Eli’s gaze wandered down her body. She was slim but rounded in all the right places, and her body was nicely displayed by the tight, bright clothes. His fingers tingled with the desire to touch her, even as her touch on his arm unsettled him. Though her job offended him, he couldn’t deny that her body appealed to him on a visceral level.

“I don’t know much about small towns,” he drawled. “But I do know business, and I’ve made this town my business. You’d better get used to having me around.”

Aria didn’t like men who thought they could get their way simply because they were rich and powerful—and, okay, ridiculously good-looking. They ticked her off. Her fingers curled tighter into his arm.

He spoke again, his voice no more than a rumble. “You know you’re still on my property, right?”

Dropping her hand, she reeled backwards. What a beast. She’d only wanted to have a look around and get out of there. It was hardly worth kicking up such a fuss about.

“I’m leaving,” she said curtly. “I shouldn’t have come. I didn’t realize it would upset anyone.”

Elijah Lockwood shrugged one perfectly clad shoulder. “I don’t like reporters. Especially nosy ones. Trouble always follows them.” He pulled a card from his coat pocket and pressed it into her palm. At his touch, jitters shot up her arm. Had a spark passed between them? Static electricity? She flinched away, unwilling to analyze the moment further. “If you have any questions about my development, call this number. Get your information firsthand.”

Aria nodded, then brushed past him. Elijah Lockwood, CEO of Lockwood Holdings Limited.

Pity. He was such a good-looking brute.

CHAPTER 3

Later that night, Aria’s friend Avery turned up on her porch. As soon as the door opened, she brushed past Aria and sat at the kitchen table, flicking her long sable hair over her shoulder and leaning her elbows on the tabletop.

“So, you met Elijah Lockwood?” she asked, watching the cursor blink on the empty document that Aria had been trying to fill with text for her follow-up article about the development. She had yet to figure out the best angle to keep her audience engaged.

“The man has an ego the size of a small country,” Aria replied. “Seemed to think I was out to get him.”

“That article you wrote wasn’t exactly in his favor,” Avery reminded her.

“Writing an article in support wouldn’t have had the same reaction from the public,” Aria reasoned. “Besides, I’m working on a series, so he still has a chance to have his say.”

“So, you were trying to stir the pot. Can’t blame him for being upset.”

Aria groaned. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

Avery grinned widely, exposing the gum she was chewing on. “You know he’s one of the country’s most eligible bachelors?”