him and his expression darkened, ―who‘s your friend?‖

―Nobody now, thanks to you.‖ She shot, getting in the car missing the expression of relief that spread across his face.

After he closed her door, he walked around to the driver‘s side and took another opportunity to look at the man that was with Lily. Max knew an eager face when he saw one, and it was written all over that one. He didn‘t mind eager, but he didn‘t like people he cared about being used. Lily didn‘t know it, but Max knew all about this David. Then he actually handled her. He wanted to rip his arm off for touching Lily. His Lily. He pursed his lips and got in, started the engine and turned to her masking his ire, ―Any stops?‖

―No. Just take me home okay. I‘m exhausted.‖ She was trying not to look at him and instead focused her gaze on something outside, but she could still feel the heat from his scrutiny.

―Why so glum?‖

Finally she turned to look at him, ―Because every time you show up, I lose a date.‖ He gave her a puzzled expression, ―I mean, I liked that guy.‖ She tossed a thumb in the direction of David who was still gaping, ‖and when he saw you, he fell all to

pieces wanting to get to know you. For once I would just like a guy to like me for me.‖

―Then quit picking stupid ones.‖ He said dryly

Her mouth fell open as she stared at him in disbelief. David was in the top ten percentile of their class and far from stupid, but his next words clarified what he meant.

He gave her an amused lopsided smirk, ―Really honey, if they can‘t see you for what you are, then it‘s their loss.‖

Always the charmer, ―I‘m not one of your women Max, quit trying to flatter me.‖

―One of my…‖ he burst into laughter and shifted the car into gear, pulling away from the curb, while she started fuming.

―No you definitely aren‘t.‖ he continued to laugh.

Even his laugh was downright sexy. Letting out another frustrated sigh she concentrated on the scenery preparing for the long two hour ride back home. She felt almost as if he was laughing directly at her. She always found herself being a tongue tied fumbling fool around him. Moments ago that sloppy smile near had her heart galloping out of her chest. Secretly she wished that he had some sort of attraction for her, but she knew better. He liked high society women, beautiful women, experienced women who could satisfy him in—oh gosh stop it, she scolded herself. Why did she always think of him in such a manner? How come she couldn‘t get him out of her mind? Thankfully his voice interrupted the silence.

―Did Luke tell you what kind of job you‘d be doing for

me?‖

She swung her head around to face him, ―No.‖ She

assumed filing, mail delivery or something along those lines.

He flicked her a glance before returning his attention to the road, ―You are working on a business administrative degree, are you not?‖

―I am…why?‖

―Knowing you Lily, you‘d think I‘d have you deliver coffee to my employees or do a muffin run.‖ He glanced at her again seeing the rising color in her cheeks, ―Not appropriate for an intern in that respect. You are my best friend‘s sister. I have something better in mind.‖

―Don‘t do me any favours.‖ She returned with more sarcasm than she meant causing one of his brows to rise.

―I‘m not.‖ He answered while studying her expression.

Actually he was, but it was more for his benefit.

―Oh.‖ She added feeling foolish, and then crushed.

―I intend on giving you every opportunity to understand what it would be like to work for someone such as myself. I‘m hiring you as my Personal Assistant and once you spend a week with me you won‘t think I was doing you a favour.‖

―You can‘t be that bad.‖ she mused.

Smiling he glanced sideways at her, ―I assure you I‘m not an easy man to work for. I keep long hours, work weekends and I expect you to accompany me on my many trips abroad this summer. If you can work for me you can work for anyone. I‘ve gone through six PAs this year alone.‖

―You‘re kidding, right? Six?‖ What woman in their right mind would quit working for him? It must‘ve been brutal for them to quit. One thing she had going for her is that she knew Max better than they did. Not only that, she was certain he wouldn‘t be so hard on her because of who she was. Hopefully she didn‘t let him down.

Part of her was exhilarated at being with him, close to him, and the other part was scared stiff. Truth was, she was nuts about him and had been since she discovered boys. Although she couldn‘t quite peg the year, it must‘ve been when that boy asked her out in eleventh grade and she said no, because he didn‘t even possess one-eighth of the qualities that Max had. Max was a beautiful image of masculinity. To her he was no less than

perfect, and unfortunately looking for those qualities in another man pretty much left her boyfriends looking plain and never lasting more than a few months as with David.

