Page 21 of Carnal Risk

“And you have experience with this? Public nudity?” Garrett resisted the urge to laugh, given her background.

“Well, no, but I’ve seen other people naked. It doesn’t bother me at all. It can be beautiful,” she said, her tone of voice indignant.

“So you’re a voyeur?” he half joked. He’d hoped she was more of an exhibitionist, given her performance.

“What would make you say something like that?”

“You just said you liked to watch?”

“Well, yeah, but…wait, are you teasing me?”

“Maybe,” he lied. He’d been entirely serious. The temptation to play with her in front of others taunted him. His cock jerked, and he shook his head. Jesus, Garrett, not here.

“You wanna know how far I’ll go?” she continued, giving him a small smile. “What gives me a rush? That’s what you asked me last night, right?”

“Yes, I did.” He laughed. Neither of them had forgotten what he’d promised.

“I may not like heights, Mr. Emerson, but there’s plenty I do like. Lots of things, as a matter of fact.” She winked. “But I’m not going to tell you. You’ll just have to find out for yourself.”

“Garrett,” he corrected her.

“I know who I’m addressing. Or do I? Is it my client who tests my knowledge in the boardroom? Or is it the man whose lips were on my skin last night? You know, the one promising me…what was that you said? A rush in the bedroom and out?” Selby teased playfully. She stopped as they approached the opening to the beach, and smiled at the sight of the ocean.

So his little IT expert liked to flirt? Or was she angry that he’d let her go a round with his executives, knowing full well he’d accept the deal? If she thought she’d throw him off kilter with her remarks, she was wrong. Sure, she was going to drive him to break his promise only hours after he’d made it, but he’d never let her see him sweat.

Garrett stopped mid-path and turned to face her. He lifted his sunglasses, his eyes devouring the sight of her.

“I’m happy you didn’t forget our conversation.” He smiled and nodded toward the surf. “I knew you weren’t fond of heights, so I’ve got an easy lesson for you today.”

“What makes you think I want lessons in anything?”

“Ah, Selby, lying doesn’t become you.” Garrett stepped closer, his chest inches from hers. She lifted her eyes to meet his but he caught the slight tremble in her bottom lip that she attempted to conceal. “You feel it already, don’t you? We may not know each other that well yet, but I know you like being the best.” She rolled her eyes, and he grinned. “If you want to be the best here…really know what’s going on in this company, what drives my customers,” he leaned forward, his lips near her ear, “what drives me…not just something you read in a business class. If that’s something you want, then you’ll want this. If not, I’m sure you can do a half-assed job and we’ll eventually find someone to replace Evan. So what’s it going to be?”

“Well of course I want to…”

“Answer me. We’ll do this with your consent only. Otherwise, it’s a moot point.”

“Do what with my consent?”

“Anything. Everything. The other night…” He hesitated to show his cards.

Garrett’s heart beat slightly faster, knowing he was pressing a sexual encounter with her. He still wasn’t satisfied with her answers regarding Evan. Yet every time he was within ten feet of her, he yearned to touch her. Worse, he wanted her to know him, why he did what he did. He struggled with his warring emotions. He wasn’t the kind of guy who had long-lasting relationships. Not many people were willing to put up with his dedication to work, let alone his infatuation with riding the crest of death. Only the people within his inner sanctum, ones who understood his thirst for danger, understood.

“I don’t know. I mean…I told you. I’m afraid. I’m not like you, Garrett,” she explained, her tone serious. “There’s part of me that wants to know. The other night…last night…I’ve just always had this rule not to date people I work with. Lars…”

“You work for Lars, not me. We both know that Lars lassoed both of us into this situation. Besides, I didn’t ask you for a date.” He smiled.

“What is this then?” She laughed.

“This is a lesson. If and when we go on a date, you will most definitely know you are on a date.”

“Ah.” She shook her head.

“This is your first lesson in feeling the rush. The one outside the bedroom.” He winked.

“You assume we’ll be inside a bedroom? You just said this isn’t a date.”

“You’ve sat in my lap. I had my hands on your thighs last night. Neither of which are dates, but they are an indication.”