Page 46 of Valentino

He points to my chair. “I won’t be a minute.”

I nervously sit down.

“If you could have that report to me by end of day on the twenty-seventh.” He listens to the person on the other end of the phone. “No, I need the projections and the pro rata.”

Pro rata? I wonder what he needs the pro rata on.

He types something into his computer. “I forwarded you the report on the seventeenth.” He listens again. “Yes, just use that data in that.” He listens again. “Immediately.”

Immediately.

Something about the way he snaps that word, it’s becoming very apparent that boss man Valentino is as hot as hell.

“Thank you,” he says before hanging up. His eyes find mine. “Anna, what a surprise. It’s lovely to see you.

Is it?

Suddenly I feel uncomfortable, like I’m overstepping by being here. “I was with…umm, Francesca and she…” I twist my fingers nervously in front of me, “…she suggested that we come in and visit you.”

His eyebrow rises. “Why are you nervous?”

“I’m not,” I splutter.

Oh crap.

“I just don’t want to intrude.”

“You could never.”

I look around his office as I search for something to change the subject. “This is…. Impressive.”

“It is.” His eyes hold mine and if I’m not mistaken I can almost hear his brain ticking.

What is he thinking about?

“I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all.”

I stand and walk over to the window. “This view is beautiful.”

“It is.” He swings on his chair as he watches me and I realize that even though Valentino and I have known each other for years, very rarely have we ever been this awkward together.

I’m nervous.

He stands to come and stand beside me, and we both stare out the window. “How was your day?” he asks.

“Good.”

He turns toward me and his eyes sweep down my body, the heat from his gaze causes my stomach to flip.

“Did I tell you that you look lovely today?” he asks as he does up the two top buttons on my blouse.

“You don’t like my blouse undone?”

“Oh, I like your blouse undone.” He readjusts my sleeve. “Preferably just at home though.

Home….