I laugh, the sound coming out like a growl deep in my chest. “Not as many as you’d think.”
I draw out the chair around the table for her and then sit next to her. I’m making the most of the time I have to be this close. I’ve watched her from a distance for too long. My cock chafes at the fabric of my pants. I want her spread out on this table or maybe with her hands up against the glass of the window as I fuck her from behind.
She’s staring at me, waiting for me to speak.
I swallow, trying to clear my head. “I apologize for the shock. I should have considered that the last time you saw me was at my apartment many weeks ago.”
“It’s okay. I’m just not sure why you didn’t find someone else once you found out I was taking the job. Or did you forget my name?” She smiles a little.
I clench the sides of my chair. “I didn’t forget your name. Your qualifications are perfect for this position. I’ve listened to your podcast and I need someone who’s good with animals.”
She sits up straighter in her chair. Fuck, she’s adorable. “You do?”
“Correct. You won’t believe how many potential employees aren’t into my dog being around. Not that he’s scary, but he is a handful.” At last, I’ve told her something truthful.
“What’s his name?”
“Otto. He’s a rescue. Found him by the side of the road, took him to the shelter and then…came back for him.”
She smiles and her shoulders relax. “I guess you don’t know his star sign?”
“I have his details written somewhere, I can look it up. I’m a Scorpio, if that makes a difference.”
“Of course you are.” Her eyebrows shoot up.
“Had you guessed already?” I ask.
“I had a couple of ideas. Scorpio was one. So, aside from taking care of Otto, what are my main duties here?”
I resist the urge to tell her that I want her to get in my bed and stay there. Instead I run through an outline of her business duties and my day-to-day schedule. Margot inclines her head as she listens, taking some notes and asking a couple of pertinent questions. While her cheeks are flushed, she still looks a little pale.
“That’s enough for today, I think.” I stand up.
“Oh. I just got here. I apologize for being woozy earlier, I haven’t had enough breakfast and I didn’t expect to see you.”
“No, it’s my mistake. It must have been a shock. You need to eat something. I insist.” I text Sienna and then hold the door open for Margot.
Once we’re downstairs, I walk her to my car. Bryan will follow us at a discreet distance once we’re on our way.
I open the door and make sure she’s safe inside before I walk around to the driver’s seat. Once we’re on the road, I’m overwhelmed again by how close we are. It takes all my self control not to reach over and touch her. Instead I focus on the winding road down to Snowflake Falls and park outside Gingerbread. I don’t want to leave her alone in the car, but Bryan’s already parked a couple of cars away, so she’ll be safe.
“Be right back.” I pick up the order Sienna’s called into the coffee shop, then get back in the car.
“Wow. That smellsgood.”
“Gingerbread is famous for its pastry. And their Christmas cocoa is second to none as a sugar dispersal system. Drink.” I hand her the paper bag and the cheerfully decorated cup, then start up the car. Within a couple of minutes we’re back at her apartment.
“Thank you. For being so nice. I won’t be such a mess tomorrow. See you then.” I watch carefully as she walks up the steps and in through the front door of the apartment.
I knew, the instant I saw her in that club, that she was mine. That powerful pull she has on me has only become stronger with time, until she’s all I can think of. I’m warm when I’m near her and cold when she’s away from me. And I intend to make sure she’s next to me as much as possible.
I make a note to get my doctor to check her over, to make sure she’s physically okay. I curse myself for not thinking about how much of a surprise it would be for her to have me as her boss. I was so wrapped up in seeing her again that all went out of the window.
The blinds in the apartment below twitch and Salvo, the bodyguard I’ve employed to protect her when I’m not around, looks out and nods at me. I have cameras on the front and back of the house, plus one in the hallway outside her apartment.
Salvo’s number flashes up on my cell and I answer.
“Everything good, boss?” He asks.
