Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

I searched for a robe and padded off to the kitchen to make coffee.

I stopped in front of the coffee pot. It was full with a hot pot of coffee. There was another note curled inside a mug on the counter. I reached for it.

You’re sexy and beautiful. See you tonight.

-V

I bit my lip and felt the blush creep along my neck. That was the note I was looking for. I poured the coffee into the mug Vaughn left out for me.

I heard the key rattle in the lock and jumped when Greer walked through the door.

“Hey, what are you doing here so early?”

She threw her work bag over the chair. “I need another suit for a second meeting this afternoon. I came home to grab it.”

“Oh.” I touched the cup to my lips. “Want some coffee?”

“Sure.” She wandered over. “I have a few minutes.”

I poured a cup for her and handed her the sugar and creamer.

“So, what’s been going on? I don’t think I’ve slept here all week.”

“Work,” I answered.

I felt a protectiveness about last night with Vaughn. I wasn’t ready to share. The note was tucked in the pocket of my robe.

Her eyebrows rose.

“And my client list is building up quickly,” I added. “It’s more demanding than I expected.”

“I know that feeling. I knew my job was going to be hard, but no one told me I wouldn’t have my own life anymore.”

“What’s going on with the senators?” I asked.

We sat together at the small bistro table in the corner. It was covered in mail neither one of us had opened.

She rolled her eyes. “Squabbling over contracts.”

“Oh?”

Greer nodded. “Weapons contracts. They have narrowed it down from five companies to three. But that’s all I can say. You know, my confidential oath and everything.”

“I understand. You don’t have to say anything else.”

“Sometimes I think it would be easier if I hadn’t taken a job with clearance requirements. I can’t even tell Preston half the stuff I’m upset about. It’s like I have half a conversation and have to leave all these blanks. He listens, but he doesn’t get it because I can’t tell him everything. That’s not normal is it?”

“I think maybe in this town it’s kind of normal.”

I felt as if I were doing the same thing, but not because I had sworn an oath.

“I guess you’re right.”

The sunlight dappled the hardwood floors. I looked at the clock.

“Shit. I have to get in the shower.” I pulled out my chair. “I don’t want to be late or my oh-so-pleasant officemate will make passive aggressive comments about it all day.” I turned to leave.

“Not going well?”