He pushed a lock of hair behind my ear.His touch was gentle—almost reverent—as his fingertips slid down and brushed across my lips.I gasped.
“So responsive,” he whispered, running his hand down my neck, across my collarbone.He rested his palm against the side of my throat, stroking his thumb across my pulse point.“I need to taste you again.”
I couldn’t help it this time.My gaze slipped lower, and I saw the tell-tale bulge in his gray joggers.
Good God, he is huge.
“Callie, eyes up here.”
My head jerked up.I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.All I could do was stare up at him, heat erupting in my chest.He made me feeltoo much.
I backed away.His hand dropped and his expression followed suit.I turned on my heel and scurried back into my room.Slamming the door behind me, I leaned against it, heart pounding.
What was I doing?Sending very mixed signals, at best.At worst, screwing things up between us before they had even begun.My brain wouldn’t stop reminding me that he was my boss.
I pushed off the door and walked to the closet, grabbing my favorite black belted sheath dress.Then I did my hair and makeup, hoping to look as professional as possible.At the very least, I could do that.
When I emerged an hour later, Emmett was waiting by the elevator.He wore a fitted navy suit with a white button-down shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, offering a peek of his exquisite chest.A chest I had been seconds away from teetering forward and kissing not long ago.
He smiled as I approached, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.I did my best to ignore the guilt tugging at my insides.We had to maintain proper boundaries.
The elevator ride was awkward and tense.I kept my gaze forward, acutely aware of Emmett’s presence beside me.I longed to lean into him, to feel his warmth and strength again.But that was inappropriate.
When the doors opened, we stepped into the opulent lobby.Chrome light fixtures illuminated the marble floors and sleek, tasteful furniture.The warm, brown and white shades of the space made it feel welcoming and comfortable while still exuding sophistication and luxury.
“Quite the place, isn’t it?”Emmett said, breaking the silence as he noticed me observing our surroundings.
I nodded.“It’s beautiful.”
“Do you need anything before we go?”
Ever the gentleman, even when he was hurting.His expression was still warm, still gentle.The man cared more about other people than he did himself, and he would respect my boundaries.I knew I’d been leading him on; but, honestly, I couldn’t help it.No man had ever had this kind of effect on me—certainly not Hugh.
I needed to get it together.
“Cal?”
“Oh, shit, sorry.Just distracted.I’m fine.I don’t need anything.We can go.Lead the way.”I gestured forward, hiding my awkwardness behind a fake smile.
Emmett smiled and shook his head, his eyes warming further.“Come on, then.”
He led the way through the tall, glass door of the lobby to where a porte-cochère stretched along the front of the hotel, lit by hundreds—no thousands—of strings of twinkling lights.It was breathtaking in the pre-dawn light.I must have missed them last night in all my excitement.
I’d have to come back someday—explore all the tourist attractions I had only seen from the limo window.
On the side of the porte-cochère opposite the lobby doors, expensive sports cars were parked in a neat, shining row.Emmett strode toward the waiting black limousine just beyond the valet stand.The black-suited driver opened the door.It was Eddie, the same man who had picked us up at the airport last night.
“Good morning, Mr.Price, Miss Winters,” he said, smiling politely.
“Good morning, Eddie.Thank you for driving us today.”
Eddie’s smile widened, his eyes crinkling.“You’re most welcome, Miss Winters.”
I slid into the limo beside Emmett.As Eddie closed the door, he shifted away from me on the leather seat and stared out the tinted window.He was trying to keep his distance, respect my boundaries.
Frustration simmered inside me.I didn’twanthim to keep his distance.But I also didn’twantto jeopardize everything I had worked for.Something had to give.But for now, I’d stick to work.That, I knew.That, I could handle.
“Emmett, can I ask what you expect from me during this meeting today?”
