Seduction on the CEO's Terms by Charlene Sands

to his heart, but thankfully he’ll recover with rehab and a lifestyle change.”
    â€œAnd how’s your mother doing?”
    â€œShe was overwrought when I first got here, but she’s doing much better now. She’s taken hold of the situation, making plans for when Harold comes home and how things will change for the better. I’m really proud of her.”
    There was a lull, and Joe sensed Ali was ready to end the conversation. But he wasn’t. He missed talking to her. During the past four weeks, they’d spent a lot of time together at the office and working on the wedding reception. He didn’t like how he felt at loose ends without her. “What are you doing now? It’s late there, isn’t it?”
    â€œYes, it’s past one. I’m getting ready for bed.”
    Joe’s mind took a U-turn, envisioning her slipping off her clothes, donning a sheer nightie that would keep her cool in the humid Florida climate, her hair unrestrained and flowing in curls past her shoulders. He stifled a groan.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” she asked softly.
    â€œThe same. Getting into bed.” He flashed a vision of Ali joining him under the sheets and couldn’t deny how much the thought pleased him.
    â€œSorry if I disturbed you.”
    â€œNot at all.” He missed her. And it was on the tip of his tongue to say so. He should have called her. He should have at least expressed his concern for her stepfather and checked in on her. But his vow to steer clear of her had stopped him. “I’m glad you called.”
    â€œYou are?” She sounded doubtful.
    â€œThe fact is,” he began, fumbling with the right words to say, “it’s good to hear your voice. I was concerned for you.”
    â€œOh, well, I’m fine. I appreciate your concern.”
    Joe winced. They were speaking as if they were total strangers, their conversation stilted and deliberate. And had he heard a note of disappointment in her voice? Should he have said more? “I’d better let you get to sleep.”
    â€œYou, too. Sleep tight, Joe.”
    He didn’t know how much sleep he’d get, but one thing was certain—his entire body was as tight as a hangman’s noose.
    â€œGood night, Ali.”
    Frustrated, Joe climbed into bed, realizing his hands-off approach with Ali was backfiring. The more he kept to his resolve, the more he wanted her.
    And this wasn’t a problem he could solve with his unique mathematical skills.
    Â 
    As soon as the plane landed at Sacramento Airport, Ali grabbed her overnight bag and scooted down the narrow aisle, glad to be back in California. She’d had an exhausting four days and felt like the scourge of the earth in her clothes. She’d tossed together only one outfit change in her hurry to get to Florida, and she hadn’t had time to do any laundry while she was there. The clothes on her back were beyond wrinkled.
    Ali walked down the long corridor leading to the airport terminal, her body aching and her eyes burning from the little bit of sleep she’d gotten these past days. But the minute she glanced up and saw Joe, standing there waiting at the gate, a burst of stunned joy entered her heart.
    He tipped his head when he spotted her. She’d never been so glad to see anyone in her life. Joe, with his hair slightly disheveled, wearing jeans and a black T-shirt, looking better than any of God’s creations, was the one and only person who could lift Ali’s spirits. She wanted to run to him with outstretched arms and kiss him silly.
    But the new Ali would never do something like that. Fake Ali, as she called herself, would simply approach him with a smile, which was exactly what she did.
    â€œHi, Joe,” she said, her breath nearly catching.
    â€œIt’s good to see you, Ali.”
    She blinked and waited. Joe noted her hesitation. Then he opened his arms, and she walked straight into them.