CEO's Expectant Secretary(48)

“You really do look nice in that dress,” Brock said. “It brings out your eyes.”

“Thank you,” she said. “So does your tie.”

He shot her a disbelieving glance. “Yeah, sure. My white shirt does amazing things for my eyes.”

“Actually, it does,” she said. “Because you’re dark-complected. The white shirt provides a contrast against your complexion, and your blue tie emphasizes your blue eyes.”

“So you say,” he said with a shrug.

“One more thing that makes you hot,” she said.

He did a double take. “Really?” he said.

“Yes, really,” she responded. “With your tanned skin and dark hair, you’re expecting brown eyes. Instead, yours are a shock. A compelling shock.”

“Nice to know I have a genetic predisposition toward keeping you attracted,” he said and extended his arm. “Ready to go?”

Just fifteen minutes later, Dirk pulled up in front of Carol’s new condominium. A desk with security and a concierge stood just inside the beautiful building.

“By the price I paid, I knew Mummy wasn’t slumming,” Brock murmured as he showed his ID to security.

“Do you regret getting this place for her?” Elle asked, knowing that she was a big part of the reason Brock had bought his mother the condo.

“Are you kidding? I would have paid twice as much to get her out of the house,” he said as they stepped onto an elevator. “There’s a reason I spent so many nights at the apartment. But you’ve made the house feel more like a home for me,” he told Elle.

A warm feeling surged inside her. “I’m glad. I wanted to make you feel comfortable there.”

The elevator dinged their arrival on Carol’s floor. “Here we go,” Brock said. He glanced at his watch. “Thirty minutes to go.”

Less than a moment later, the door opened and a butler dressed in a tux greeted them. “Welcome to Mrs. Maddox’s home. We’re so glad for your presence. Please come in and enjoy the food, beverage and company.”

From across the room, Brock’s mother called out. “Brock, darling, bring your lovely wife here. I have some people I want her to meet.”

“Warned you,” Brock said under his breath as he slid his arm behind Elle’s back.

“Hello, Mother,” he said. “Your home is incredible,” he said, looking around. “You never cease to amaze me with what you can do in such a short time.”

Elle swallowed a chuckle, noticing his careful word choice. “I have to agree,” she said. “It’s amazing what you’ve accomplished.”

Carol preened under the praise. “Thank you both. Of course, I’ve been working day and night to make this happen. I’d like you to meet my new neighbors, the Gladstones. Eve and Bill, this is my son Brock and my new daughter-in-law, Elle. Elle is going to give me a grandchild soon,” she said in a stage whisper. “I’m so excited, I can’t find the words.”

Brock squeezed Elle’s shoulders. “We’re very excited, too, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad to know my mother has some wonderful neighbors.”

“Nice to meet you,” Elle said, extending her hand, a bit off-balance from Carol’s announcement of her pregnancy.

“Our pleasure,” Eve said. “And when is the little one due? Next year?”

Elle opened her mouth to reply, but Brock moved forward. “Again, nice to meet you.” He nodded to his mother. “I’m going to get Elle something to drink,” he said and guided Elle away. “Ready to go now?” he asked.

“It wasn’t that bad,” she said. “I just didn’t expect her to mention the pregnancy.”

“That’s part of her charm. The unexpected,” he said, lifting a glass of red wine from a server’s tray. “Could you bring some sparkling water for my wife?” he asked the man.

The server nodded. “Just a moment,” he said and swiveled to go to another room.

Brock glanced around. “Some of this stuff looks familiar.”

“It should,” Elle said. “She took some of it with her.”

“But she sent me an astronomical bill for decorating,” he said.

Elle shrugged. “Sorry. Not my area. I’m accustomed to shopping at outlets.”

“And I’ll take you away from all that,” Brock said, his expression softening.

“I hope not,” she said. “There’s nothing wrong with taking a pause before you spend a lot of money.”

He tilted his head to one side. “How refreshing,” he said.