Seduction on the CEO's Terms by Charlene Sands Page A

“Are you okay?”
    She nodded, digging her head into his chest and holding on. Tears stung her eyes. She kept telling herself he’d never be here if she hadn’t begun this ruse. Somehow that justified her actions. “How did you know what flight I was on?”
    â€œI didn’t. But this was the only evening flight coming in from Florida. It seemed logical.”
    God, how she loved him. “Thank you for coming. But I have my car here.”
    â€œDon’t worry about your car. I’ll have someone pick it up for you. I brought a limo. Thought you’d like a quiet drive home.”
    Ali nodded. “Sounds like heaven. This is very kind of you.”
    Joe squeezed her tight and then looked into her eyes. “You’ve had a rough few days, haven’t you?”
    Ali cringed. She must look awful. “Yes.”
    Joe hadn’t called her during those four days, and as ridiculous as it seemed, her feelings had been hurt. She’d thought they were closer than that. She’d thought that Joe would have given her more support. Those few kisses they’d shared had given her hope, but she’d come to realize that maybe Joe would never come around. Not in the way she wanted.
    â€œI’m sorry.” There was a depth to his tone she hadn’t heard before.
    â€œSorry?”
    â€œThat you had to go through that alone.”
    She shrugged. “At least, my mother is handling it better now.”
    â€œThanks to you, Ali. I bet you being there meant the world to her. You have a way of making people feel better.”
    When Joe said things like that to her, it made her want to shed tears. He could be so sensitive at times. “I hope so.”
    Joe snatched her bag from her hand and guided her out to the parking lot. True to his word, a black limo was waiting with a chauffeur who had opened the door the minute he’d spotted Joe.
    â€œAfter you,” he said to her, then handed over her bag to the driver. Joe slid in beside her, and the door was closed.
    Ali couldn’t keep from asking, “I thought you were the green guy in the family.”
    Joe laughed. “I am,” he said as if he’d just been caught cheating on an exam. “But some things are just worth the carbon footprint.”
    Ali smiled. “Thank you, Joe.”
    â€œLean back and relax. You must be exhausted.”
    Ali did just that. She slid down in her seat a little and rested her head back. “Do I look that bad?”
    â€œNo, actually you look amazing.”
    She tilted her head to gaze at him. Those dark eyes behind the glasses appeared sincere. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him how much she’d missed him, but Ali held back.
    Joe slid a little closer and opened his arms to her. “Lean against me, and close your eyes.”
    The invitation was too tempting to refuse. Silently, shedid as she was told. The minute she rested her head on his chest and his arm wrapped around her, a sense of peace and fulfillment washed over her. “Mmm.”
    â€œTry to sleep,” he whispered.
    â€œYou make the best pillow, Joe,” she said, cuddling into him. “I think I will.”
    Ali knew the exact moment the limo rolled to a halt. Her eyes snapped open. Joe held her against him as she slept, and now she wished she hadn’t woken up at all. She wished she could stay in his arms forever.
    â€œYou’re home,” Joe said quietly.
    She felt at home in his arms. At least now, she could say she’d slept with Joe—or rather on him. She slid out of his grasp and straightened in her seat. Oh God, had she snored? “How long was I out?”
    â€œJust about the entire way, Ali.”
    â€œWas I, um—”
    â€œPeaceful. And quiet as a mouse.”
    Thank God. She blinked then nodded, trying to wake up fully.
    â€œIf you need another day to rest, take it.”
    â€œNo,” she said shaking her head. “I’m eager