SEVER

of him.
I’m almost certain Amanda is on email, alerting others of what we don’t see here every day. To his full lips that look and no doubt taste like sin, to his dark eyes that stare deep into your soul, Kane Alexander is the type of figure you’d carve when creating the perfect man. His long-sleeved shirt is rolled to his elbows, showcasing strong, corded arms—they’re always my weakness. The type of arms that could easily lift me up, hold me against a wall while wicked things happen to me. On top of that, Kane’s manners have always rivaled that of Mr. Darcy, but no doubt behind closed doors those tasty lips would be responsible for some very dirty things. Beautifully sketched tattoos grace his skin, disappearing under his shirt. I wonder just how much of his body is inked.
“It’s good to see you,” I start again, my voice taking on an unfamiliar pitch. “What brings you by today?”
Kane’s eyes finally break away from mine and I watch as they move around my beautifully decorated office. A finger taps a beat on his knee while my palms grow sweaty. Why is he having this effect on me?
“How’s Shawn?” he finally asks, eyes meeting mine.
His question has me straightening, my heart racing at the sound of my husband’s name.
I swallow hard and he notices.
“He’s… he’s doing great. Work is keeping him busy.”
A small frown creases his brow and I wonder why. “Is that so?”
Why would he not believe me?
“You’re a busy man yourself. I’m sure you can appreciate that.” Shawn and I may be over, but I will never speak ill of him. Even though our relationship is well beyond dire straits, I’m yet to find its cause. I’ve already gone through the motions of playing private detective, and the only thing I found was more frustration on my end. No random lace panties in his briefcase, no unknown numbers or suspicious emails. Shawn crosses his T’s and dots his I’s, and if there is another woman involved, he has to have her locked in a basement somewhere because I simply cannot find anything incriminating. That isn’t to say I haven’t completely ruled it out.
Kane rests his chin on his hand, a long, tattooed finger gently tapping his chiseled jaw. He carefully considers my words, and, for a fleeting moment, I wonder why he’s so invested.
“You haven’t told me why you’re here. Or is it just to inquire about my marital status?”
Kane smiles and it’s disarming.
“I’m actually here for your services.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve been watching your work for quite a while now, and I’m impressed with the fit-out at the Germaine Hotel.”
“Thank you,” I say, feeling a blush color my cheeks. The Germaine Hotel was my best work yet, and offered me a great distraction from some of the hardest months of my marriage when all I wanted to do was curl in a ball and cry. “Are you looking at re-decorating your house?”
“Perhaps further down the line, but for now, I have a business project I want you to add your… Blythe touch to.” His says my name like I imagine he would during sex and I shiver with delight.
A small smile tugs the corners of his mouth when I clear my throat and smooth my blouse.
“Well… I’m flattered you consider my work with such high regard. I’d be happy to work with you on it.” I reach for my notepad. “I’ll just need to get some details. “What style are you aiming for?”
When he does talk, I look up through my lashes at him. The intensity of his narrowed stare has me heating from the inside out. And if that isn’t bad enough, it’s a rumble so erotic, I have to press my thighs together.
“Think… opulence. Sex. A feast for the eyes and a pleasurable assault on the senses.”
I swallow hard, his challenging eyes never leaving mine.
“That’s quite a description.”
“And that’s toning it down.”
Oh.
I wipe my sweaty palm on my shirt. “Well, ah… I’ll need to grab some details. Perhaps I can arrange a time with you this week to come see the business, and I’ll bring—”
“That’s the catch,” he says, slowly. “You’ll have to do all this blind.”
My brows crease in confusion. “I’m sorry… blind?”
“I can have my assistant send through very detailed specs. I’ll ensure they’re thorough.”
I don’t know what to say. This has never happened before. Kane’s asking me to work wonders in design when I’m not even permitted to see what the canvas looks like.
Scratching my temple, I collect my thoughts. “Well, for best results, I really should see—” I stop in my tracks when Kane slowly shakes his head.
“I’m aware my restrictions will only make your job harder, but…” he leans forward, elbows on knees, “that’s why I came to you. People know your name for a reason.”
I shake my head gently, attempting to break his hold on me. “And your budget?”
His eyes twinkle as he stands, his broad shoulders and height engulfing me. “Don’t have one.”
“That sounds…” I trail off and then change directions. “What did you say it is you do again?”
He smiles, revealing perfectly white teeth as he holds the door open. “I didn’t.”
~
“Here, you lucky bitch.”
I spin on my heel and face Amanda who’s holding out a brilliant bouquet of pink and deep purple flowers. Placing my handbag back on the desk, I take the gift.
“Who are these from?”
“There’s no card. I checked. I asked the delivery, but he didn’t know. Isn’t it your anniversary this weekend?”
My thoughts race back to the morning and the altercation with Shawn.
Had he had a change of heart?
Could he actually be interested in reconciling?
“Where’d you go?” Amanda eyes me suspiciously.
Not wanting to delve into my marital issues,