Penthouse Prince Read Online Free

selections.
    She said, “Are you going to be this picky about everything? Because I don’t think that was in your contract.”
    “You didn’t read the whole contract. Never sign something you only skimmed, rule number one. That said…” He glanced up from the pile of purses the shopkeeper had collected for him and smiled a cockeyed grin. “It’s rather amusing, actually. When I was a kid, I had dreams of becoming an artist. Color, balance…all of it fascinated me. It’s amazing how much better we can make you look with softer fabrics and more vibrant color choices.”
    “Isn’t it like putting lipstick on a pig?” She looked at herself in the mirror as she inserted the earrings he’d picked for this outfit. “I mean, because I’m in such desperate need for a day at the spa and all.”
    He came up behind her, closer than she’d expected. He seemed to do that a lot. The man really needed a lesson or two in boundaries, even if she had to admit it was nice to have a sexy man this close to her. She hadn’t been on a date in God knew how long. Certainly hadn’t kissed a man, and forget about anything else.
    “Sure, you could fix yourself up a little. But I didn’t say you’re hideous.”
    She snorted—okay, the guy could make her laugh, she’d give him that—and spun so he could see the whole look. “Thanks for that. Not being hideous has always been an aspiration of mine.”
    “Not bad. So, the kid…why can’t we discuss her?”
    “Because it’s none of your damned business.” She slid back into the dressing room, pulled off the dress, and yanked back on her skirt.
    “Come on, I’m curious.”
    She fought off a smile. “Obviously. You’ve asked ten times already. I’m not talking to you while I’m naked. Go away. Go buy some of this stuff or something. Buy the store. Just go away for a minute while you do it.”
    He wasn’t charming, more of an ass, but his face… It never matched the whiplash of words. When he looked at her, he seemed almost hungry. Like he wanted to gobble her up in one fast bite. Then why had he made that crack about her not being “hideous?” Contradictions—he seemed full of them.
    His low laugh from the other side of the door sent jitters of electricity skittering over her flesh. Proceed with caution, Jeanie-girl . The man possessed a lethal dose of masculine confidence and oozed sensuality. His ease in touching her, his smile, his wit—all might prove a dangerous cocktail if she didn’t remember exactly who and what he was.
    She stuck her tongue out at herself in the mirror, and then she opened the door, only to find him leaning on the frame. “Ever heard of the concept of personal space?”
    “Am I making you nervous?” He wiggled his eyebrows, as if they were flirting or something.
    “No.” Liar.
    “Good. There’s a photographer outside the window. How about a little love peck for the press?” His eyes, at this proximity, might still give the impression he needed a power nap or ten, but it didn’t detract in the slightest from the raw power of his general hotness. He puckered up, quirked a brow, and she barely resisted laughing at him.
    “Where?” She stood on her tiptoes and tried to peer over his shoulder.
    “Look, kiss me or don’t, but peeking over my shoulder might give away that we’re aware of them.”
    She breathed out a gusty sigh, dropped back to flat feet, and placed a hand on his chest. “I’m just supposed to trust you?”
    “In this case, yeah, let me lead. That’ll work.” He cupped her neck again, and she braced herself for the onslaught.
    The man could kiss—she’d recognized his skill at making out in his office. He’d gone from casual to electric in less time than it took her to shudder out a sigh. So long as she remembered how fake both his kiss and his fiancé act were, she could do this.
    This time, he paused, waiting for her to submit to his touch, before ducking his head closer. Their breath mingled, and she