“I fund universities in exchange for tax incentives. I won't be long... and I want to see you more often,” she whispered.
“I’ll be in New York until January to wrap things up. It beats flying back and forth for the bureaucracy,” I replied.
“True. Both are uncomfortable, but that’s been my life for as long as I can remember,” Kelsey admitted.
“Where is 'home,' exactly?” I asked.
The tension between us felt like a rising heat, though her palm on my thigh could have set the room on fire.
“Theoretically? Los Angeles. But with the export expansion, I’m home less and less. I have Vanessa, though—she’s a lioness when it comes to the business,” she said.
“And your relationship with the Vice President?” I inquired.
“He’s a jerk. He’s only there because of a legacy contract. Vanessa is technically the COO, but she prefers the 'Assistant' title,” Kelsey explained.
“Any particular reason?” I asked.
“She has more freedom to pull strings when she’s acting in my name,” Kelsey replied.
Kelsey moved her chair closer and pulled my legs onto her lap. I decided to lean into the moment. I offered a slow, sideways smile.
“And how will our next 'meetings' go?” I asked as my voice dropped an octave.
I pulled off my gloves and reached out to cup her face. She closed her eyes, leaning instinctively into the warmth of my skin.
“Wherever you want. However you want,” she murmured. “I just don't know how much longer I can maintain this celibacy you've imposed on me.”
She bit her lip before leaning in for a long, lingering peck. Our tongues finally met. Her hand, which had been resting on my thigh, slid upward. I let out a low, ragged moan.
“I don't think we’re going to be celibate much longer,” I breathed.
“I’ll send a plane to pick you up anywhere in the world, Megan. That’s the least of our problems,” Kelsey said with a smile.
“And what’s the biggest?” I asked.
“You admitting you liked what you saw in the bathroom,” she countered. Her hand squeezed my thigh with a possessive grip. It was a claim, plain and simple.
“And why would I admit that to you?” I asked as I arched an eyebrow. “What’s in it for me?”
“The knowledge that I couldn't do anything else with her because I only wanted you in my bed,” she confessed as her voice grew hoarse. “I need to hear you moaning for me, Megan.”
I offered her the most wicked smile I could muster. We were interrupted by Pietro, who arrived with a plate of oysters au gratin.
“I met your friend today. The prosecutor,” I remarked.
She laughed, her hand giving my knee a playful squeeze.
“He’s a gem, isn't he?” Kelsey said with razor-sharp irony. “He thinks I’m gunning for him just because I had one of those ICE dens shut down.”
“I thought he was a xenophobe. It was rude of you not to warn me,” I complained.
“And what’s the next insult on the list?” Kelsey challenged as a smirk played on her lips.
“Excuse me?” I said.
“You’ve already called me insolent and, subtly, arrogant,” she laughed. “I told you the prosecutor was a jerk. I just didn't specify he was the worst kind. Pro-gun, too.”
“And you’re against that?” I asked as I felt genuinely surprised.
