100°

Sell Yourself

Alex followed him into the kitchen and found him checking the stove. Around his giant hunched body she saw a chicken roasting in the oven.

The kitchen was modest, the floor was worn at the entrance and near the sink.

Phoenix had more than enough money to build a mansion right over this spot.

His trucks and equipment could all use an upgrade for efficiency.

It would likely be a task to talk him into it - or anything.

"Where are the sides?" he questioned. Then he went to the refrigerator.

Alex was being ignored again.

On raised brows since his back was to her she said, "I would love it if we could sit down today and talk about how you'd like to invest your new found wealth."

"New found wealth," he repeated. And she didn't miss the hint of mocking. "You mean the oil money?"

"If you want to call it that."

"I just did." He pulled out a plate stacked with corn on the cob covered with plastic wrap.

He set it on the table while Alex made note of his walk, among other things.

"I know you and Brian got off on the wrong foot."

The movements stopped as he eyed her. "That guy's a prick. He better not come back here."

"He won't," she quickly assured.

"Is that why they sent you? They thought I'd be nice to you because you're a woman?"

She opened her mouth to answer but he was faster.

"I don't take shit off nobody. Male or female."

"I wouldn't expect you to take - shit," she answered, unintentionally robotic.

His eyes skimmed her form, down to the tips of her toes.

"They sent you down here from Los Angeles?"

"Yes."

"You usually fly around like that for folks?"

"Sometimes, if it's required."

His large hand pulled the wrap away from the corn.

"Your dad said it was fine for me to stay here, but I really don't want to impose-"

"That's not really a factor right now. I haven't decided if I'm interested in you."

He moved to check the chicken again and Alex rubbed her forehead.

His jeans weren't as worn as the kitchen floor but there were lightened patches on the thighs and the back pockets where he stretched the material.

The man was being a grade A jackass toward her and she still found a way to ogle him.

Involuntarily.

Right then, Alex realized she still hadn't gotten her water.

"Mr. Phoenix, I-"

"Shit," he huffed. "Mr. Phoenix."

Okay, so the man was insulted by a proper address.

"What would you prefer to be called?"

"King of all of Texas." He went back to the refrigerator and took out a beer.

With a flick of his thumb the cap went flying.

He brought it to mouth and seemed to drink the whole bottle in one gulp.