Age is just a Number

xander Pierce's presence loomed in Sophia's mind like a shadow she couldn't shake. By the t

aning against the wall as Sop

a muttered, stacking empty

ds," Elise said with a grin. "Guessing she didn't love

robably used to analyzing everything-and e

at. Men like Alexander Pierce don't waste time on cu

"You've clearly been rea

a shrug. "But I'm rarely

ander's gaze, something unspoken that lingered far longer than it should have. But Sophia wasn't ab

artwork was secure before locking up. By the time she stepped outs

uette of a black car caught her attention. She paused, her heart sk

s voice smooth and unhurr

uard. "That's very kind, but

id, his expression calm

but curious, she approached the car and slid into the backs

raffic, and for a moment

der asked, echoing E

er hands in her lap. "Though I'm sur

ssion unreadable. "Art has a

yebrow. "That's a

don't give my time lightly, Ms. Ri

elf to maintain composure. "I hope the

mply. "Your instincts are shar

struggled to find a response. "Thank you. Tha

ead slightly. "

ce," she said carefully. "Your

e enough. But I'm also a man who values authenti

ut the window, the city lights blurring past

said, his voice f

ence settle again. But it wasn't uncomfortable; it fe

ding, Alexander spoke again. "Thank you for the tour tonight

door handle. "Thank you for coming. I h

his gaze lingering on her as

for a long moment, the night air cool against her skin. Something abo

e explain, she found herself hopi