Page 38 of Carnal Risk

“Ah…that means she’s available,” Beckett noted.

“Definitely.” Cormac nodded.

“I didn’t say that…”

“You’re dating then?” Beckett asked.

Selby sighed. Pressed for an answer, she wasn’t certain what she meant to Garrett. They’d kissed. They’d fucked. And she wanted to continue doing more of the same. She prayed her infatuation would wane, but something told her that going home with Garrett would do little to quell her growing attraction to him.

“Have you seen Lars?” She changed the subject.

“Did you date Lars?” Cormac asked.

“I…uh.” Selby vacillated between telling the truth and making up a lie. Her conscience forced her to admit her past. “Yes. A little. In college. But that was a long time ago. And it wasn’t serious.”

“Ah ha!” Beckett said, pointing at Cormac. “The plot thickens.”

“Sorry, there’s really no plot. So, have you seen him?”

“Look at you,” Cormac said. “Right out there with it. I like this girl.”

“I like her too. Do you want to dance?” Beckett asked.

“I found her first.”

“Guys, as much as I’d love to stay, I really need to talk with Lars.”

“I’m crushed.” Beckett held his fist to his chest, feigning distress.

“He’s up in the main house.”

Selby gave him a confused smile. “Sorry, where?”

“Right where you came into this room…just turn left. He may have gone off to make a call or something. Not sure.”

“Thank you so much. It was a pleasure meeting you.” She smiled and offered her hand.

“Welcome to Altura,” Beckett said with a grin. Taking her hand, he kissed the back of it.

As he released it, Cormac surprised her by giving her a quick hug.

“We know you don’t do the things we do,” he whispered in her ear. “But if Garrett trusts you enough to bring you here, then so do we.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it. Maybe I’ll see you at the office.”

As Selby waved goodbye, a warm feeling settled in her chest, knowing that not everyone hated her presence at Altura. As a recruiter within IT, working to help outsource IT departments, she never belonged and was used to being an outsider. It had never bothered her…until now.

Selby shut the heavy door behind her, relieved to be away from the din. Unsure of where she was going, she made her way down a long hallway. Although it was dimly lit, she was still able to admire the framed black and white prints that lined its walls. The clang of pans drew her attention and she caught sight of a waiter’s white apron strings just as he turned into a room. Voices to her left grew louder and she swore she heard Garrett.

She trailed her fingers over the smooth wooden chair rail, and took note of the intricate carvings which etched the crown molding. The opulence was beyond her comprehension. Even though she’d known that Garrett hadn’t always been rich, a self-made man, she wondered if he’d had a hand in the design of the building. The ornate details led her to believe the mansion had been built long ago, yet modern designs were weaved into its Victorian architecture.

As she approached, a sliver of light shone through the doorjamb, and it occurred to her that she might be interrupting Garrett’s meeting. A woman’s voice drew her curiosity, and she took a deep breath, startled by her tone. Selby wished Lars had stayed at the party as she tiptoed towards the room. If she hadn’t felt like an interloper before, she’d now officially become an eavesdropper. She wondered if the meeting Garrett was having with Blaire had developed into a staff meeting, and decided she’d briefly interrupt.

But as her feet propelled her toward the entrance, something felt off, the whispered voices trailing into moans. She knocked, causing the door to swing open. Selby’s heart shattered as she caught sight of Blaire, standing bare in front of Garrett. The stretchy fabric of her tube dress had been pulled down to her waist, exposing her breasts.

“Garrett,” she cried, her hands reaching for his belt.

“Blaire, what are you…” Garrett’s words trailed off as the door’s edge slammed into the wall.