Free Hidden Pleasures by Brenda Jackson Page B

desk, thinking his mother would probably like her because Eden Steele was big into all that etiquette sort of stuff. She thoughtthe women he was drawn to didn’t have any class. How would his mother react knowing he had the hots for a woman who not only had class but was a master at teaching it to others?
    He glanced at the clock on the wall. She had only a couple of hours left to call and he honestly didn’t think she would. If that kiss hadn’t scared her off, then he was certain the discussion of bedroom manners definitely had. The only thing he could hope now was that once she got home and found the package she’d realize the proper thing to do would be to at least call and thank him for his generosity. And when she made that call he would be quick to suggest they get together when she returned to Phoenix to take ownership of the house. From there he’d move things forward.
    A short while later, he had finished getting dressed for dinner at his parents’ house when the phone rang. He quickly picked it up because he was expecting a call from Eric. “Yes?”
    “I will accept your offer, Galen.”
    It took him a full minute to find his voice. He truly hadn’t expected her to accept. “I’m glad to hear that, Brittany.” Surprised, as well.
    “I’d appreciate it if you’d have your attorney draw up the papers.”
    He lifted a brow. “The papers?”
    “Yes. I want it stated in writing just what I’m going to receive after the seven days.”
    He pulled in a deep breath. She was concerned withwhat she would be getting after the seven days and his mind was already focusing on what he’d be getting during those seven days. Horny bastard.
    “No problem,” he heard himself say. “I’ll have my attorney draw up the papers immediately.” There was no doubt in his mind he would have to practically kick Eli in the rear end to do it. No matter. Whatever it took.
    A part of him—that decent side—figured he should end this farce by telling her that she already owned the house, but something was keeping him from coming clean. Probably the thought of her in his bed.
    “When can I come pick you up?” he asked. Already he was feeling aroused. He shook his head. When had he wanted a woman this much? She had him intoxicated. He wished like hell that he could sober up but he couldn’t.
    “I think tomorrow morning will be soon enough,” she said. He felt his stomach tighten in disappointment.
    “That will give me time to check out of the hotel and shop for a few items of clothes I’ll need. I hadn’t planned to stay in town but a few days.” Then she added, “You don’t have to pick me up because I have a rental car and I prefer keeping it.”
    He clamped his mouth shut after coming close to saying he preferred she turn the car back in. After all, there might be a time when he wasn’t available to chauffeur her and he’d never let a woman drive any of his cars. “That’s fine. Here’s my address.”
    “Hold on, let me grab a pen.”
    Moments later she was back on the phone and herattled off his address to her. “If you need directions I can—”
    “I don’t need directions. The rental car has GPS.”
    “So I can expect you around noon tomorrow?” he asked, trying to keep the eagerness out of his voice.
    “Yes.”
    “Good, I’ll see you then,” he said.
    “All right, and don’t forget to have the papers with you.”
    “I won’t. Goodbye.”
    He hung up the phone and rubbed a hand down his face. One part of him felt like a total bastard. The other part of him still felt like a total bastard, but a very happy and excited one.
     
    Eli glared at his brother on the other side of his desk. “Whatever you’re involved in, Galen, Brittany Thrasher will end up screwing you.”
    Galen smiled. Hell, he hoped so.
    “You’re thinking with the wrong head,” Eli went on to add, clearly on a roll. “And don’t be surprised if that head gets smashed with all of this.”
    Ouch! Galen couldn’t help