Determined not to be cowed, and also not to think about what it would feel like to have his arms around her body, she said, “I was hoping to interview you about your development.”

“You couldn’t ring and make an appointment? I did give you my number.”

This had to be the strangest conversation she’d ever had. “You did,” she said. “But I prefer to be spontaneous. So, how about it? I’m here anyway.”

“Now?” He said it as if she’d requested he strip naked and dance in front of the queen. Not that she’d object to seeing that, mind you.

“That is why I’m here,” she reminded him.

He snorted and massaged his temples. “You’re not going to go away, are you?”

“Nope,” she said cheerfully. “You wanted a chance to tell me your point of view. This is it.”

“Miss Simons—”

“Aria.”

“Aria.” He crossed his arms. “I don’t want to give you another story. I want you to retract your previous story and leave me the hell alone. Believe it or not, I don’t exist solely as fodder for newspapers and magazines.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’ve already told you I’m not retracting my story. I’m not ashamed of it, and I won’t let you bully me. Now, about that interview.”

“Give it up!” His exasperation was evident in the way he ran a hand roughly through his hair, tugging at the ends. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m in my pajamas.”

“Oh, I noticed,” she replied, smiling cheekily. “They’re adorable. Not quite what I’d pictured, but still—”

“They’re my pajamas! You broke into the house, woke me before I was ready, and you expect me to string together coherent sentences? Give me a moment to catch up, woman. And for god’s sake, give me a chance to get dressed.”

This wasn’t going the way Aria had imagined. She wasn’t sure whether to press her advantage while he was off his game or bow out gracefully. Clearly, he required more patience than she’d anticipated, but she resolved to put him in a better mood so she could get the most out of him.

“How about I make breakfast while you have a shower?” she suggested. Everyone felt better after a refreshing shower in the morning. Even cranky businessmen.

Elijah sighed and ran that hand through his hair again. “Fine,” he agreed. “Give me ten minutes.”

CHAPTER 5