―No.‖ he said dryly casting a once over glance in her direction, ―Your wardrobe needs an upgrade.‖

Insulted and embarrassed she turned her head away. Just because he wears four thousand dollar suits doesn‘t mean she can afford the same. She looked at her worn jeans and t- shirt. ―I just got out of school. We don‘t wear business suits in class.‖

―That‘s not what I meant Lily.‖ He added in a softer tone,

―Naturally you will have access to a company credit card and we have several boutiques that cater to my personal staff. I‘ll have Nancy set you up an appointment and get fitted.‖ He was dying to see those legs of hers in a skirt.

―Max,‖ she chagrined, ?I am not a charity case! Luke has plenty of money; he can buy me what I need.‖

Sighing he pulled the car over to the side of the road and cut the engine. His piercing eyes searched her face for a moment, ―Lily, where is all of this defensiveness coming from? This is nothing short of what I would do for another intern, PA, or otherwise. You are going to be my PA next week. You need to look the part. I can‘t possibly haul you all over the country looking like a cowgirl. There is a standard package for the position, including a company credit card, cell phone, personal data device, car service, excreta. You need to be at my beckoned call. I‘ve already gone over the details with Luke. He seemed a lot more eager than you thinking it would be an excellent opportunity.‖

Lifting her chin slightly, she returned his steady gaze, although she‘d never reveal how nerve racking it was. ―Max, you are only doing this because of Luke. I wanted to try and do things on my own for once without the great Maximilian King

attached to my name.‖

A slow smile spread across his handsome face, ―Is that so? Didn‘t anyone tell you, it‘s who you know in this world that gets you places, or at least gets the door open. Then after that you can rely on your own attributes.‖ His eyes dropped to her mouth. He had to admit that if she did use her own attributes they would take her to the top. Especially that mouth. She had a perfect pouty mouth with lips the color of pale roses.

―I don‘t want that kind of privilege.‖ What a smile. Could he possibly look any more appealing?

His brows rose, ―Really? Then should I inform your brother that all the begging and pleading he did on your behalf last week was all in vain?‖

Her mouth fell open. ―He didn‘t!‖

Then his expression became unreadable, ―Should I tell him that his sister doesn‘t appreciate how well he looks out for her?‖ He frowned, ―Your brother loves you very much, and wants the best for you. There are people out there that would die for this position and have it on their resume, yet you balk because it‘s handed to you.‖

Furious at his arrogance, she couldn‘t keep the anger out of her voice, ―What? Like the great Max King can make or break a career?‖

―You‘re bloody hell right I can.‖ He said allowing his temper to finally show, ―I can break a career to the point of believing that reincarnation three times over won‘t help them get a job. You are being ungrateful. I don‘t ever recall that selfishness in you.‖ He didn‘t mean to sound so harsh, but Lily had never been so defensive and it was surprising. Maybe she was more upset about David than he thought and that irritated him.

She gaped at him then felt ashamed at her behaviour and snapped her mouth shut. Never, in all the years had she known

him that he‘d raised his voice to her. He was right, she was being ungrateful. If Luke did what Max said, it wouldn‘t have been easy for him. It was him that was bringing out this foul temper in her. She was crazy about the man, and he affected her to the point of craziness. ―Oh God Max, I‘m sorry. I must sound horrible.‖

Thankfully he seemed to relax. She‘d never witnessed any sort of rise in his voice before, and certainly not toward her, so she knew she angered him. He had every right to be upset with her. ―Finals always stress me out. Then David went all ga-ga when he saw you. I actually thought he liked me. It just seems that when I start getting somewhere on my own, you waft in and the world falls at your feet.‖

Of course it wasn‘t the whole truth, but it seemed to work because he finally gave her a sinfully delicious grin. The same grin she had wished for earlier, now she wished she didn‘t. It caused her stomach to momentarily spasm and she was thankful she was in the car not standing when he did it, because there was no way she‘d be able to keep upright. His deep voice may have caused a quiver to go up her spine, but that grin ran through her whole body like a vibration. Despite her condition she was amazed that her voice sounded as steady as it did when she continued her explanation. .―Now I know he‘s just like the rest of them that only want to date me because I know you.‖ She waved a submissive hand and slumped in the leather seat feeling like a complete ass.

―Is that what you think? The world stops for Maximilian King?‖ he said with a glitter of amusement, erasing the annoyance he felt earlier.

