“Noelle, why did you come to work here of all places?”
“Why wouldn’t I? It was a good offer, and I needed the job.”
“You had a job.” He studied her for any signs she might balk if he pushed, but she straightened her posture. “Would you at least tell me why you left R&M in the first place?”
She inhaled sharp as if he’d asked her why she’d scornedhim, a question he hadn’t ruled out. She let her hands settle on the table between them. “I was no longer happy there.”
“What did Geraldo do?” The idea of Geraldo pushing himself onto her against her will made his adrenaline course through his veins. He didn’t miss the irony in his reaction.
She laughed. “I told you already it was what he didn’t do.”
Could she have been after Geraldo? Dane’s fists clenched. The thought of Geraldo besting him twice made him ill.
“Did he spurn you or something?”
“Oh, God, no. It's just that he’s been promising me a promotion for years, but he never delivered. That plus I haven’t gotten more than the standard cost of living raise in all that time. I finally decided I needed to go.”
That was it? Or was she hiding something else? “So now you’re here.”
“Now we are here.”
He sighed. “Noelle, what do you expect from me?”
She stared at her hands, picking absently at her thumbnail. “You know I never intended to hurt you before, and I don’t mean to now.”
Dane had a million thoughts racing through his head, but he kept his face even. Fuck it. This might be his only chance to get an answer. “Why did you kick me to the curb? What did I do? I spent weeks trying to understand, but you wouldn’t give me any explanations.”
That red spot appeared on her cheek. What did it mean? Was he making her uncomfortable? Was she ashamed? Was she preparing to lie?
“I want to apologize for how I handled things before. But Dane, people talk. And your reputation—”
Hisreputation? Did she think he was juggling other women? He wanted to protest, but it wouldn’t matter. She had formed an image of him, and that’s what he had to work with. He sat back and crossed one foot over his knee, the picture of nonchalance.
“I don’t know what to tell you. I could say that everything anyone’s ever said about me was untrue, but it’s probably not. Maybe it’s exaggerated. Who knows? I stopped reading my own press when I left R&M because I didn’t recognize myself in any of it.” That sounded pretty good, he thought. Humble, with a hint of self-awareness. Noelle leaned in. Maybe she was buying it. He raised one eyebrow. “But I’m not a saint.”
Her eyes tinged with fear or excitement, and she reached her hand out to his. “I know you’re not. I haven’t met a saint yet. But I don’t believe you’re as ruthless as Geraldo painted you. I have to tell you I’ve spoken to some of the people who remember what happened. To a one, they feel you were treated unfairly. Why hasn’t the press picked up on that?”
Dane shrugged. “That’s all old news. The only times I end up featured in an article now are when they compile lists.”
“Ah, yes. Forbes ten most eligible financial leaders. Are you eligible Dane?”
Was she flirting, now? He smiled. “Do you want me to be?”
She tightened her grip on his hand. “For now, can we be friends?”
He drew his hand back and assessed her body language. He recognized the longing in her eyes, the flush painting her cheeks, and he knew that her refusal was equal parts self-denial and fear of the unknown. She wanted him, but she hadn’t yet given herself permission to act on that.
He thought about how Selena’s profession the night before had affected him, how even now, it made him more intrigued with the young girl.
On gut instinct, he decided to make a bold move across the board into her territory. “I don’t want to be friends, Noelle.” He hoped he’d read her right, or this might cost him the game. “We tried this before, and I was miserable. It’s too difficult to be around you without wanting more.” He closed his eyes and inhaled to emphasize his exposed vulnerability. Would she laugh in his face, or would she take pity on his apparent weakness?
He opened his eyes to gauge her reaction. Three blotches marred her neck and cheek. He licked his lips. “When you came here, all my old feelings reignited. I can no longer pretend I don’t want more from you than friendship.” He paused and gave her a deep penetrating eye fuck as he said, “I’ve always been in love with you.”
“Dane.”
He stood. “I can work with you. I’ve been doing it since you came here. But friendship is asking too much.” He buttoned his suit coat as he stood and took a step toward the door. “If you change your mind about our relationship, you know where to find me.”
He walked out into the hall, holding his breath so he wouldn’t laugh. He’d either just screwed the pooch or set into motion the rest of his summer.
