Free Irrational (Underneath it All Series: Book Two) (An Alpha Billionaire Romance) by Ava Claire Page A

Now I was ruining my makeup. Jackson was going to take one look at me and call security, because clearly a mistake had been made.
    I opened my mouth to tell her I couldn't do it, but she didn't let me get a syllable out.
    "You like him, he likes you, it's just dinner." She plucked the card out of my hand and swiped it over a slender black panel and hit the P button.
    And just like that, the swarm of nerves in my stomach dissipated and became a gentle flutter. I sniffed and crossed my arms as we glided toward the penthouse floor. "Not sure what you mean. I'm totally fine."
    "Heck yeah you are," Rose confirmed, all but swinging her pom poms for Team Sadie. When I glanced over at her, she flashed me a thumbs up.
    The doors slid open and I strode out, all the things that should have kept me glued to the elevator, pounding the lobby button before I saw his face, his eyes, a distant memory.
    I was too busy taking in a billionaire's loft that looked nothing like I imagined it would.
    Brick walls gave it an urban, chill vibe that instantly reminded me of the hustle and bustle of the city. The hardwood floor beneath my feet was simultaneously chic and classy, but not off putting. It made me feel right at home, like I could kick off my shoes and flex my toes on the cool surface.
    Rose was already down the corridor, following the smell of something warm and definitely decadent. I paused when I saw a framed cover of Forbes Magazine. Jackson took up the entire frame, arms crossed, eyes burning a hole through anyone who dared to get in his way.
    My phone trembled in my purse again and I didn't even silence it. I let it rock against my hip, lost in the blue. If I didn't know him, I would have been intimidated. Now, I just saw something familiar. He had the same "don't mess with me" glare that I kept glued to my face too.
    A rich voice, hard and powerful, rang out behind me. "That was my first cover. I look pretty badass, huh?"
    His voice alone was enough to make goosebumps ripple up and down my bare arms. I crossed them, smiling at the frame and waiting. He stopped just beside me, and I took a minute to admire the man I knew and the man he showed to the rest of the world.
    "You look like you want everyone to think you're a badass. I know you're secretly a big ole softie with a penchant for redheads."
    I watched his reflection ease closer and I knew exactly where he was headed. My body sighed with anticipation when his lips brushed against my ear. He made me come alive.
    "There's one particular redhead I have a penchant for."
    I licked my lips and leaned into him. "Is that right?"
    "Mmhm," he purred against my earlobe, then took it between his teeth and tugged.
    "Oh my God! Sadie you have to-" Rose's chipper voice flew into the hallway and came to an abrupt stop when she saw us. We stepped away from each other like we'd been caught.
    "Sorry!" Rose stifled a giggle with one hand and held up a bucket of chicken with the other.
    I almost rubbed my eyes, sure they were deceiving me. "Is that-"
    "A box of fried chicken? Yep,” Jackson smirked. “You two shared some comfort food with me, so I figured it was only polite to do the same."
    I marveled at him. The fact that he was drop dead freaking sexy was only part of it. I ran my fingers through his dark hair, tousling the waves as a smile spread across my lips. "Where did you come from?"
    From the playful curve of his lips, I half expected him to say, ‘your dreams’. Instead, he roped my waist and pulled my body to his, pressing a gentle kiss on my lips. The heat that rushed over me and settled on my cheeks was arousal, surprise, and a dose of embarrassment when Rose called out, ‘Gimme some of that!’, making the moment perfect and too much at the same time.
    Laughing, I broke away from Jackson and headed toward my sister. "Looks like you began the tour and dinner without us."
    “Sadie, wait until you see the view from his terrace!" I practically saw the hearts bursting from her eyeballs.