Instead, there was a deeply irritating smile on his face. “Doesn’t everyone?” he asked lightly before turning to Hazel. “Seven o’clock?”
She bit her lip, ignoring the fact that Austin’s mouth had opened a little more dramatically. “Seven o’clock. Are you bringing Chinese?”
“Indian?”
“Thai.”
“Deal.”
He leaned toward her, and for a second, she thought he was going to kiss her goodbye. But then he blinked and stepped back. “See you then,” he murmured, before adding loudly, “Always a pleasure, Fox.” Then he raised his hand and strolled down the hall toward the elevator.
Hazel stared after him, a sinking feeling in her stomach. Did Gareth care at all about being caught?
“What the hell are you doing, Hazel?” Fox asked tonelessly once Gareth was out of sight. “I thought you hated the guy.”
Oh, hate was a strong word. Sighing, she turned back to him. “It just happened,” she replied tensely. “We talked a lot and decided that we get along much better naked than clothed. So, it’s a compromise. It’s best for everyone.”
“It’s best…what?”
“The last few weeks have been pleasant, haven’t they? You got your contract. Devreaux got his, which Gareth and I will sign tomorrow. Blake will play splendidly tomorrow and be included on the roster.” God, she hoped so. “Everyone wins.”
Fox narrowed his eyes almost imperceptibly before asking softly, “Are you sure you haven’t lost something to him, Hazel?”
Hmm. She'd lost her mind, perhaps. But she had so much of it at her disposal, she didn’t mind giving a little of it to Gareth.
“I’ve got everything under control, Austin,” she stated firmly. “It’s only sex.”
“Is it?”
“Yes!” They had a damn contract, after all, that stipulated it was only sex. “So, calm down. It’s nothing serious. Where’s Leon? I have to talk him out of hiring that stupid agent.”
Besides, she didn’t have much time left until 7:00 p.m. and she wanted to be on time for that.
Because what had just happened could hardly be called foreplay.
Chapter Nineteen
Social conduct for hate-free inter-colleague teamwork
Short: SCHIT
Additional clause X-3:
This is a sexual arrangement. Not for sleepovers or cuddle parties.
Additional clause X-6:
Under special circumstances, overnight stays and intensive cuddling are acceptable.
Why couldn’t Austin havecaughtus out at this moment, instead?” Hazel demanded, panting and rolling her head onto his chest, her arm wrapped possessively around his waist. “He would have been so impressed by our performance that he would have just stared at us speechless and decided he’d imagined the whole thing. This is too damn perfect to be real!”
“Hmm,” Gareth said, smiling and pushing her hair out of his face. It tickled his nose. “Should I be concerned that you enjoy being watched by another man during sex?”
She laughed, and the soft sounds that escaped her lips almost made him hard again. But more than anything, they made him happy. “Just to force him not to betray us! But Austin’s a good friend. He won’t say anything. You don’t have to worry.”
“It’s okay. I’m not worried.”
It was the truth, even if that surprised him. If Fox wanted to, he could tell the entire damn team what he’d seen, which would cause serious trouble. God, if his father found out he was sleeping with Hazel and negotiating contracts with her at the same time, he’d have a heart attack. Possibly for good reason. Ethically and professionally, it was perhaps problematic.
