My eyes land on a brunette across the dance floor. I know that backside. The way she moves, hips swaying, shoulders loose, it hits me like déjà vu. When she turns, I inhale sharply.
Her hair’s down tonight, not pinned back like it usually is. Loose curls tumble over her shoulders. Her face, usually bare, is flawless, makeup softening her edges and highlighting her eyes. And that dress, it clings to her curves like a second skin, showing off legs I’ve definitely never noticed in the office.
What the fuck am I thinking?It’s my useless secretary.
Her friend catches my eye and flashes a flirty smile. I return it, a rare thing for me, and nod to Anthony. He unclips the red rope, letting them through.
“I’m Courtney, and this is Leoni,” the friend chirps as she drags her over.
Leoni’s too busy eyeing up Anthony to notice me, her frown deep like she’s trying to place him.
“I’m Warren,” I say smoothly.
Her head whips around. The second she sees me, her expression shifts from confusion to pure venom.
“Warren,” she hisses, spitting my name like a curse.
Courtney glances between us, wide-eyed. “TheWarren?”
“The one and only,” I reply, offering a lazy smile. I shuffle along the booth to make space, and Courtney slides in beside me. Leoni remains standing, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
“Drinking on a work night,” I comment, raising a brow.
“So are you,” she snaps.
“I’m the boss. I can.”
“Well, I’m not your employee, so it’s none of your business.”
I can’t help the laugh that escapes. She’s hot when she’s pissed. “I thought we sorted that out earlier.”
“You thought wrong.”
“You owe me for the carpet, and the desk,” I remind her. “You’ll pay it off by working for me.”
“I’d rather lick it up than pay you a penny,” she shoots back.
“Careful,” I murmur, leaning in, “I might make you do just that.”
A flash of heat runs through me at the image, her bent over my desk, that dress riding up, and I have to shift slightly to disguise my body's reaction.
I hand Courtney a glass of Champagne, and Leoni ’s gaze flicks to it. “Would you like a glass?” I ask. She hesitates, then nods once. “Then ask.”
Her scowl returns full force. She’s too stubborn to say the words. Her friend looks from her to me, clearly uncomfortable.
“You’ve lost your goddamn mind,” Leoni mutters. “I don’t need your Champagne. I can buy my own drinks.”
She turns and strides off toward the bar, head high, and every step a challenge in those heels.
Courtney watches her go, eyes wide. “She really doesn’t like you,” she says. “I’ve never seen her act like that toward anyone.”
“I find that hard to believe,” I mutter.
“No, really.” She shakes her head. “Lee is the nicest person I’ve ever met. She’d give her last breath to a stranger if it meant they didn’t suffer. She’s kind to everyone, even the horrible ones. I honestly don’t know how she does it.”
I watch her weave through the crowd, her shoulders tight with irritation, and every step screaming attitude. She plants herself at the bar, trying to get the barman’s attention.
I tilt my head toward Anthony and gesture for him to come over. “Tell the bar not to serve her,” I murmur.
