Hidden Pleasures - Brenda Jackson [27]
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 with what 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 he rattled 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 flinching at that. Like their old man, Eli had a way with words, especially while reminding you there were consequences for the actions you took.
“Just prepare those papers, Eli. She wants them tomorrow.”
Eli shook his head, still not ready to let it go. “This doesn’t make sense. She thinks she has to spend a week with you for a house you’ve already given to her.”
“When she finds that out she’ll be surprised and happy, now won’t she?”
Eli grunted and then said, “Yes, but your ass still might be grass. Women don’t like men taking advantage of them.”
Galen rolled his eyes. “And those words are actually coming out of your mouth? You, who have more notches on your bedpost than I do.”
“Yes, but I got them honestly.”
Galen shook his head. Now he’d heard everything. Instead of arguing with Eli, he moved away from his brother’s desk and went to look out the window. The gym across