The Best Next Thing ((Un)Professionally Yours 1)

“Not really. I’ve worked for him for three years and never thought of him in that way…until one day I did.”

“And do you feel taken advantage of?”

“Far from it.”

“Then I think you should give yourself permission to enjoy it. To enjoy him.”

Charity wasn’t quite sure what to say in response to that and appearing to understand her discomfort, Lia changed the subject. “So, you were pretty phenomenal back there. With the boy. You handled it almost…professionally?”

Not an ideal shift in topics. Charity could tell from the upward lilt in her voice that Lia, like so many other people present at the community center today, was going to be even more curious about Charity and her background now. In fact, she was surprised it had taken the woman this long to bring it up.

“It was basic first aid,” she dismissed. Hoping that would be the end of it.

“Are you talking about that business with Sinclair Ross?” Sam’s voice intruded, as the two men entered the kitchen through the backdoor with Trevor, Sam’s ever-present shadow, trailing behind them. Sam was carrying a tray of cooked meat, and Miles was clutching a couple of beer bottles.

“Yes, I was just telling Charity how wonderfully she dealt with the situation.”

“I was just trying to keep him calm,” Charity deflected. “He was terrified and in pain…and I dare say, a little embarrassed. He’s an attention hog, but that wasn’t exactly the kind of attention he was looking for.”

Sam laughed at her statement. “Oh, it got him the attention he wanted alright.”

“What do you mean?”

“That dumb kid wanted only one person’s eyes on him, and in the end, he had her undivided attention. Dislocated shoulder or not, I’m thinking he’s not feeling too badly right now.”

Charity’s eyes widened as she gleaned his meaning, and she chuckled as well. Of course! That made so much sense.

“Oh, my goodness!” she exclaimed, feeling silly for not realizing it herself. “He has a crush on Charlie.”

“Major one, poor bastard. He’s in for a tough time with her brothers.”

“How many brothers?” Miles asked..

“Just two. You know Mason, my former business partner. But I don’t think you’ve met his brother, a big taciturn guy named Spencer. They’re married to Lia’s sisters. And they’ll eat that poor kid for breakfast.” Sam put the tray of meat on the kitchen counter. He then made a beeline for Lia and wrapped his free arm around her slender waist.

“Hey there, sunshine, did you miss me?”

“While you were miles away on the patio, tending the fire?” She laughed, raising her hand to cup his jaw. “Of course, I did.”

He nuzzled her neck, and she playfully pushed him away.

“You smell like smoke and sweat,” she protested, wrinkling her nose.

“Like a manly man, you mean?”

Charity watched them lightheartedly bicker, grateful that their interest had shifted from her. She sneaked a glance at the silent man who had come to stand beside her at the kitchen counter. He wasn’t watching the playful couple, instead his eyes were trained on her face. He smiled lazily when he recognized that he’d been caught staring, but did nothing to disguise the smoldering intent in his gaze.

Lia was right. Charity’s every nerve ending felt scorched by that penetrating stare. She felt stripped naked, vulnerable, and on edge. Her skin was too tight for her body, her nipples were hard, painful points, and her knees threatened to give way. She fought to control her breathing, a little embarrassed—and a lot exhilarated—by how quickly a single look could turn her on. She already knew how fast he could make her come, but she was starting to wonder exactly what else he could do with his body, hands, and mouth.

She took a fortifying gulp from her glass of red wine.

This was going to be a draining evening.

It started innocently enough. They were having a perfectly civilized, adult evening. The conversation had been pleasant, the food good…and Charity was surprised to recognize that she was enjoying herself.

Until Sam produced the deck of cards. Miles, who had been reclining on the love seat next to Charity, his arm stretched out behind her and his hand idly playing with the loose strands of her hair in the nape of her neck, sat upright in an instant at the sight of the cards. He rubbed his hands together, in a gesture that could only be described as gleeful and grinned wickedly.

“Oh hell, yes. I’m a legendary Uno player.”