Chasing You (Thirsty Hearts Book 4) Read Free Page B

leaned over, gripping the edge of her desk, before moderating an even, indisputable tone. “You are not in love with me, so don’t play with me. We had an evening together, but that’s over, and I would like to move on. Whatever you may think, I take my business seriously, and I’d like to discuss what I’ll need from you.”
    Snide humor raised the pitch of his voice. “You need me.”
    Alexa folded her arms. “As a landlord. I’m expanding Starlight Fitness, and we’re in the middle of construction. Can’t we behave like adults?”
    His amber eyes widened, and he put up a surrendering hand. “Sure. Of course. I apologize. It’s just a shock seeing you.”
    “Likewise. Now, feel free to have a seat. Do you want anything to drink? We have coffee, tea, and water in the office, or I can get you some fresh juice from next door. We have a good relationship with the smoothie place.”
    They sat down opposite one another, and Graham tapped his hands on her desk. “No, thanks. I just met with them, and they treated me to some fresh-pressed juice. I’m very hydrated. So, what do you need?”
    “There are some changes to the structure that I worked out with my previous landlord. We had a separate written agreement, and it’s not clear to me how the change in ownership is going to affect our timeline.”
    “All legal agreements that were made with the tenants have to be honored, so if there was construction promised and deadlines set, we’ll follow through.”
    Graham waved his hand as if Alexa’s concerns weren’t an issue.
    “You say that, but in the past two weeks, there was electrical work that was supposed to be done, and my contractors are having trouble getting access to what they need in the building.”
    Graham pulled out his business card and slid it across the desk. “Send me an email with the specific issues, and I’ll personally make sure you get what you need.”
    Alexa’s shoulders unwound a little. “Thank you.”
    “Any other issues?”
    His wide brown eyes bored into her, and her breath had to crawl out of her chest. “Not at the moment.”
    With their business wrapped up, Alexa could get him out of her office. The anticipation of it made her knee shake.
    “Good. I’m having these tenant meetings so we can introduce ourselves and put faces to names.”
    “Done. I have a face for the name. Graham Ryan.”
    Alexa didn’t know why she thought he’d said his name was Ryan. She must have misheard him. It had been loud at the party.
    “And Alexa Stevens. Not Lola. That’s what you said, right?”
    “I don’t know what made you think my name was Lola.” Alexa forced her lie, light and dismissive, through her tightened throat.
    “Regardless, it’s good to see you again. Maybe we can have dinner.”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “Ah, keeping it professional.”
    “I think that’s best.”
    “There are professional business dinners.”
    “Is that what you want? To get together and talk business?”
    Graham’s fixation on her face flipped her stomach. ”Why don’t you give me a tour of your facility?”
    “Uh, sure.”

    * * *
    G raham followed Alexa out of the employee area and into the gym itself.
    His “Lola” was Alexa. Alexa Stevens. A tenant.
    Small, small world.
    The sway of her hips jerked his eyes to her ass like the gravitational pull of the sun, and being back in her orbit gave him a charge.
    And judging from her reaction, she wasn’t nearly as immune to him as she wanted to be. Shock wasn’t the only thing widening her velvety eyes and making her jumpier than frog on meth.
    Alexa would pretend they were all business, but he knew better.
    She walked with purpose—her back ramrod straight—and barely looked at him as she began his tour in a crisp tone.
    He’d let her do her “business” thing. For now.
    “The space isn’t as large as many national chains, but we have top-notch cardio equipment.”
    She pointed out the two rows of machines—six treadmills, three