Bargaining with the Boss (Honeybrook Love, Inc. 2)

Not that he noticed it much.

No, most of his focus was drawn to the tight dress that hugged her every curve like it had been made specifically for her. He'd been thinking about that damn outfit for half the morning, and now that he saw it again, he had to ball his hands into fists to keep from moving closer and running them over the fabric.

"Where's everyone else?" She continued to stand in the doorway, and as she leaned on the heavy metal, her cleavage became even more distinct.

"Please, sit."

"Nope. I'm out."

She made a move to leave, but then he said, "Sit, or you're fired."

She blinked, and then stared at him for a long moment, apparently trying to judge exactly how serious he was. He guessed her job meant more to her than he'd thought, because she closed the door behind her and took her place at the table.

She rapped her talons along the metal table, and then said, "So, blackmail is a new look for you. Is that how you've been getting all your dates?"

He laughed. "That's all my boyish charm and stunning good looks."

"Or your money." She raised her eyebrows.

'That certainly doesn't hurt."

She guffawed, then sat back further in her seat. "So, why am I here?"

"I've got a little problem I think you can help me with."

"Which is?"

"Well, I've got your file here—"

"My personnel file? Aren't those confidential?"

"I'm the CEO of this company. It's my right to know who works for me."

"Or you just wanted to paw through my underwear drawer."

"I won't deny that." He winked and she let out a disgusted sigh.

"Just tell me your problem so I can get to actual

problems, okay?"

"Like trying to figure out who your secret admirer is? A new bunch of roses everyday? Nice touch."

"What makes you think it's not from an adoring boyfriend?" She said the words coolly, the clearest sign she was lying through her teeth.

"He'd have to be one rich boyfriend to afford all that."

"Maybe he is."

"Maybe he would be if he existed." He lifted a shoulder. "But he doesn't, so that's one less thing to worry about."

"You can't possibly know whether or not I have a boyfriend."

"You mean except for the fact that you never claimed to have one? And that you blush whenever I get too close, which means you haven't been that close to a man in—"

"How close I get with men is none of your business. I'm sorry my personal life can't be spread all over page six like yours."

He grinned. "See? That angry snap you've got in you? That's from not having sex in too long."