Gasping for breath, I whirled around and smacked him on the shoulder. “You scared the hell out of me! Again!”
“Sorry about that. I figured you heard the door open. And my footsteps echoing like gunshots.”
I scowled at him, crossing my arms over my chest. “What are you saying?”
“Um, maybe it’s time to work on your situational awareness?”
He phrased it like a question, which made me laugh. “I was concentrating so hard I didn’t even hear you.”
“I realized that when you threw your notebook up in the air and made squeaky mouse noises.”
“I did not make squeaky mouse noises,” I argued.
“Okay, tiny puppy whimpers, then.”
My scowl returned. “Was there something you needed, Mr. Lawson?”
A smirk tugged at his mouth as he reached out to grasp my hips, pulling me toward him. “Why yes, Ms. Carter.”
I squinted at him, fighting the smile that wanted to curve my lips. “And what was that?”
“I was looking for a kiss.”
Just as he leaned forward, I put my hand on his chest, holding him a few inches away. “I’m not sure who you think I am, but I’m your assistant. Not your girlfriend.”
A playful gleam lit his eyes. “Oh, really? I was under the impression you were both.”
“Not during business hours,” I retorted.
He made a show of looking at his watch. “It’s nearly three p.m. I do believe it’s time for you to take a break.” He grabbed me again, tugging me even closer until my weight rested against him. “So, you’re technically off the clock, Ms. Carter.”
I couldn’t hold back my laugh any longer. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “This is probably a bad idea. Davide could walk back here any minute.”
“Davide already knows I’m smitten with you.”
“That doesn’t mean we need to make-out in the back room and give him any more ammunition for his teasing.”
“I just wanted a kiss, but if you want to make-out, I’m not going to argue against it.”
I opened my mouth to bicker with him some more, but he lowered his head and covered my lips with his. As usual, the kiss went from light and teasing to hot and heavy in the space of a breath.
Our tongues tangled, and my knees went weak. I gave him more of my weight as I shoved my fingers into his hair, holding him tightly.
The door that led to the front of the gallery flew open as Lucy burst through it. My head jerked back, but Eli’s arms remained around me, keeping me from tripping on my feet.
“Holy shit!” Lucy yelled as she stopped just inside the door. Davide crashed into her back, sending them both skidding further into the room.
“Shit,” I whispered.
“It’ll be okay,” Elijah said.
“Oh, you have no idea what’s about to happen,” I said to Eli, keeping my voice pitched low.
“You’re making out with one of your artists?” Lucy asked.
I stepped back. Eli released his hold on my waist, but he moved slowly. Lucy’s gaze narrowed as it fell to where his hands were sliding off my waist.
“Actually, he’s her new boss,” Davide chimed in.
