Drew is rummaging through the drawer in my coffee table when I emerge from my bedroom wearing a black-and-red-patterned fitted dress and black heels, which I hope is suitable for Thanksgiving with his family. Maybe I should have called Abby and asked her what to wear, but I’m probably making a big deal out of nothing. “What are you doing?” I ask, snatching my wool coat from the back of the stool in the kitchen part of my open-plan living space.
“Trying to find something personal. There is no part of your personality showcased anywhere in this apartment.”
“Well, nosy, I have only been living here five weeks, and it’s a rental. I didn’t see the point in moving my stuff from my place in Boston when I won’t be here long-term.”
“I get that, but buy some flowers or plants, a few cheap colorful cushions or throws, something to make it less sterile.”
“Are you always this rude?” I ask, flipping open my compact and applying a clear gloss layer over my signature red lips.
“Is it rude if I’m telling the truth?” I feel his eyes drilling holes in the side of my face as he watches me.
I close the compact and pop it in my purse, making eye contact with him. His eyes are becoming very familiar to me, and there is something warm and inviting that draws me in. “You’re either extremely arrogant, narcissistic, a total ignoramus, or socially inept. I haven’t worked out which yet.”
He barks out a laugh. “Insulting the boss to his face takes balls, Athena. I can’t decide if I’m impressed or if I should fire you.”
“We’re not in the office,” I remind him, putting my purse down so I can put my coat on.
“Allow me.” He darts forward, taking my coat and holding it out for me.
I look back at him, and our eyes connect again. My heart thumps against my chest cavity, and butterflies swoop into my stomach as I slide my arm through one sleeve. His attention doesn’t stray from my face as I slide my other arm through the second sleeve. Not even when he moves around to my front and begins buttoning my coat.
My mouth is dry, my panties anything but.
“You are always representing Manning Motors even when not in the office.”
I bite on the inside of my cheek to stifle a moan as his fingers brush against my boobs through the coat as he slowly buttons me up. I’m physically and figuratively melting in my coat as an inferno flares to life inside my body. He is so close and far too tempting with his sultry voice and his confident hands as he finishes buttoning my coat and ties the belt at the front.
His mouth tips upward as he watches me before his gaze lowers to my lips for a fleeting second. He jerks back, the smirk falling off his face. “Don’t you agree?”
“What?” I blurt, confused and turned on and wondering why the fuck I just let him do that.
Amusement returns to his expression. “That employees always represent their company in and out of the office?”
“I agree management expects that, but I doubt many employees would concur.” I snap out of my fugue state and grab my purse, removing my keys. “And in case you’ve forgotten, I’m not an employee. I represent AMC Solutions. Any bad behavior reflects back on my company, not on yours.”
“I disagree. You’re running a high-profile project that has significant visibility. Any bad behavior while contracted to my company would reflect poorly on us too.”
“If you’re so convinced I’ll behave badly, why hire me in the first place?” I challenge, lifting a brow.
“Are you saying you’re behaving badly already or likely to do so at some point before the contract ends?”
“If you have something to say, Drew, just say it.”
“I thought we were speaking hypothetically.” He rubs a hand along his chin as he stares intently at me, and this feels like some kind of test.
“You speak in riddles. It’s a miracle your company is so successful if this is how you normally conduct yourself.”
Another laugh rumbles from his chest. “And the insults just keep on coming.” In a fast move I don’t predict, he steps right up to me and grips my chin lightly. “Who are you, Athena, and what are you hiding because I see the secrets cowering behind your eyes.”
Heat rolls off his body and washes over me. His closeness is unnerving, but I’m guessing that’s the point. If he’s hoping to intimidate me into giving up my agenda, he’ll be sorely disappointed. It will take a lot more than that for me to trust this man.
I don’t believe he’s bad, but he’s done bad shit, and he’s caught up in bad shit, and he clearly has suspicions about me, which is not good.
I wonder what gave me away. It’s a slip-up I can’t afford. He’s looking for something, and it’s an opportunity to steer him down a different path and also plant these seeds.
“Have you guessed my dirty big secret, Drew?” I purr in my most seductive voice as he lets go of my chin.
His brow puckers, and I wonder what I said to cause that frown.
