Darkly (Follow Me 4)

She opens her mouth, but nothing comes out.

“Are you good at your job, Skye?”

Skye. I love the way her name sounds as it rolls off my tongue—like a caress.

Her cheeks redden. Again. It’s off-brand for me to push a woman who’s not interested, but this one is interested. She’s just not admitting it.

More importantly, I’m interested. Really interested.

She licks her lips. “Well, I—”

“Let’s attack this from a different angle. How long have you been working for Addison?”

“Almost a year.”

“Then clearly you’re good at your job, or she would have gotten rid of you long ago. Addison might be a pain in the ass, but she’s smart. She won’t let a good thing go.” One corner of my mouth twitches slightly. Man, I want to smile. This woman really makes me want to smile. I’ve perfected my poker face over the years, to the point where I use it not only in professional situations but also personal ones.

But then I let go.

I smile.

I fucking smile like I’ve never smiled before.

“I’m not dressed appropriately,” she says, meeting my gaze.

“I didn’t say we were going to a black-tie affair.”

“I don’t think—”

I interrupt her. “You look fine. It’s dinnertime, and I’m hungry. I don’t feel like eating alone for once. Don’t make more of this than it is. Your job will be safe.”

She opens her mouth, and her stomach lets out a famished growl. Adorable. Freaking adorable, this woman.

“You’re obviously hungry,” I say. “Let’s go.”

She walks toward the door of the office. “Okay. Where are we going?”

I hide my enthusiasm at her acceptance. Why do I feel like jumping for joy? Sure, I haven’t had sex in a while, but I’m never this eager.

“I feel like oysters,” I say.

“Sounds good,” she says as I open the door for her. “Wait,” she adds.

“What?”

“I don’t even know you. I… I’ll meet you there. What restaurant are you thinking?”

Smart of her. I like her more already. “Union Oyster House. You want me to get you a cab?”

“Sure. I guess.”

“Or you can drive with me. It’s not far, and I personally guarantee your safety.”

She pauses a few seconds before turning to me. “As long as you personally guarantee my safety.”

“Absolutely.”

I lead her to a black Mercedes parked in front of the hotel. My driver emerges and opens the door. The back seat is lush with a cream-colored leather interior. I get in next to her.