“What is it?” I ask.
He props a hip on my desk. “Could someone have called pretending to be you and canceled the order?”
I blink a few times at the suggestion. “Why in the world would someone pretend to be me and mess up my order?”
He lifts a shoulder. “Why would someone throw a brick through your window?”
I open my mouth, then close it again. “I would never have made that connection on my own.”
“I’m not saying that’s what happened, but given the threats you’ve received about not deserving good things and preparing to lose everything? It sounds like a possibility.” He lets out an annoyed groan that sounds as exasperated as I feel.
I nod, knots twisting in my stomach at the possibility. “I have two choices. I can sit here and dwell on whoever has issues with me or work on fixing the problem. I opt for fixing it.”
He shoots me an appreciative look and smiles.
“What?” I ask, uncertain what that sexy tilt of his lips means.
He reaches out and strokes the top of my hand, my skin tingling where he touched. “You’re strong and I admire that about you.”
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“And don’t worry. You’ll figure things out. Is Kaylee around to brainstorm?”
I shake my head. “She went out to get coffee.”
“Well, that leaves us. Where do you want to start?” He unbuttons the cuff of his shirt and begins to roll up one side,revealing those strong, tanned forearms, then does the same to the other.
But I push my admiration aside. It’s who he is at his core that affects me more. His compassion and caring nature are as sexy to me as his gorgeous face and scrumptious body. Even more so. “Thank you,” I tell him.
“For what?” He looks genuinely perplexed.
I rise to my feet and walk around the desk, stopping in front of him. “For being here. You have your own business to run and my problems are just that. Mine. Yet you’re at my office and asking how you can help.”
He slides a hand along my cheek, cupping my face in his hand. “When are you going to get it? I care about you. And that means I want to see you succeed. So what can I do?”
“Well, I need to figure out how to replace the tapestries with something that is capable of being produced in a short period of time.” I’m grateful to put my mind to work because thinking of anything else, such as who is trying to sabotage me, will put me on edge.
He runs a hand over his face. “You need large, blown-up pictures of the players.”
I nod. “I need… banners!” The idea flies from my mouth before it’s fully formed in my brain.
He nods slowly. “That could work.”
“I mean, they won’t be as impressive as the tapestries, but I know they’ll arrive on time.” Am I as passionate about them as I was about my first concept? No. But I’m in no position to complain. I just need to focus on getting the job done well.
“You know,” Lucas says, glancing up at the recessed lighting above us. “If you wanted to keep a spotlight shining on each, like you’d originally planned, you still can.”
“Basic, yet brilliant! We make quite a team.”
“We do.” He grins at me and I’m drawn into his green-eyed gaze.
Rising to my feet, I act on impulse and wrap my arms around his neck. “Lucas Carras, I appreciate you.”
“Same goes, Ms. Dare.” Our lips meet, and the kiss isn’t hot and rushed, it’s more intense and real. There’s feeling beneath the physical act and butterflies take flight inside my belly.
I try reminding myself that we’re in a temporary arrangement that can’t go any further, but nothing about being around him, working with him, or even kissing him seems short term. He feels like a guy I can rely on. Likemyguy.
Just as his tongue slides over my lips, I hear the tap of high heels and a chuckle. I step back from Lucas and glance toward the office entrance.
