Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Iris

The spell is quickly broken when I realize just how close we are. I nearly fall off my painting stool in my attempt to put some distance between us, sending the entire stool clattering to the floor.

My cheeks flush as I stoop to pick it up, getting even more paint on the sleeve of my cardigan in the process.

Truthfully, the pull to kiss Arthur was too strong just now. Far too strong. So strong, in fact, that I might have kissed him had I not jumped to my feet.

I push the feeling of attraction down, though.

“What do you want?” I blurt out, setting the stool upright and folding my arms across my chest.

Arthur looks at me for a moment, and there’s a hint of amusement in his green eyes. He holds up a familiar coffee mug with a picture of two otters holding hands on it–it used to be my favorite mug.

“I brought you some tea,” he says, handing it to me. “Figured you might need it since you’re working so late.”

I don’t take the tea right away. My eyes narrow. “I hope you’re not trying to butter me up.

“Not at all, Iris. Just trying to make sure you don’t pass out on the floor from working so late.”

My neck flushes a little at the reminder. I used to sleep in my studio fairly often when I lived here, too exhausted after working into the wee hours of the morning to even slump down the hall to the bedroom. Arthur found me knocked out on the floor on more than one occasion, and it’s why there’s now a small daybed against the wall with plush cushions.

Finally, I take the tea. It burns my tongue a little as I take a sip, but the peppermint flavor is soothing.

“Thank you,” I say quietly.

Arthur glances over my shoulder. “New painting?” He leans in to get a better look at the still life. “It’s not like your typical work.”

I want to tell him that he doesn’t know jack shit about my typical work these days, but I bite my tongue. Instead, I say a bit more coldly than I intend, “I should remind you that we’re in the midst of a legal battle at the moment. Fraternizing might not be the wisest decision.”

“We haven’t actually started the ‘legal battle‘ yet,” Arthur replies calmly without missing a beat. “Who is your lawyer, anyway?”

+25 BONUS

That day, I leave Miles with Cliff for a couple of hours. Cliff promises that they’ll have lots of fun, and that Miles can press the button to unlock the doors whenever a resident comes. This seems to excite Miles greatly, and he doesn’t kick up a fuss as I hurry out with my painting wrapped up and tucked under my arm.