She shrugged, ―Always seems that way when you walk in a room.‖ She mumbled. ―The men suck up like there‘s no tomorrow, and the woman do everything shy of stripping off their clothes in a public place to get your attention.‖

―God Lily, what an exaggeration!‖ He chuckled while turning on the car and pulling back out onto the road. ―If that were true, you would have made a pass at me a long time ago. I‘ve spent more time with you than any other woman in my life.‖ He said absently choosing not to look at her to see her expression because she would see his. If Lily made a pass at him, he certainly wouldn‘t turn her down. He hadn‘t seen her in over a month and if it was possible that she‘d grown more beautiful in her absence, she did. She must be about twenty now, and she had developed into a gorgeous woman. Of course he always thought she was, but with his plans coming into focus on his real intentions for her, she was even more appealing and not in the little sister of a best friend way.

He wanted her.

Lily thought her heart just tripled its pace at that confession and she turned away and looked out the side window so he couldn‘t see the vulnerable expression on her face. First of all she wouldn‘t know how to make a pass at him and it certainly wasn‘t for lack of wanting to. She‘d never had a steady boyfriend, and beyond a simple kiss here or there, had no idea of flirting or intimacy. It seemed that whenever she mentioned something to Luke about a potential beau by coincidence Max would walk into her life and the beau would turn into an ass kissing puppet. Yet, that confession, as brief as it was, nearly liquefied her internal organs.

―Are we okay?‖ he slanted her a look after he hid his expression of desire. In the past, he‘d always kept an emotional distance from Lily treating her as his friend‘s little sister, but this summer things were going to change, especially if she was with him every minute of every day. There was no way in hell he could ignore her.

―Sorry.‖ She said sheepishly, I don‘t know what got into me.‖ He gave her an easy grin and turned his attention back to

the road. Max was a naturally dominant male through to the bone. To a man, he was intimidating, but to a woman, his demeanour screamed sexual perfection. He was confident, arrogant and highly intelligent so it was justified. Lily knew from an early age that God made him to torture her sex. Even now, while concentrating on the road in front of him he was appealing. His masculine features were perfection, a strong square jaw, straight aristocratic nose, sensual masculine mouth and those bloody eyes that could drag a confession from a corpse. Also, he had a body that you could fathom on a triathlon competitor. She would know, she‘d been at his house when they‘d used the pool, thankful that someone had invented sunglasses to stop her eyes from flying out of her head. If Adonis walked the earth, he would be a spitting image all beautiful and muscular, and moving with a confident virile grace.

Just thinking about that day sent an odd heat low in her pelvis. How could that happen so easily with him? Never did an image illicit such a physical response like it did with Max. She sighed heavily. She was hopeless.

―I could offer David a job, if you like, and then you could spend the summer together.‖ He said cutting off her thoughts.

If it weren‘t for the teasing look in his eyes, she would have blasted him for such a suggestion after what she‘d just told him, ―Yeah, sure.‖

―Then I could fire him because he wasn‘t as good as you.

Revenge can be sweet.‖

She actually laughed, ―You really would wouldn‘t you?‖

―Of course.‖ He gave her a lopsided grin, ―Anything for you button.‖

She had to force herself to breathe after that statement,

―As mad as I am at him, I just couldn‘t subject him to that. I would feel too guilty.‖ If he says button one more time in that deep voice, I’m going to faint, she thought.

―Ah, there‘s the sweet Lily I know.‖ He flashed her another smile and his eyes went to her mouth again.

Sweet? Blood rushed into her cheeks at his flattering tone, ―Okay…enough.‖ She held up her hand in surrender causing him to chuckle.

About ten minutes passed before she found her voice again, ―Is it true that you‘re dating that model Cybil Dawn?‖ He gave her an unreadable expression.

―Dating, yes.‖ His eyes roved over her with his expression not giving anything away, ―Why?‖

―She‘s not your type.‖ She heard herself say wishing she‘d just kept her mouth shut.

He chuckled, ―No? Then what is my type honey?‖

She shrugged trying to hide the shiver that just ran through her, doing her best on trying to act indifferent,

―Someone who is down to earth, yet challenges you enough to keep you on your toes. ― She cleared her throat, ―You know, someone who‘s witty—― she nearly said intelligent, but that was an unfair judgement because she didn‘t know Cybil and for all she knew the woman had a two hundred I.Q.

