We may not have seen each other in fifteen years, but I remember her cues as readily as though they’re my own.According to the cute scrunch of her lips and the hard edge in her eyes, she’s made her decision, and it does not look to be in my favor.
Dread and misery rise from my depths.
“I have several conditions to add,” she says.
I exhale in disbelief.
She swings gorgeous, determined hazel eyes up to mine, and for a moment, I forget my own name.Forget my successes.Forget the long, sleepless nights and ruthless drive to become someone worthy.
Worthy of her.
Fuck.
I could never pinpoint what drove me so hard year after year.Yes, I love what I do and take pride in providing for my mother and grandmother, but there was always some part of me that knew there was more to it.
It was Penelope.
I didn’t plan to kneel in the hall, but I don’t regret it.I’d spend the rest of my life on my knees for her if that’s what she wants.
She wouldn’t believe me if I told her, though, so all I can do right now is ensure we stay close so I can earn her trust.
“Anything for you, sweet pea.”
For the briefest of moments, she melts.Her shoulders relax and eyes shimmer, but when she stiffens and scowls, I realize I slipped and overstepped.Again.
It’s going to be hard as hell to not use endearments when I speak to her.
“I won’t hold you to that until you hear the conditions,” she warns.
“I don’t need to hear them.I mean it, Penelope.”
She scoffs and rolls her eyes.
“I stand by my words.First cond—”
“So do I,” I interrupt.
She flinches as though I raised my hand to hit her.Her entire countenance shuts down, and she curls in on herself as though to protect herself from a blow, but two seconds later, she pops back up with a furious, hate-filled glare.
“I’ll believe that when I see it.Listen to me before you make grandiose proclamations,” she demands.
I swallow the painful lump in my throat and nod.
She takes a deep breath and crosses her arms over her chest.
I yank my wayward gaze off her perfect cleavage, but the glimpse of her hard nipples outlined through her blouse has me fully aroused.My cock throbs hard enough to test the structural integrity of my trousers.
I hide my erection by leaning forward and weaving my fingers together on top of the table as I give her face my full attention.
“I’m listening,” I say.
My mouth waters as she takes a deep breath, but I use the iron will I’ve honed through years of negotiations and keep my eyes trained on hers.
“I will continue to conduct myself however I see fit after hours.This includes freelancing and potentially having competitors as clients,” she says.
I note her unwavering stare and hide my delight and surprise behind my poker mask.
“Continue,” I instruct without hinting at my thoughts.