―How do you know she doesn‘t?‖ he said casting a careful look in her direction searching her expression for a betrayal of her indifferent tone. It was subtle, but he did see it. Her eyes glanced off of him and he didn‘t miss the vulnerability that was displayed in them. A sense of satisfaction washed through him.

―She‘s a model.‖ She said nonchalantly.

―There‘s the stereotype.‖ He gave her a slanted grin, ―And you‘re one to talk. Didn‘t you get offered a modelling job?‖

―That‘s different and I turned it down.‖ She cast him a shy sideways glance. It was embarrassing to be categorized along with the women he‘d dated. She‘d met quite a few of them over the years and they were mostly shallow and self absorbed. She never understood why an intelligent man like him was interested

in them. Years later, she began to understand that it wasn‘t their intelligence he was after. Yet, to know that he desired women like that made her feel insignificant modelling offer or not. There was no way on God‘s green earth that she could compete with those women.

―Turned it down? I thought Luke threatened to disown you.‖ He offered watching her cheeks pink up.

―Oh God….he told you?‖ She groaned. ―Just the same I turned it down. Luke said that lifestyle would ruin me. Geez, don‘t you guys keep secrets?‖

―Luke‘s right.‖ He added, ―And no, he‘s my best friend.‖ It was actually Max that told Luke not to allow Lily to go into modelling. Luke was almost willing to let her do it until Max reminded him of the lifestyle. Both of them had extensive experience in dating women like that and he didn‘t want Lily to be ruined. She was special to him. More than she knew.

―Regardless, you‘re one to talk. You‘re dating a model.‖ She defended, ―And you tell me I shouldn‘t choose that career.‖

He grinned, ―That‘s different. I didn‘t know her before she was a model. What I see is what I got. With you, it would destroy that sweet quality you have.‖

She stared at him, sweet, he thought she was sweet? He‘s said it moments ago, but hearing it twice made her catch her breath. Max was always good to her, but he never really complimented her before.

―And then there‘s the dieting, the late nights, long hours…‖

―Dating rich fabulously handsome men like you…‖ she added without thinking. She held her breath hoping he didn‘t hear her, but he caught it.

―Handsome?‖ his eyes glittered when he tossed her a look, ―You think I‘m handsome?‖

Trying to recover she began to babble just making things

worse, ―You think your handsome enough for the both of us with all that arrogant charm and sex appeal.‖ God shut up, she thought to herself. It was his fault! If he hadn‘t had her all senseless with the ?sweet‘ comments, she might be able to control her big mouth.

He threw back his head and laughed, ―Now I‘m handsome, charming, and I have sex appeal. Honey, you do wonders for my ego.‖

―That came out wrong.‖ She groaned and put her face in her hands knowing he didn‘t need any help in that aspect. His poise alone wrote the book on ego.

―I would love to hear more on the subject of my sex appeal, but we‘re at your brother‘s building.‖ He said with clear amusement.

She could still hear the laughter in his tone and wanted to crawl into a hole. Feeling a tug on a lock of her hair she faced him still thoroughly embarrassed. He actually was playing with the strand between his fingers that had escaped her French twist, and his expression was no longer amused. It was something different that she hadn‘t seen before.

?How long is your hair?‖ he said guiding his eyes to hers. Tilting her head in question, she said, ―To my waist.

You‘ve seen it down. Why?‖

―Actually it seems like years that you wore it down around me, so I wasn‘t sure if you cut it.‖ He frowned, ―Don‘t ever cut it. I‘ve never seen this shade before…It looks like copper.‖

Bewildered she just stared at him.

―And wear it up like this at work. I don‘t want you to attract attention.‖ He added in a terse tone.

―Max…?‖ what on earth did that mean?

Seeing her confusion, he explained, ―Women have a hard time in my business being taken seriously. I promised Luke I‘d protect you. There are a lot of men in my main office building

and you are a beautiful young woman. Most of these men aren‘t married because they have careers that don‘t allow that. I don‘t want to start firing them because they start pawing you.‖ What he didn‘t‘ tell her is that he didn‘t want anyone else touching her besides him from now on.

Her jaw dropped. Max had never mentioned anything remotely related to her looks before in her life. She knew she wasn‘t ugly but Cybil Dawn was stunning, all blond and leggy, and she couldn‘t hold a candle to her. Perhaps he was being sexist? The men could be devils and the women must remain conservative. ―So when your girlfriend shows up, does she have to wear a potato sack?‖

―that‘s different,‖ He shook a finger in her direction,

―she‘s not the little sister of my best friend and in no way is she na?ve in the what men want from her.‖ And I couldn’t care less if another man touched Cybil.

I‘ll bet. ―For heaven‘s sake Max, I‘m twenty years old.‖

―With the body of a supermodel, the face of an angel and the mind of Einstein.‖ He cut in, ―And na?ve as the day is light.‖

Now she turned completely scarlet.

―My point exactly.‖ He said studying her flushed cheeks,

―You have no idea how appealing you are to my sex. Many men that I employ work hard, but they also play hard. I don‘t want you falling for the antics of a playboy and you‘ll be around them as much as I am. Why do you think I‘m keep you close as my PA, not shipping you off to some other department? Even if I warn everyone off you, there‘s a chance that someone will take a chance at losing their job just to get you in bed…‖

―God….Max…‖ she gasped. It was as if he just breached that barrier of comfort between them. Not that she was always comfortable around him, but now his dictation of her feminine attributes and what he thought of them, floored her. He just admitted that she was appealing to his sex. Did that mean him

too? His next words crushed her hopes.

―Luke would kill me if anything happened to his baby sister.‖ He held his hand up when she tried to interrupt him. ―So, take what I say as advice, not an insult. I‘m speaking from experience.‖

Because you’re a playboy, she thought.

―Now for tomorrow…

―Tomorrow is Saturday.‖

He smiled, ―Yes, but I don‘t take the day off, and you need to come to the office and speak with Nancy, my secretary. She‘ll set you up like I mentioned before, so you‘ll be ready on Monday for work. There is only skeleton staff there on Saturday so she can take some time and show you the ropes and my expectations. I‘ll pick you up tomorrow at seven-thirty.‖

―Oh.‖ She said understanding what he meant and was actually thankful for his consideration. She could only imagine what it was like around there on a Monday.

He looked up at the building through the windshield,

―You sure you want to stay here by yourself? I have several spare rooms at my place.‖

And interfere with your love life? No thanks. She thought, ―I‘ll be fine. When‘s Luke due home again?‖ she couldn‘t handle it if he‘d brought a woman home while she was there.

―Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow if things go well. Which I have no doubt.‖ He shrugged and smiled knowingly,

―Luke‘s the best I got so I expect him home tomorrow.‖

―No doubt.‖ She smiled back at the flattery he gave her brother.

―We could go out to dinner tonight.‖ He found himself

saying.

Dinner? Oh lord, could she possibly sit across from him

and not fall to pieces. ―I‘m tired Max.‖ She would have loved to

have him to herself , but she wouldn‘t know how to behave with just him around and knew she couldn‘t keep up the facade of not being in love with him. Something would definitely slip and give herself away.

He resisted the temptation to brush a stray lock of hair off her cheek while studying her expression, ―All right honey, I‘ll take a rain check then.‖

―Okay.‖ She gave him a small unsure smile.

―So go on,‖ he leaned over her and opened her door, ―I‘ll pick you up first thing tomorrow, be up and ready by seven thirty.‖ He repeated.

She nearly gasped as his body gently brushed against hers as he opened her door and when he erected himself there was something odd in his eyes that she‘d never seen before. For a moment all they did was look at one another before she realized that she was ogling him again. Before the next blush hit her she said goodbye and jumped out of the car. What she didn‘t see was Max‘s gaze follow the sway of her backside as she entered her building.

He sighed and shook his head before putting the car into gear and pulling away from the curb, ―Be patient Max.‖ He said to himself.

Entering their penthouse made her breathe a sigh of relief. She shut the door and leaned against it for a moment. Max always left her so drained. It was near impossible keeping her attraction for him out of her body and facial expressions. Setting her bag on the hallway table she made her way to the kitchen to make herself some dinner when she stopped suddenly at the sight of two dozen lavender roses in a vase with various wisps of baby breath. Slowly she walked up to it spotting the card that said ?Lily‘ in no less than Max‘s handwriting. She felt like a kid at Christmas as she opened it. ?Welcome aboard‘ and he signed it. He actually wrote the card himself. Smiling her fingers

guided along one of the soft velvety peddles wondering if he‘d even gone to the flower shop to pick out the flowers too. Then that got her thinking about his relationships with women. She was sure he bought them all sorts of things to flatter their beauty. Leave it to her to ruin her own brief happiness she thought as she sighed out loud.